Our regular meeting began on time at the city chambers board room.
Dr. Champa began the meeting with Mission Moment, recognizing the homecoming court and all the festivities of last week. Some of the students of the court were able to attend the meeting to introduce themselves. She also recognized this school board for our work as it’s school board appreciation month. Future mission moments will tend to focus on recognizing the important partnerships that help our students with success and to prepare for life beyond high school.
The enrollment report is reviewed, showing 5074 students currently enrolled, including 359 students in our Owatonna Online program which is quickly gaining recognition across the state. However, enrollment numbers continue to show decreases, with class sizes in the 400s for each high school grade, 300s for each of grades 3-8, and class sizes in the 200s for K-2. Because Owatonna Online has increasing enrollment, our total number of students has remained consistent. One (and maybe the only one) benefit of the pandemic and additional funding the district received at that time, was the initiation of our online program that has developed into what it is today.
During board forum, it was noted that the Minnesota Supreme Court is coming to Owatonna. On October 7th, there will be a dinner open to the public (tickets are required) and the following day, the justices will visit the high school. See the district newsletter for details.
Dr. Champa noted that the district Perception Survey is currently being developed will be given to parents, students and staff in the near future to further assess views and perceptions regarding the state of our district, especially as it aligns with our strategic directions: https://sites.google.com/isd761.org/opsdashboard/home
Much info is found in the district newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/ue9g3
Several votes were taken, all passed 7-0.
- Preliminary Tax Levy Certification– this is an annual vote regarding the current district levies, and according to Finance Director Mark Stotts, is based on formulas set by the legislature and has very little opportunity for changes made by the district. The final levy certification vote will take place in December with the Truth in Taxation vote.
- Assurance of Compliance– an annual vote allowing our superintendent to report to the MN Dept of Education, “This assurance is given by each district in consideration of and for the purpose of obtaining any and all federal grants, loans, contracts, property, discounts, or other federal and state financial assistance extended to the district by the U.S. Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).”
- Purchase Agreement for the former district office building on Bridge Street- the City of Owatonna will purchase the building for $260,000 and it will be used as a temporary law enforcement center until their new facilities are completed.
- ISD 761 Foundation board of directors, adding a new director Sandra Boss. Current directors include Ellen Draeger Cattadoris, Samona Grubish, Madeleine Haberman, Barbara Judd, Sara McKay, Janet Mittelstadt Tippett, Bruce Paulson, Nicole Schultz, Mark Sebring, and now also Sandra Boss. The 761 Foundation provides mini grants to various teachers and programs in the district: https://www.761foundation.com/
- Because Old National Bank has purchased Bremer Bank, the board needed to approve 2 designations that we typical approve each January: Designating Depositories for School District Revenue and Designating Financial Institutions for School District Investments
- Gifts to the district
Please let us know if you have questions or concerns. Consider attending one of several public info sessions to learn more about the upcoming levy vote: https://www.isd761.org/our-district/levy2025. I’ve seen several comments on Facebook with concerns for the levy and will work to get more data available for the transparency that is being asked for.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 