Three in One

Since my last post we’ve had 3 meetings, so this update is three in one! Because life is what it is, unpredictable and sometimes more challenging than other times, these posts will likely be more concise and briefer (hopefully not too many typos) for the next several months. I have also found, however, that our district newsletters are very informative and possibly provide more depth than they have in previous years (thank you Dr. Champa and Lori Buegler.) If not already, consider signing up for the district newsletters so that you receive this info and the updates on a regular basis.

January 26, 2026 was a regular board meeting at the city chambers board room. Routine reports were reviewed including committee meeting minutes, previous board meeting minutes, financial summaries and the treasurer’s report, and the enrollment and personnel reports. Dr. Champa presented the administrators report and “Cadence of Accountability.” Several policies were reviewed for a first reading and comment, but no major substantial changes that affect students directly were noted. Two of the votes taken included approving the Ratification of the 2025-2027 Tentative Agreement with Owatonna Education Association (teachers’ contracts.) During a finance committee meeting prior to this meeting, we received a presentation comparing teachers’ salaries across the state and I was surprised, but also reassured, that our Owatonna teachers are paid very well. Teachers’ salaries are complicated in that they are based on “steps and lanes” which considers the number of years teaching, plus the degree the teacher has achieved (Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate). The salary package also includes benefits. Another vote approved the upcoming budget reductions given the recent failed levy. Future budget adjustments (reductions/cuts and added fees) were reviewed and this vote approved by the board allows the Superintendent and administration to follow through with the reductions as needed, at least $3.7 million. Additionally, a vote was taken to approve the Student Engagement Learning Support Temporary Plan. At one point recently, the district had 120 students that were not attending classes due to fears about the current social situation in Minnesota. This number likely varies from day to day. The temporary learning plan allows for virtual learning from the students’ homes. This is not Owatonna Online, but a separate temporary learning plan with a planned end date.

On the afternoon of February 4, 2026, the school board held a retreat meeting. We reviewed, discussed, and updated the 3-year governance work plan. Superintendent Champa led us in an activity which gave us opportunity to discuss an example school that needed help raising its literacy scores. We reviewed opportunities and outcomes and what worked best. Interestingly, reducing class sizes did not result in as much improvement as did data analysis, teacher education and phonics coursework. After this activity, Chair Sebring added to the agenda a discussion regarding literacy scores and the need to raise these in Owatonna; the board then brainstormed ideas for addressing the issue as a community, possibly a city-wide collaboration. Traditionally, this would be considered management work and not governance work (the school board is generally focused on governance and is not supposed to “manage” the district–as is the status quo–but this could be argued based on statute.) Good discussion occurred and hopefully will be ongoing. Following this, another discussion revolved around cell phone use (mainly at the high school), formal district policy versus student handbook guidelines. Some high schools in Minnesota (Stillwater is one) have moved to no student cell phones allowed during the school day, similar to what our middle school does now. The positive feedback from those schools has been outstanding, just as the positive feedback we received after our middle school adopted “Away for the Day” for cell phones. Further discussion to come as we plan to hear from our OHS principal on his thoughts and suggestions.

On February 9, 2026, the board held a Special Meeting and a work session. First, the special meeting was to vote on the personnel changes and staff reductions for the 2026-27 school year. Dr. Champa stated that these decisions are always very difficult and are not taken lightly. Much consideration and discussion have taken place in the last several weeks among administration and we are very grateful for the hard work and effort and care for our students that each teacher has given. Of note though is that not all the reductions are simply due to the failed levy. Some of our elementary class sizes were smaller and fell well below the guidelines for class sizes as advised by a previous board decision. Therefore, some classes will be adjusted in the elementary schools based on this guideline and this would have occurred whether or not the levy vote existed. At this meeting, the board also approved the Ratification of the 2025-2027 Tentative Agreement with Educational Assistant Staff with no concerns or questions. The Temporary Learning Plan approved previously (and noted above) was voted to be extended from an end date of February 20, now to March 13, 2026.

The work session that immediately followed the Special Meeting was mainly a presentation and discussion of our Owatonna Online virtual school. Dr. Martina Wagner is the principal for the Owatonna Online school as well as the Area Learning Center (ALC), and she gave a remarkable presentation. Owatonna Online is growing daily and now enrolls more than 600 students (grades 4-12). This includes students that reside in Owatonna, open enroll to Owatonna, and are in districts that partner with Owatonna (districts that do not have their own online program.) Administration is regularly assessing the numbers of teaching staff (and when more are needed due to growth), data regarding students’ learning, curriculum choices and adding options, special education services, and more. Owatonna Online is attracting much attention from across the state and is a benefit to our district financially. Thank you for this great work!

The next regular board meeting is February 23, 2026 at the city chambers board room. See you there!

With gratitude ~ Soli Deo Gloria!