This morning’s song on stage in front of OPS staff was the most fun I’ve had as a school board member! Dr. Champa asked the school board to lead the district staff in a “welcome back song” as this morning’s conclusion to their required safety training from I Love You Guys (Home ♥ The “I Love U Guys” Foundation). Lori Buegler created new lyrics to a classic song, Sweet Caroline. We sang, we danced (sort of), and from the auditorium stage, led the staff in the “bom, bom, bom” of Sweet School-o-Mine. Stepping out from behind the board table, standing together, and feeling part of the greater good of our district staff, was a great way to start the school year! Thank you Lori and Dr. Champa!
The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Owatonna Rotary Club will be having the annual school board candidate forum at the Owatonna Country Club on Monday September 28, 2026. Lunch begins at 11:30 (cost unknown at this time) and the forum will occur 12-1:30pm. There are 8 school board candidates (I am one of them!) and 4 open seats beginning January 2027 for a 4-year term. VOTE November 3, 2026.
August board meetings included the work session on the 10th and the regular meeting on the 24th. At the work session, OHS principal Kory Kath discussed the new cell phone plan for this school year. As a reminder, cell phones are not allowed in the elementary schools and the middle school has had the “Away for the Day” plan for cell phones for a few years now (no cell phones allowed during the school day). The high school has allowed cell phone use anytime, except during instructional classroom time. However, it was determined that there was much inconsistency among classrooms. The new plan will be made well known to students and this includes:
“Once the bell rings, all cell phones and personal electronic devices must be secured inside a backpack or student locker.” Devices and phones are allowed during passing time and lunch time. Headphones are allowed during class time, to be used with student chromebooks, and as allowed by the teacher. Beginning at 8:20am through 2:50pm each school day, the school wi-fi will be shut off. The new plan applies to teachers as well. There will be exceptions for those students that have very specific medical needs, such as type 1 diabetes requiring close glucose monitoring. As always, cell phones and recording devices are absolutely banned in restrooms and locker rooms at all times.
Dr. Tammy Champa has created a new community engagement program called OPS Insider. This program is for adults in the community that desire a more detailed look into the operations of the district. There will be 7 sessions throughout the school year. Applications are now open! Check it out: OPS Insider Program – Owatonna Public Schools
Director of Finance Mark Stotts has created a new Budget Advisory Council that will meet 5 times throughout the school year to give community members a better understanding and insight into the complicated world of school district finances. Anyone is welcome to apply: Budget Advisory Council – Owatonna Public Schools
There is also still Coffee with the Superintendent offered several times during the year at the Owatonna Public Schools District Office, 333 East School Street. Enter through the door on Grove Avenue. Next session is Friday, August 28, 8:30-9:30 am. Plus, for many years we have had the District Curriculum Advisory Committee: District Curriculum Advisory Committee – Owatonna Public Schools. New in the last few years, we continue to have the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee: Transportation – Owatonna Public Schools.
This fall, Minnesotans will also vote on the Permanent School Fund: Permanent School Fund – Minnesota School Boards Association. This is asking for a change in the MN State Constitution. Leaving the vote blank will be counted as a “No” vote. Please take time to understand what this vote entails.
Dr. Champa has worked diligently with our board and district leaders and staff to examine and revise our mission, vision, core values, and strategic directions. The board approved an exceptional revised and refreshed version of our district’s strategic directions. Until this is updated on the district website, the page can be viewed from the agenda at the last board meeting (VIII B. Strategic Plan – one pager): Public Meeting Agenda: August 24, 2026 at 5:30 PM – Regular School Board Meeting – BoardBook Premier. This is very well done, and the credit goes to Dr. Champa ~ thank you!
At the regular board meeting on August 24, 2026, Police Chief Jeff Mundale and Captain Josh Sorenson were recognized as invaluable district partners. Chief Mundale noted that he will be retiring in September and Sorenson will take his place as Chief of Police. I am incredibly grateful to have a great working relationship with our police officers.
Policy revisions, a first reading, were discussed briefly at the regular meeting, noting a few minor changes to existing policies. One of those is the percentage of unassigned fund balance, previously listed at 8-10%. If approved, it will be changed to 10-12%. This was advised during a finance committee meeting in a discussion with Superintendent Champa and Director of Finance Mark Stotts and allows for a stronger base amount and safety net.
The board approved a Resolution Relating to General Obligation Tax Abatement and Facilities Maintenance Bonds. The tax abatement will have a minimal tax added to Owatonna residents (average is $10/year). From the district website, “The purpose of granting the Proposed Property Tax Abatement is to provide funds to finance parking lot improvement projects Districtwide, which will enable District residents to continue to conveniently and safely access these District facilities. The total estimated amount of the Proposed Property Tax Abatement by the District is $2,410,750 over fifteen (15) years.” There is no tax impact in using the Facilities Maintenance Bonds. Repair and updates to parking lots is also in preparation for our Early Learning programs to move from the Roosevelt building (McKinley and S. Cedar Ave.) to the OEC, which has been a discussion and work in progress for the last 4 years.
The board approved the annual Truth in Taxation Hearing date for the annual tax levy approval: December 14, 2026 at 6pm.
Many gifts to the district were approved, revealing our generous community and support for the timeless traditions and enjoyment of our annual Homecoming festivities. Thank you Owatonna!
Soli Deo Gloria forever!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 