This week, some of our Owatonna students participated in the MN Student Survey. I wrote about this survey previously on 1/6/2025 after members from Steele County Public Health came to talk to the board. This is what I wrote at that time:

“Two members of Steele County Public Health presented information regarding the Minnesota Student Survey. This is a voluntary survey given to students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11. Schools can choose to opt-out, as well as parents or students can choose to opt-out if desired. The survey is given every 3 years. The survey addresses demographics, school attendance, but mainly health behaviors and risks. Past survey results can be viewed on the MN Department of Health site: https://www.health.state.mn.us/data/mchs/surveys/mss/datatables.html#educationalsetting“

My 9th grader notified me on Wednesday this week (5/7/2025) that they were given the survey. I know that parents are to be notified prior to students being given a survey, but I didn’t remember seeing any notification. I then searched my email and read through an email that had been sent the previous day, Tuesday 5/6/2025, with notification that students were going to be taking this survey the following day.  This email notification also included a link to a form allowing parents to opt out if desired.  This is copied from the email sent to OHS students’ parents/guardians:

“Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – During COMPASS from 9:25-9:55 – MN Student Survey for 9th and 11th graders.  The Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) is the primary source of comprehensive data on young people at the state, county, and local level in Minnesota, and is the only consistent source of statewide data on their health and well-being. It provides valuable information regarding issues vital to the health, safety, and academic success of young people. The survey is voluntary, confidential, and anonymous on the part of 9th and 11th grade students. Please read the attached letter that outlines the MN Student Survey and your options as a parent.”

I was hoping to notify parents and blog-readers ahead of time when I received notification of the planned survey date so that I could remind you all, but with this short notice, I’m sorry I was not able to do this. There are many sensitive questions that I believe parents need to be aware of. Please review and be informed for your children. The survey is given every 3 years. Some districts in Minnesota opt out of the survey. There are certainly risks and benefits that need to be carefully considered when these sensitive topics are brought into schools. Know that you can decide for your children whether or not they should take the survey… next time.

Happy Mother’s Day to all women, as we each have opportunities love and nurture the children in our lives. Soli Deo Gloria!

Highlights from our regular meeting…also note that because of the tornado warning, everyone in attendance had to step down into the basement from 5:42pm until 6pm. Incoming Superintendent, Dr. Champa, was also in attendance with us. She has been communicating regularly with Superintendent Elstad and is planning to attend our meetings as much as possible. After June 30th, Mr. Elstad will be stepping into retirement and Dr. Champa will officially be working as our Superintendent.

1. Committee Reports: finance, facilities, policy
2. Administrative Report: new cell phone guidelines coming
3. Votes: farm lease agreement, health insurance renewal, policies, trip requests

The finance committee has not met since the last school board meeting, but as discussed in the last post, Morris Leatherman is completing a community survey for us. Our next finance committee meeting is scheduled for 5/12/2025 at which time the committee should receive the survey results. Then, the survey summary report will be given at the next work session meeting on Thursday 5/15/2025.

The facilities committee met and relayed that there have been no offers to purchase the district’s Bridge Street building. The pool update project is underway at the middle school as expected.

The policy committee continues to meet once monthly and presented policies for first reading (412 Expense Reimbursement) and others for a second reading and approval (413, 512, 524, 620, 701, 721, plus 210 and 610 for review only). There were no major changes and no questions or discussion regarding the approval of these policies.

Superintendent Elstad gave a few updates including recognition of the executive cabinet for Mission Moment. The cabinet includes our directors of Teaching and Learning, Human Resources, Finance, Special Services, Community Education, and Facilities. Thank you, directors, for the hard work and support that you give to the district and ultimately to our teachers and students.

Also, in the Administrative Report, Mr. Elstad noted that he continues to monitor the legislative decisions which are expected to be finalized in 2 weeks. He notes that there will be an upcoming requirement for a cell phone policy for all schools (current policy is nonspecific and cell phone use is outlined in student handbooks only). Elstad will discuss possible upcoming changes and further limitations in cell phone use with OHS principal Kory Kath.

The administrative report notes that work is being done to replace Dr. Sarah Knudsen in her role as our director of special services (special education) since her resignation last month. We wish you the best in your next endeavor Dr. Knudsen!

Ayoub Farah, our Junior Student School Board Member, is recognized for his recent achievement of being named State Champion in the Discussion category of the State Speech Meet last weekend. Great work Ayoub!!

Votes taken tonight, all passed 7-0.

1. Policy review and revisions as noted above
2. Superintendent Elstad approved as the Identified Official with Authority to authorize user access to the MN Dept of Education secure websites.
3. Farm lease agreement for 35 acres of land currently utilized by OHS students and the FFA allowing students to participate in all areas of farming.
4. Approval of the district’s self-insured health insurance plan renewal. With increased insurance use in the past year, the district needs to increase premiums by 9% for the upcoming year. Finance director Mark Stotts notes that last year’s increase was only 3% which is much lower than normal, and that other districts are increasing by 10+%. So while the increase is not ideal, it seems that OPS is still doing better than other districts. Working in medicine for 23 years and also using the medical system (for myself and my family), I realize that health costs are very expensive, and these increases are difficult and frustrating.
5. Extended trip requests are approved for a STEM science trip to Iceland in 8/2026 and a Marching Band trip to Colorado in 7/2025.
6. Gifts to the district are approved. Thank you to so many generous donors over the last year.

