WELCOME Dr. Tamara Champa! The last 3 weeks have been encompassed by a review of Superintendent applications, discussions, school board meetings, 4 semi-finalist interviews, followed by 2 finalist interviews. Our finalist candidates each spent long arduous days touring our schools and the community, meeting with various groups (students, chamber members, community members, staff/teachers/principals, cabinet members), and then survived dinner with the school board members. Following this long day, they each endured a 25 question interview with all school board members. Our final candidates are both very capable, intelligent, well versed in superintendent duties and requirements, friendly and approachable. However, in evaluating what Owatonna Public School District needs moving forward, Dr. Champa stood well above the other 23 candidates. We are eager to work together and make strides forward, focusing on Every Learner Every Day, developing critical thinking lifelong learners skilled in academic studies for success in the pathways they choose. Dr. Champa will begin her preparations now for transitioning to Owatonna schools, but her official start date is July 1, 2025.
Our most recent regular school board meeting on 3/24/2025 took place at the chamber board room at 5:30pm. Much information was presented and many votes taken, all approved 7-0.
A representative from Ehlers Public Finance Advisors presented our Sale Day Report for the recently approved bond, which covers 2 previously discussed projects: 1. HVAC systems at McKinley at Owatonna Education Center, and some asbestos removal 2. OMS pool project. Project bids came in $1.1 million less than expected. The principal amount is $7,055,000 and total net principal with interest $9,560,193, with final closing date of 4/17/2025. Detailed documents can be viewed in the school board agenda notes for this meeting. This bond was approved 7-0.
Also presented was the draft from the City of Owatonna regarding “proposed tax increment financing.” As stated in the document:
The City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Owatonna, Steele County, Minnesota, will hold a public hearing on April 15, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle in the City of Owatonna, Minnesota (the “City”), relating to the proposed establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 3-18 (Economic Development) within Development District No. 3, and the proposed adoption of a Tax Increment Financing Plan therefor, all pursuant to and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.124 through 469.133 and Sections 469.174 through 469.1794, inclusive, as amended, for the proposed approximate 9,000 square-foot expansion of a manufacturing facility within the City.
The detailed draft can be found on the district website, agenda meeting notes. To clarify, Superintendent Elstad stated that this essentially means that the school district will forgo a small percentage of tax money to the city for maintaining and building the city’s business. This was for general information, no voting at this time.
Mr. Elstad noted that he has received some questions regarding federal funding and at this time, there are no known changes. He mentioned a feedback portal where concerns can be documented: https://mn.gov/indian-affairs/resources/news-and-updates.jsp?id=1193-673818
Our enrollment report shows growing enrollment, mainly due to the Owatonna Online program.
Policies approved 7-0 tonight had no major changes: 519, 624, 709, 522, 516, 621, 906. Policy 522 is regarding Title IX which reverts back to the 2020 version of this policy. This revision erases the changes made in 2024 that were directed by the Biden administration.
Several other votes taken:
- 2024-2025 Amended Budget, no recent changes
- Resolution relating to the termination and non-renewal of the teaching contract of probationary teachers (confidential list reviewed at the meeting by school board members.) These are positions ending to ease the budget deficit in the next year, totaling 7.35 FTEs.
- Revised 2025-2026 school calendar, allowing 2 additional days for staff development (October 20 and February 16). Our teachers appreciated these additional days this school year due to the extensive training for the READ Act.
- McKinley Ventilation Improvements (covered by bond)
- Owatonna Education Center Ventilation Improvements (covered by bond)
- Gifts to the district.
Take care. Soli Deo Gloria!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 