Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools

Forums and Questions

Just a quick update with information for the school board candidate forums that are coming soon.

September 28, 2026 Forum at the Owatonna Country Club. Registration and paid tickets are needed if you plan to attend for lunch, otherwise no cost to attend! Here is the info: https://chamber.owatonna.org/events/details/2026-school-board-candidate-forum-35776 & https://owatonna.org/advocacy/2026-candidate-forums/

October 12, 2026 Forum at Torey’s Restaurant sponsored by the Owatonna Area Retired Educators Association (OAREA). I do not have any further information about attendance or if this is open to the public or just the members. Gary Schwartz is the contact for this forum. Candidates received a list of questions that will be asked which I have typed here:

Lately there seems to be concern about what our children are reading at school and what they are being taught. What is your opinion about materials censorship and the method of teaching?
Many citizens believe the role of a school board member is to work with administrators to create and monitor the basic policies of the district. And it is the responsibility of the administration and staff to implement these policies. As a member of the Owatonna SB, would you follow this philosophy or would you attempt to reach into the buildings/classrooms to influence individuals or departments?
Several of our members are concerned that individual SB members have served as advocates for specific school programs or activities. In recent years this has included various music programs, extra-curricular sports, etc. As a member of the Owatonna SB, do you intend to focus attention on any particular program or activity? What actions would you take to support your belief?
In recent years school district levy/bond referendums have passed/failed by very slim margins. Assuming the SB approves the request for a levy/bond; what would be your role in advocating for the proposal?

Candidates also received a questionnaire from Ann Silverness with Keeping Hope Alive, a local organization of women that “meet monthly to discuss many things pertinent to our town, learn how to support our fellow neighbors in Owatonna and to collect donations for people in need.” I have copied/pasted the 3 questions and my answers here for your review:

Keeping Hope Alive – School Board Candidate questionnaire

What is your position on book banning?

First, I am thankful to be living in the United States of America where we have the First Amendment which gives us the right to freedom of speech. By this constitutional right, there should be no book banning in our country. That said, our government has also created laws and guidelines to restrict or warn adults about age-appropriate materials for children. We have in place movie ratings, video game ratings, TV show ratings, for the protection of vulnerable developing minds. Our schools have current policies in place to protect our children from information in books and through the internet that are deemed harmful to children. As parents, we also have a right to limit or restrict materials and exposures to our children in the way we believe that it is best for them. We also need to consider the purpose of public school, which is primarily for the academic education of our children.

Thus, in the context of public schools, which are for the purpose of educating students of many ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, and belief systems, and funded by taxpayer dollars bound by many restrictions given by the federal and state governments, I expect that there are safeguards and limitations to the reading materials students are provided while in school and working through school curriculum.

How would you handle more DEI in the school system?

As with any intervention or program, we need to consider the need and the effectiveness and the cost. To evaluate “more DEI in the school system,” first I would look at what has been done already and how effective has it been. What are the goals and what are the desired outcomes of the current DEI efforts? Does the current programming need to be changed, updated, or revised, and why? Cost also needs to be considered. Does the current budget allow for an added expenditure? Is there a grant that would help with cost? The board just approved a revised diversity policy that is well written and emphasizes the importance of welcoming and including and giving equal opportunity to all students. This is policy 110.

In addition, given the limited hours of a school day and the current budget within the district, we need to consider that if we are adding more of something, is it taking the place of something else. Ultimately, all programs and interventions in the schools should be for the benefit of our students’ learning and academic success.

As funding becomes a concern, what is your commitment to our community regarding continued focus and support for our careers programs?

Owatonna Public Schools has an excellent Career Pathways program and I plan to continue to support this program, including its growth. To do this, we need to maintain and grow good relationships with local businesses and organizations for training and shadowing and providing internship opportunities for our students. The district strongly benefits from having dedicated staff as Career Navigators, of which we currently have two. In light of our recent budget reductions, Dr. Champa has ensured that we have been able to keep both of our Navigators on staff.

We also want to ensure that we are setting up our students individually for success by teaching skills for professionalism, supporting them with needed tools and learning opportunities within career pathways, which then allows for growth in confidence and overall abilities. All of which leads our students toward the goal for success beyond high school graduation.

NEXT WEEK is Homecoming week with the parade on Friday afternoon and the football game Friday evening!

