Our last regular meeting before the levy vote on November 4, 2025 began on time in the city chambers board room. Superintendent Champa and Finance Director Mark Stotts had their 44th levy information session (plus a few more after that!) this week. In case you were not able to attend any of the small group or public sessions, here is a link to the public session as recorded by Owatonna Live: https://owatonnalive.lightcast.com/player/40153/769892
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:
Mission Moment: recognizing several business partnerships between our district and the Owatonna community
New policies are introduced by the policy committee for a first reading
Administrative update: finishing up the School Perceptions survey and first glance at the Cadence of Strategic Direction Growth graph
Policy approvals including Policy 621: Literacy and the Read Act
Other approvals by 7-0 vote: MSHSL funding assistance for students; Extended Trip Requests for 2 student groups; and Gifts to the District
MISSION MOMENT: Superintendent Champa recognized 16 local businesses that have partnered with the district, giving students and teachers the opportunity to learn and grow and develop relationships. Career Pathways staff, Brian Coleman and Melissa Koch were present to help hand out certificates to those from local businesses that could be present. Those present also said great things about working with Mr. Coleman and Ms. Koch. We consistently hear how our district’s Career Pathways program has excelled for our students and community. Thank you!
No comments for Public Forum.
No significant changes noted on the Enrollment Report. While our student count changes weekly, at the time of this report it is 5067.
NEW POLICIES: 511 Student Fundraising and 909 Memorials and Memorial Activities for Students and Staff. These policies provide clarity and consistency for moving forward for managing these important circumstances. They were both approved and therefore can be reviewed on the district website.
Superintendent Champa’s administrative update noted that the School Perceptions survey is underway and will be completed soon. Parents, staff, and teachers are completing the survey and results will be compiled and reported in the near future. This survey replaces the previous Desired Daily Experiences survey that the district has used for the last few years.
Dr. Champa has also instituted the Cadence of Strategic Direction in which administrators have each created goals and ratings that will be tracked over time. The first month’s graph dots–October–are shown with ratings ranging from about 4.5-6.0/10. This will assist our leadership team with creating measurable goals and monitoring outcomes that align with our 4 strategic directions. I appreciate this concrete tracking for accountability to our leadership team, superintendent, and ultimately for the school board. PERSONAL NOTE HERE… Have you ever heard PJ Fleck state, “It starts with me.” He leads his Gopher football team with the notion that the outcomes begin with him as the coach. This is high level accountability, and I believe that he is well respected by his players and peers. Our school district’s outcomes begin with the school board. How can we be held accountable? I’m working on that.
The policy committee presented to the board for a second reading and approval, policies 621, 709, 802. Of note, the lengthy policy 621 reflects the READ Act and literacy plan set forth by the legislature. We have heard much about The Science of Reading, The READ Act, new curriculum (Wit and Wisdom), teacher training, and the time and money requirements for all of this. This policy basically sets the bar high for our administrators and teachers to reach the goal that every student learns to read at grade level and until they do, the focused individual work doesn’t stop. This will require dedicated hours and effort by all involved but has potential to greatly improve our students’ reading outcomes and test scores. On a similar note, the district will also be implementing new elementary math curriculum next year called Illustrative Math which also has great potential to improve students’ abilities and raise our math scores. There is much good work being done in the district!
The board also approved grant and funding from the MSHSL for students that otherwise would not be able to participate due to activity fees required. Two trip requests were also approved. The concert choir is touring the Twin Cities and will be singing the national anthem at a MN Timberwolves game, and the Key Club will be attending a YMCA camp. Lastly, many gifts to the district are reported and we are beyond grateful for the generosity of our community.
Please be safe, kind, and respectful this weekend!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 