Author Archives: ElizabethHedlund

Highlights of the agenda discussions and votes for our regular school board meeting in the small group forum room at the OHS, beginning at 5:30pm. For Mission Moment, Mr. Elstad recognized an Owatonna community member who is an adult student earning a Life Long Learner award. She moved to the United States, came to Owatona,Continue reading “March 20, 2023 Regular School Board Meeting”

We had our work session at the district office on Monday 3/13/2023, beginning at 5:30pm. Our new director of finance and operations, Lori Volz, and assistant, Sarah Cramblit, presented a finalized budget plan that we will vote to approve at the next regular school board meeting which is Monday March 20,2023 (moved up one weekContinue reading “March 13, 2023 Work Session”

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was asking questions about several topics, one of them was regarding our school libraries and book choices. I know several parents have concerns about these books because, as a parent also, we don’t know what books our children are exposed to at school. When my oldest sonContinue reading “Library Information”

The “regular school board meeting” was held in the small group forum room at the high school. The agenda was long, I tried to summarize the main points here. Mr. Elstad used “Mission Moment” to recognize the Shrek directors and staff. With opening weekend behind us and 2 more performances, this weekend, we heard lotsContinue reading “Regular School Board Meeting 2/27/2023”

The results of the student and family survey are now posted on the district website. Here is the link! https://sites.google.com/isd761.org/dde-survey-reports-public/home

Our school board meeting was at the district office, and I enjoyed sitting around the U-shaped tables, hearing the discussions and questions among members attending. I was especially impressed by one of our student representatives who made several thoughtful comments. He was well spoken and seemed comfortable speaking to all of us at the table.Continue reading “Work Session 2/13/2023”

I’ve learned a few things and thought I would pass along the information. School board meetings are always open to the public and as part of this, the district staff are required to follow Open Meeting Laws. All meetings are to be posted ahead of time, with the exception of emergency meetings. The work sessionContinue reading “Questions and Information”

My first official board meeting was held in the small group forum room at OHS, lasted approximately one hour, 5:30 -6:30pm. Our school board chair, Mark Sebring, read through an oath of office and then I read through my part of the oath and wa-lah! It’s official! Here I am, and so very honored toContinue reading “January 23, 2023 Board Meeting”

As noted previously, I was not able to attend the board meeting on 1/9/2023 but have made some notes in the Decision Updates tab. This week, a family brought to my attention the recent ruling for future teacher licensure. Here is the link to an article through the Child Protection League and another link fromContinue reading “January 11, 2023”

Happy snow day Owatonna! Please stay safe if you have to drive or go outside today. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend my first ever board meeting which is scheduled for January 9, 2023. Due to unexpected circumstances that I cannot change, I have to miss the first meeting. However, I will beContinue reading “First board meeting 2023”