**AI was NOT used in writing this blog.

September 16, 2026

The Owatonna school board had its work session on Monday the 14th at the district office. The meeting began with a brief review of the upcoming changes to our Owatonna Education Center, with work beginning in the spring 2027. These needs were initially discussed when I joined the board in 2023 so it is good to see that we can make this work for the benefit of our students, teachers, staff, and still work within the budget. This will allow all of our little huskies (ECFE and preK) to be together in one building with Community Education, while the Area Learning Center students will eventually move to the Roosevelt building on S. Cedar and McKinley. Funding has already been approved. Secondly, the board engaged in continued discussion regarding the board’s self-evaluation, reviewing the vision and updated strategic directions, with a very thorough “scorecard” of our district that will be published on the website when it is finalized. Credit goes to Dr. Champa and our director of Teaching and Learning, Julie Sullivan, for this scorecard and the great detail and helpful information it provides! This discussion led to review of the board’s superintendent evaluation. Overall consensus from the board was recognition of the great work that Dr. Champa has accomplished and continues to do for our district, namely our students, but also our staff and teachers.

The majority of the meeting then was spent in closed session to discuss district safety with board members, superintendent Champa, director of finance Mark Stotts, director of technology and innovation Mike Halvorson, and our new manager of facilities Paul Durbahn (director of facilities Bob Olson retired in June 2026.) Dr. Champa has jumped in full speed to get our district up to date with regard to safety (staff trainings, building safety, technology safety, policies/procedures, etc). Mr. Durbahn also has done much work on this in the short time since he started this role July 1, 2026. The work has been heavy and very involved, much has been accomplished, but the work is ongoing. More info can be found on the district website or questions can be directed to Dr. Champa or Mr. Durbahn. As one of the board members stated in our meeting, this district has never felt more secure and safe.

Just FYI, you may or may not have seen that Owatonna Education Association (OEA) has endorsed four of the eight school board candidates. I have observed that while school board members should not be viewed as political candidates, they are often divided into the two main parties regardless. I have not been endorsed by the OEA, but wanted to give you the questions and my answers to those questions from which they based their endorsements from. I have not used AI in writing this blog or answers to the questions.

Hedlund – OEA School Board Screener Questionnaire Download

Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools

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/)

August 24, 2026 New School Year

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!

July 28, 2026 Update

ELECTION INFORMATION: VOTE November 3, 2026

The candidate filing timeframe is now past and there are 8 candidates for 4 open seats on the Owatonna School Board. This four-year term ending 12/31/2026 is for Mark Sebring, Lori Weisenburger, Jolayne Mohs, and me Elizabeth Hedlund. The district website has a list of the candidates as well as various links for district information. I am running to be re-elected to our school board and would love to share my yard signs. Please contact me if you would like a sign for your yard! Feel free to reply to this post or email me: elizabethhedlund@msn.com. https://www.isd761.org/our-district/school-board/election-information

There is much good information with several updates on the most recent OPS Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/axrq1. There will be a new Budget Advisory Council, open to community members by application. The Transportation Advisory Committee will return this year, open to parents by application. Also new this year, BOUND, for activity schedules and ticketing, replacing Big9.org. Entrance fees to district events are increased for the 2026-27 school year so an activity pass may be a good idea! The newsletter mentions another vote you will see on the ballot November 3rd. From the newsletter, “This November, Minnesota voters will consider a constitutional amendment related to the Permanent School Fund, a resource that has supported public education since Minnesota became a state in 1858.” Minnesotans will vote on the distribution amount from that fund to school districts.

If you are not getting these updates already, consider subscribing: https://www.isd761.org/our-district/news/e-newsletter-and-press-releases

Last year, I signed a letter with several other school board members from around the state, asking Minnesota to reconsider its laws and regulations that violate the federal Title IX rule. There is now follow up to that letter with an opportunity to move forward and make a difference: https://www.makeitfairmn.com/. This is not standing against transgender students, this is protecting our girls and keeping them safe.

Please reach out with questions and concerns!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Meeting updates 5/26/2026

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!

LOVE

The Princess Bride has been one of my favorite movies for many years… “Wuv, twue wuv…,” said the Impressive Clergyman. Then there is Westley’s line, “Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.” (Though do not forget, “No more rhyming, I mean it!” Followed by, “Anybody want a peanut?” LOL. You know it, right?)

I think many of us have heard the statement, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.”(John 15:13) Jesus said this, and he said it at the last supper knowing that he would soon do that very thing. Can you think of anything more loving than willingly giving up your life because you LOVE.

