Our work session took place at 530pm per usual at the district office. Highlights from the work session include a presentation by OHS principal Kory Kath and select staff regarding attendance interventions and new course offerings. Secondly, the results and discussion of the recent community survey as reported by Peter Leatherman from the Morris Leatherman company.
https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1055?meeting=687859
OHS presentation
Mr. Kath and a few staff from OHS presented information regarding the recent interventions to address absenteeism among our high school students, recognizing that for students to be successful they need to be present in school. These include weekly attendance monitoring, student/parent meetings, and connecting students with resources as needed. The United Way completed a pilot program for ninth graders called UPLIFT. As to the most common reason that students miss school, the answer was “due to mental health concerns.”
Returning to the district is the partnership with the Steele County Attorney’s Office, including truancy court which began in February. During the pandemic, truancy court stopped, and this partnership waned. This school year, there were 40 individual Attendance Review board meetings for students, with 10 students then referred to truancy court (15 by the time of this meeting). With these interventions, the rate of absenteeism improved from the 2023-2024 school year (171 students with 10+ unexcused absences) to this school year (107 students with 10+ unexcused absences). Mr. Kath notes that our district has a much lower rate compared to the state average.
Registration for the following school year is no longer in catalog and paper forms, now completely online and can be done at school with teachers and staff available to help students. The online program can be translated into several languages for students and parents as needed.
Several new classes are being offered next year including those for career pathways and capstone courses. OHS staff and teachers were able to connect with business leaders in Owatonna to discuss the specific skills needed by graduates in order to begin a successful career as a new employee. The teachers were able to engage in discussions, tours, build relationships and have presentations brought into the classroom. Mr. Kath and Mr. Elstad noted that our Career Pathways program is unique in that it is student led. The students express interests or desires, which leads to new course offerings, thereby helping students take ownership of their learning, work hard, and graduate successfully.
Community survey
Peter Leatherman presented the results of the recent community survey. I encourage you to check out the slides on the meeting agenda, it’s very interesting! There were 400 residents who took the survey. Because of comprehensive data available through our phone records, they were able to determine that the sampling was a good representation of the Owatonna population. Interestingly about 1/3 have students in school and 2/3 are residents that are empty nesters (any age but have no children in the home). About 43% of residents noted that they were financially stressed while 55% noted that they were financially comfortable. The district received high ratings for quality of education, variety of programs, and satisfaction with the administration and teachers. Primary concerns include lack of funding to the district and high property taxes, while 26% stated they had no concerns. For the most part, residents are favorable toward supporting the district financially to maintain quality teachers, course offerings, and fine arts, if otherwise we are at risk of losing some of these things.
Last to note, our senior student board representative, Erin Baker, will be one of the commencement speakers at this year’s OHS commencement ceremony on June 6, 2025. Congratulations Erin!
Fourteen days left of school! Soli Deo Gloria!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 