Since I am running for re-election to the Owatonna School Board, I will take the opportunity to use my personal blog to tell you more about my reasons for running again and my goals for moving forward.
Children are our most valuable gift in this world, and every child should know that they are loved, cared for, and have people in their lives supporting them. I have four children, 2 are OHS graduates and 2 are still attending Owatonna Public Schools. My 2 oldest children are biological, my third child is adopted from Haiti, and my fourth child came to our family through the foster care system. He lived with us as a foster child for 15 months before the judge gave us full parental custody. Each of our children is unique in personality, temperament, gifts and talents, fears, and perspectives. While trauma has uniquely impacted our children, we have seen the positive impact of a loving home in their lives. I work because all children have a basic right to life and love. Additionally, the future of our families, communities, and societies depends upon our children and the quality of their well-being.
For my children, there have been a few years in the past when my husband and I chose private school, but for the most part we have chosen public school for the majority of their education. The reasons are varied and it’s a decision we don’t take lightly. While parents should have the primary rights and responsibilities for raising and teaching their children, I recognize that our schools play a major role in their development, perspective, and things learned (whether that be education-based subjects or other). A public school should be a safe place that parents feel confident and comfortable sending their children to. Rather than have a divide between schools and parents, any parent or guardian with school staff members (administrator, teacher, para, aide, etc.) should partner together to provide children with quality education in a safe environment.
I had some wonderful teachers in my young years of school days. The role of a teacher in a child’s life should not be understated as their role in teaching and building relationships with our children is of utmost importance. At the same time, public school classrooms belong to the taxpayer. Among taxpayers, we have many different viewpoints and suggestions for how things are best done, which means that classrooms need to remain neutral and free from sensitive and/or political topics. My hope is that we can all agree on the purpose for public schools, which is to provide a safe place for the education of our children (reading, writing, math), helping them to learn critical thinking skills, relationship skills, and ultimately setting them up for success in life and society. Because the classroom essentially belongs to the taxpayer, it is important that it remains neutral and focused on age-appropriate educational subjects and topics.
As I finish four years serving on the Owatonna school board, I am eager to continue to work with our superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa. Reading through piles of superintendent applications in early 2025, Dr. Champa’s application quickly rose to the top of my “favorite” list and I am thrilled to be working with her now, as well as our new finance director, Mark Stotts. Especially in light of financial strains and legislative funding cuts, I have seen great teamwork and am eager to continue to work with both of them. Four years of learning and experience and building relationships in the district have been good but now seem like just the tip of the iceberg. Further work with an experienced understanding of district finances, policies, and operations will assist me with asking more detailed questions, updating policy, and making decisions. Additionally, my desire is for continued work in building trust and transparency, and in knowing that we are all in this work for the same purpose: for the best for our children and students.
Please keep in touch and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you to Images 4 Life Photography! (https://images4lifephotography.com/)
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 