Can you connect the dots: Christmas, Good Friday, Easter? Jesus was born as a man on Earth so that he could die. WHY? Jesus was God (Wow…the concept of God as Jesus is too big for this little blog). We are not God and never will be. We have been given freedom by God to choose to trust Him or not. We have the freedom to choose words and actions and attitudes. Our tendency is selfishness and self-preserving motivations–all of us. While we have good thoughts at times, good works at times, good attitudes at times, we also encompass sin. There is no way around this. To sin is to do wrong, anything wrong, to “miss the mark.” What mark? This is the one and only law of life and love as defined by God, the creator of…everything. If you choose to deny this, then what are you choosing? What is your truth built on and how do you define right and wrong? How do you decide what is Truth and what is not? What is your source for truth? Can your feelings be trusted and what if they are different from someone else’s feelings? Then who is right?

Now, Good Friday… Jesus died on the cross. Then Easter Sunday is celebrated just a few days later. Many people have heard about these things but have not connected the dots. Jesus knew he would be killed by men, and He never fought against it. Why? He is God. We cannot enter the presence of God in Heaven without making right our wrongdoings. Our sin makes us “unclean.” God’s law states that this “cleansing” we need requires bloodshed and sacrifice. Guess what? Jesus never sinned, He NEVER did anything wrong (because he was also God), yet HE provided His own body as this sacrifice so that we don’t have to give ours. Jesus died on the cross thereby paying OUR penalty for us. The amazing part of the story is that this was not the end… death did NOT win! On Sunday morning, the tomb where Jesus’ dead body lay, was empty. Jesus was not there because He became alive and still lives today! Jesus “rose from the grave” and this is why we celebrate Easter… it’s resurrection day! Jesus is alive because death cannot win! Even Westley knew this in his own way, “Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.”

God IS love, Jesus IS Truth. All that is good in this world is from God. Because God has given us the ability to choose, to make decisions for ourselves, he will not force us to trust Him. So, what comes after this life on Earth? We all will live eternally; the difference among us is where, heaven or hell. If we trust in God, His law of life and love as written in the Bible, and we trust that Jesus was our sacrifice on Earth and now LIVES with God, then we will live in freedom and love. The concept is simple, but not easy. Most of us have many questions and pain from this world that we may never understand until life after death. This pain can cause bitterness and anger and resentment. This pain can cause us to turn as far away from God as we can possibly go. Yet, as we run away from God (LOVE), this only allows the evil that exists to hurt us more.

Jesus has open arms for you. Can you see it? If you have read this far today, it is no coincidence. Jesus desires for you to know Him, trust Him and feel His love for you. He cares for you as no human being ever could and He is waiting for you. Choose Jesus, trust Him with your life and you will know eternal freedom and love!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Three in One

Since my last post we’ve had 3 meetings, so this update is three in one! Because life is what it is, unpredictable and sometimes more challenging than other times, these posts will likely be more concise and briefer (hopefully not too many typos) for the next several months. I have also found, however, that our district newsletters are very informative and possibly provide more depth than they have in previous years (thank you Dr. Champa and Lori Buegler.) If not already, consider signing up for the district newsletters so that you receive this info and the updates on a regular basis.

January 26, 2026 was a regular board meeting at the city chambers board room. Routine reports were reviewed including committee meeting minutes, previous board meeting minutes, financial summaries and the treasurer’s report, and the enrollment and personnel reports. Dr. Champa presented the administrators report and “Cadence of Accountability.” Several policies were reviewed for a first reading and comment, but no major substantial changes that affect students directly were noted. Two of the votes taken included approving the Ratification of the 2025-2027 Tentative Agreement with Owatonna Education Association (teachers’ contracts.) During a finance committee meeting prior to this meeting, we received a presentation comparing teachers’ salaries across the state and I was surprised, but also reassured, that our Owatonna teachers are paid very well. Teachers’ salaries are complicated in that they are based on “steps and lanes” which considers the number of years teaching, plus the degree the teacher has achieved (Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate). The salary package also includes benefits. Another vote approved the upcoming budget reductions given the recent failed levy. Future budget adjustments (reductions/cuts and added fees) were reviewed and this vote approved by the board allows the Superintendent and administration to follow through with the reductions as needed, at least $3.7 million. Additionally, a vote was taken to approve the Student Engagement Learning Support Temporary Plan. At one point recently, the district had 120 students that were not attending classes due to fears about the current social situation in Minnesota. This number likely varies from day to day. The temporary learning plan allows for virtual learning from the students’ homes. This is not Owatonna Online, but a separate temporary learning plan with a planned end date.

