HIGHLIGHTS: MSHSL update for online students, OPS information pamphlet, MN Report Card assessment updates, Financial considerations
The work session began with an update by Dr. Martina Wagner, director of alternative services (Area Learning Center and Owatonna Online). She and Dr. Champa explained that the MSHSL has approved a change for the 2027-28 school year for our online students. Previously, full time online students could only participate in MSHSL athletics and activities in the district of their home residence. As of the 2027-28 school year, our grades 9-12 full time online students (through a tuition agreement) may choose to participate in Owatonna Public School athletics and activities. (https://www.mshsl.org/enrollment-and-eligibility-online-isd-eligibility)
Dr. Champa passed out a new Owatonna Public Schools pamphlet created by Lori Buegler, communications specialist, and Dr. Champa. This will be available to realtors and employers as they work with potential employees and clients, as well as to any community member. This appears well organized and informative as it outlines our mission and vision, strategic directions and core values. Also included are “fast facts” such as 5100+ student enrollment, 94% graduation rate (OHS), 41 languages spoken, and 100+ partnerships with local businesses and organizations. A map and elementary school boundaries wrap up the back side. Looks great to me!
Julie Sullivan, director of teaching and learning, reviewed the recent assessment data released on the MN Report Card (https://rc.education.mn.gov/#mySchool/p–3). While the numbers do not show the progress they were hoping to see, there are a few things to note. The reading MCA test was revised for the spring 2026 testing so there are no comparisons to past years reading MCA test results. However, director Sullivan notes that the number didn’t change much. The READ Act changes and our language arts curriculum are still new and will take a few years to show improvements in MCA scores. New math curriculum was piloted last year and is now working in all elementary schools. While teachers are seeing positive results in the classroom, this is not yet reflected in state assessments. Science scores are poor. Director Sullivan and Dr. Champa each noted that there is much work to be done as they review the data and the current processes to determine how to move forward with adjustments. Many factors are being considered as well as a state based evaluation of the quality of the assessments. Questions being asked include: Are the assessments good tests? Do the assessments align with what students are learning? Can we increase participation rates in taking the tests? (the North Star score calculations give students a score of zero if they do not take the test) How do we help students take the testing seriously and do their best? If not related to curriculum or teaching or testing, what other factors are negatively impacting learning? (Classroom chaos, student behaviors and/or lack of discipline, inadequate class time to cover the materials, attendance concerns, lack of parent involvement, increased needs/assistance due to an increase of non-English speaking students, etc. etc.) Additionally, it is noted that children entering kindergarten are less “kindergarten ready” in recent years compared to past years. The state has changed their language from children being “kindergarten ready” to asking, “Are schools ready to welcome all children?” recognizing various developmental levels, abilities, languages, etc. Dr. Champa and director Sullivan made it very clear that these statistics are not satisfactory and they are working to find solutions. It seems to me that this will require all of us… school board members, school staff and teachers, parents, community members, and in my opinion–decreased screen time by children and adults of all ages.
Some additional thoughts regarding finances for the district. Please also refer to my post 2 days ago regarding the Permanent School Fund and the upcoming vote on November 3rd regarding the proposed amendment. As a reminder, the amendment increases state funding to schools but also changes the constitutional protection and authority over the fund. While it is tax free funding, there are concerns that the changes could deplete the fund and too much authority is given to legislators.
After the levy vote failed to pass in the November 2025 election, the board approved $3.8 million in budget cuts and adjustments for the 2026-27 school year. Also consider recent legislative changes that are referred to in this update on the district newsletter from April 2026: https://www.isd761.org/our-district/news/e-newsletter-and-press-releases/april-2026-article. Basically, this explains an upcoming decrease in “compensatory funding” from the state due changes in the calculations and the loss of our “hold harmless” benefit. This will result in $960,000 less funding to OPS. Also to consider is the decrease in special education funding due to statewide cuts. This recent work has been done through the Blue Ribbon Commission: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/about/adv/active/BlueRibbonCommission/.
All of this highlights the complexities and ongoing changes to school district budgeting that make this work so challenging. I also want to recognize that increased funding doesn’t always result in improved outcomes. We still need to evaluate what programs, interventions, and curriculum are most effective.
That’s all for now. Hope you all have a good week with a few extra days off to rest, refresh, spend time with friends or family, or enjoy some time outside taking in the autumn colors and fresh air.
Soli Deo Gloria!
