A few notes from last night’s school board “regular meeting” that I wanted to bring back to the blog as important things are happening in the district.
The 2025-26 amended budget was reviewed and approved with only minor changes and the school year is ending in a reasonable financial state. However, in our finance committee meeting last week, as well as in last night’s board meeting, superintendent Champa noted that based on recent legislative decisions, our district will lose another $690,000 in compensatory funding for the next year. This determination is made by the state using formulas and calculations based on income levels in the district (previously this calculation was based on the number of students receiving free or reduced price lunches, however, since school meals are now free to students, we do not have this same data). So while the district just reduced the budget by $3.7+ million, we will be challenged to make further reductions next year. Our finance director and superintendent are already working diligently to reexamine the budget and finding means to make this work with as little impact on the classroom as possible.
The annual Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) membership vote took place at the meeting. While last year’s vote raised some concern from the community with public voices speaking out and newspaper reporter presence, this year’s agenda item was routine and quiet. Before the vote, I spoke to say that my vote was “no” last year and it will be again this year. The primary reason for this is the MSHSL requirement that students who identify as transgender be allowed to participate on the team of their gender choice even if it is opposite of their biological sex. In the fairness and safety for our girls in activities and athletics, I do not believe that biological boys should compete against biological girls when the teams are specifically separated by biological sex. This is not about excluding students that identify as transgender, this is about protecting our female athletes, and can be stated despite my personal Biblical views on sex and gender. In the last year, nothing has changed in the federal or state governments. The federal government supports Title IX and claims that the State of Minnesota and the MSHSL violate Title IX. Therefore, my vote has not changed and is based on principle. As I stated last night, I do not intend to remove any opportunity for our students to participate in competitive sports or fine arts.
As a clarification to the agenda item “Resolution to Decommit Funds” for career pathways, this is not removing the career pathways programs or changing it in any way, except in the budget. Initially, career pathways was designated specific funding, but now that the program is running successfully, administration has determined that funding can come from the general budget.
Two policies were approved last night. Policy 110-Equity was completely revised with the policy committee including Dr. Champa who assisted by bringing in examples from other districts. The initial policy 110 was written using language including “institutional racism” and other phrases that were concerning to me. I brought this to the attention of the policy committee, our board chair, and superintendent last fall. Today’s policy 110 is much improved, less inflammatory, and defines equity as opportunity and access (not equal outcomes.) Policy 625 is a new policy regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the use of AI in the schools, understanding that as quickly as AI is changing, the policy will likely need to be reviewed and tweaked regularly.
There were many other votes taken, but the last main note I’d like to comment on is the vote for “establishing dates for filing affidavits of candidacy.” There will be 4 open seats to fill on this school board beginning January 2027 and usually the date window for filing as a candidate is in August. This year, for unknown reasons, the filing window has changed to July 14-28, 2026. As Chair Sebring noted last night, we appreciate getting the word out to the community so if anyone is considering running for school board, they know that the filing date is early this year. In order to have your name on the ballot as a candidate for the school board, you need to see Sarah in the district office during office hours, pay a $2 filing fee, July 14 – 28 (before 5pm) 2026. You can also go to the district website and find the information.
On a personal note, I would like to share my brother’s obituary. Jeffrey is my “kid brother” by 10 years and I often thought of myself as his second mom while we were growing up. Jeffrey lost his father, my stepdad, when he was just 2 years old. Curt was a helicopter pilot and died in a crash with 2 news reporters while attempting to fly to Austin, MN to cover the Hormel strike in January 1986. Jeffrey was a warrior from that day until the moment he saw heaven’s light and met his Savior, Jesus. The absence of the life and light that was Jeffrey is felt deeply. I miss you so much buddy! Always your big sister ~ Elizabeth ( https://www.megercares.com/obituaries/Jeffrey-Jeff-Haugen?obId=48359743#/obituaryInfo )
Take care. Soli Deo Gloria!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 