On the afternoon of February 4, 2026, the school board held a retreat meeting. We reviewed, discussed, and updated the 3-year governance work plan. Superintendent Champa led us in an activity which gave us opportunity to discuss an example school that needed help raising its literacy scores. We reviewed opportunities and outcomes and what worked best. Interestingly, reducing class sizes did not result in as much improvement as did data analysis, teacher education and phonics coursework. After this activity, Chair Sebring added to the agenda a discussion regarding literacy scores and the need to raise these in Owatonna; the board then brainstormed ideas for addressing the issue as a community, possibly a city-wide collaboration. Traditionally, this would be considered management work and not governance work (the school board is generally focused on governance and is not supposed to “manage” the district–as is the status quo–but this could be argued based on statute.) Good discussion occurred and hopefully will be ongoing. Following this, another discussion revolved around cell phone use (mainly at the high school), formal district policy versus student handbook guidelines. Some high schools in Minnesota (Stillwater is one) have moved to no student cell phones allowed during the school day, similar to what our middle school does now. The positive feedback from those schools has been outstanding, just as the positive feedback we received after our middle school adopted “Away for the Day” for cell phones. Further discussion to come as we plan to hear from our OHS principal on his thoughts and suggestions.

On February 9, 2026, the board held a Special Meeting and a work session. First, the special meeting was to vote on the personnel changes and staff reductions for the 2026-27 school year. Dr. Champa stated that these decisions are always very difficult and are not taken lightly. Much consideration and discussion have taken place in the last several weeks among administration and we are very grateful for the hard work and effort and care for our students that each teacher has given. Of note though is that not all the reductions are simply due to the failed levy. Some of our elementary class sizes were smaller and fell well below the guidelines for class sizes as advised by a previous board decision. Therefore, some classes will be adjusted in the elementary schools based on this guideline and this would have occurred whether or not the levy vote existed. At this meeting, the board also approved the Ratification of the 2025-2027 Tentative Agreement with Educational Assistant Staff with no concerns or questions. The Temporary Learning Plan approved previously (and noted above) was voted to be extended from an end date of February 20, now to March 13, 2026.

The work session that immediately followed the Special Meeting was mainly a presentation and discussion of our Owatonna Online virtual school. Dr. Martina Wagner is the principal for the Owatonna Online school as well as the Area Learning Center (ALC), and she gave a remarkable presentation. Owatonna Online is growing daily and now enrolls more than 600 students (grades 4-12). This includes students that reside in Owatonna, open enroll to Owatonna, and are in districts that partner with Owatonna (districts that do not have their own online program.) Administration is regularly assessing the numbers of teaching staff (and when more are needed due to growth), data regarding students’ learning, curriculum choices and adding options, special education services, and more. Owatonna Online is attracting much attention from across the state and is a benefit to our district financially. Thank you for this great work!

The next regular board meeting is February 23, 2026 at the city chambers board room. See you there!

With gratitude ~ Soli Deo Gloria!

2026

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Michah 6:8

The first board meeting of the year is the “Organizational Meeting” as required by state statute and this occurred on Monday January 5, 2026. At this meeting, several votes are required and include approving board officers (chair, vice chair, clerk, treasurer), committee assignments, the official district newspaper, financial institutions, etc. As I begin my fourth year on the school board, there had been no major changes up to this point. At this meeting, however, Chair Sebring made an announcement. The People’s Press has already published an article covering the information from this meeting and it is worth reading. Here is the link: https://www.southernminn.com/owatonna_peoples_press/news/school-board-meeting-signals-changes-in-election-year/article_d500ee1f-6a30-4ed7-9dba-a2d5cb818ec0.html

In light of this being an election year (4 school board seats will be open for candidates), Sebring noted that there will be a transition in leadership. Based on the results of the officer votes at this meeting, we can assume that Mark Sebring, Lori Weisenburger, and Jolayne Mohs are not running for reelection in November. However, this was not stated as such and I have not been told this information by those board members. For the election of officers, nominations and approvals were made including Chair Sebring again as board Chair, Tim Jensen for Vice Chair (replacing Lori Weisenburger), Andrea VanGelder for Clerk (replacing Tim Jensen), and Ron Kubicek for Treasurer (replacing Jolayne Mohs.) I nominated myself for Clerk, as I did in 2025. However, I was the sole vote for myself, and Andrea VanGelder was voted as Clerk by all other board members. It appeared obvious to me, and to the People’s Press reporter, that there had been discussions among board members about the plan for leadership transitions and nominations prior to this meeting, and I was purposely not included in such discussions. The video recording of this meeting can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XxfOBNeJtU

Help me to understand, after three years’ experience on this board, why I would not be considered for a leadership position ahead of 2 first year board members? I mean no disrespect to Andrea or Ron, but there is an underlying current that cannot be denied, and it’s been there for 3+ years. I understand that my views and opinions on some topics differ from this board’s majority, but I hope we can agree that our best interest is still the education of our children. Furthermore, isn’t the basis of public education to teach our children math, reading, writing, teamwork, and critical thinking skills? Why does this have to be controversial? Why can’t we have discussions and respectable debates with differing ideas, yet come together on common ground? Moving on…

Immediately following the Organizational Meeting, we transitioned into a Work Session at which time we heard presentations from the principals of McKinley and Wilson Elementary Schools. Unfortunately work sessions are not recorded so these presentations cannot be viewed on YouTube. The information given included work that the school staff are doing to meet goals based on the survey results, assessment data, and priorities of that specific school.

When I began working on the school board in January 2023, our district’s budget was about $70 million yearly. Today, the budget is about $80 million yearly. At this work session, Superintendent Champa and finance director Mark Stotts reviewed a budget reduction plan based on the intense, in-depth, work that they have done examining every detail of the district budget and after having discussions with each school’s leadership team. The reduction plan will be brought to the board at the next regular meeting for formal approval. I highly commend Dr. Champa and Mr. Stotts for this incredible work which also includes putting forth processes and plans to take control of our district’s budget.

During board forum, I took the opportunity to share with the board my “guiding document.” This is an outline (very rough draft) that I created, of thoughts and concepts that I have learned over the last 3 years, organized and compiled, in order to assist me in understanding governance work, connecting this work with the operational plans of the district, considering ways to further engage with the community, and ultimately, be accountable to students, parents, and residents for the education of our children. I had previously shared this document with Chair Sebring and Dr. Champa suggesting a board retreat and review of our governance work plan.

As I walked out of the board room Monday evening, many thoughts raced through my mind and carried into the next day. Among them, the Bible verse noted above. So, as we step into 2026, I will act justly, with kindness and mercy, and walk humbly with our God, the creator of the universe who saved me. Soli Deo Gloria!

12/8/2025 Regular Meeting / Truth in Taxation

The last school board meeting of the year began at 5:30pm, paused at 6pm for the Truth in Taxation presentation, then restarted and adjourned. This meeting’s agenda with attachments has much information for your review including comprehensive financial data. On the district website, click on Agendas and Minutes in order to fully review all information: https://www.isd761.org/our-district/school-board/meeting-dates

Fiscal Year 25 Audit and Signed Executive Audit Summary (Clean report with no concerning findings)

2025 Signed Federal Awards

2025 Signed Final Report and Financial Statements (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year ending 6/30/2025)

Truth in Taxation presentation including annual levy information.

Notice from the City of Owatonna regarding a plan for Tax Increment Financing, to be voted on by the school board at the January 5th meeting in 2026, with a public hearing at the city chambers on January 6, 2026.

Consider signing up for the district’s e-newsletter as this provides many updates for activities and announcements in the district: https://www.isd761.org/our-district/news/e-newsletter-and-press-releases

I was able to attend Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent on Friday at the district office. The presentation was part of the Moving Forward Together community engagement series that Dr. Champa and Marks Stotts, director of finance, have put together to inform the community about district finances and future budget reductions. Lots of helpful information is provided during the presentation but also includes time for questions and discussion. Please consider attending a session: https://www.isd761.org/our-district/news/movingforward

As we enter 2026, this will be another election year for the Owatonna school board. In November, the community will be voting to fill 4 seats. Consider if this is something you feel compelled or called to do! Let me know if questions!

Prayers for Stewartville families as they move forward from the tragic shooting yesterday.

Stay warm. Merry Christmas Owatonna! Thank you, Jesus, for your saving grace.

Soli Deo Gloria!