REMINDER: next school board work session is THURSDAY May 15, 2025, 5:30pm, at the district office.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Work Session highlights:

1. Wilson Elementary School Report
2. Owatonna Online School Report
3. Community Survey & Budget Review

For Wilson Elementary, Mrs. Cassie Mitchell, principal of Wilson school, gave the presentation with a few Wilson staff members. They focused on Wilson’s community, culture, and curriculum, highlighting the importance of the Teaching and Learning Coach and the school counselor in their respective roles. Also noted was the work toward the alignment of the elementary schools with one another, recognizing the differences among the schools, but working toward consistency between schools also.

The Owatonna Online School presentation was given by Kelly Kruger, director of K-6 grades and Martina Wagner, principal of 7-12 grades. With approximately 450 online school entities in Minnesota, Owatonna is in the top 5 of fastest growing online programs. This includes students enrolling through open enrollment but also through tuition agreements that we have with several districts in Minnesota. Superintendent Elstad and Dr. Wagner confirmed that they are receiving calls daily from parents and other districts interested in our online program. This exponential growth is, in part, due to the wide variety of services and programs we offer online, as well as our teacher/staff engagement with students and families. At the time of this work session meeting, we have 419 students enrolled in Owatonna Online School. Most of those students are in grades 7-12. Due to the <10 students enrolled in grades K-3, administration has elected to offer online school only for grades 4-12 beginning in the Fall 2025. The online program also helps our district financially. Our district was able to implement the program with federal ESSER funds that were given to the district during the COVID pandemic. Students that are open enrolled from other districts allow us to receive 100% of government funding for that student, while students enrolled through districts that have a “tuition agreement” with Owatonna Public Schools allows us to receive 60% of that funding. The district where these students reside receives 40% of that funding, and the student can participate in any extracurricular activities in their home district. Owatonna administration has worked hard to make this program what it is today, and it is another reason that Owatonna Public Schools excel in Minnesota!

At 6:30pm, I left the meeting to attend my son’s spring choir concert. Therefore, I can’t speak exactly to what was said for the remainder of the meeting, but I will speak to the last agenda item, Community Survey. This survey was discussed at a finance committee meeting, of which I attended with 2 other board members (incoming Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa also attended). Morris Leatherman is a survey company that the district has used in the past for surveying the community when important decisions are needed. This time, we are looking for the input of Owatonna residents regarding the value of our schools, and the willingness to financially support our district. Many Owatonna residents will receive a phone call from staff at Morris Leatherman, asking to complete a 15-minute phone survey. Please take the time to answer these questions if you are called. Only surveys that are 100% completed will be included in the results.

One concept I didn’t learn until becoming a board member is that “bonds are for buildings, levies are for learning.” Therefore, the finances used for physical updates (HVAC, pool project, etc) and building the new high school are separate from the finances used for staff, curriculum, special education services, etc. School budgets are incredibly complicated, and revenues are specifically designated to buckets which cannot be mixed. The survey results will assist the board in deciding if we can ask the community to support a levy in the November 2025 election. To explain this further, I have included previous board presentations below.

A financial update presentation was given 2/10/2025 revealing upcoming budget shortfalls: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1055?meeting=672068. These are primarily due to loss of federal funding, increased special education costs, higher than typical salary contract negotiations, and the expected decline in future student enrollment (said to be due to declining birthrates). Owatonna is not unique in its circumstances as many districts across the state are in worse financial straits.

The amened budget was reviewed 3/10/2025: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1055?meeting=678984. One of the most important lines to monitor is the “unassigned fund balance” and the percentage of total that this entails. Our board-determined unassigned fund balance goal is set at 8-10%. Currently, we are sitting at 12.25%. However, if nothing changes, it is estimated that our unassigned fund balance will shrink to 4.52% by 2028 and -2.35% by 2029 (as discussed at our last finance committee meeting which is open to the public.) This is the reason the district recently cut 7.35 FTE, and did not replace 2 retired staff members, for the 2025-2026 school year.

Also note a change to the upcoming board meeting: the May work session is rescheduled from 5/12/2025 to 5/15/2025 – 5:30om – at the district office. This is to allow Morris Leatherman the time needed to conclude survey results and present to the board.

I hope I was able to explain this complicated circumstance in an accurate reasonable manner so that it makes sense. Board meetings and finance committee meetings are always open to the public so please attend and ask questions if desired. If the board determines that it is in the best interest of the district to ask for a levy, there will be several means to gather more information so that you can make an informed vote in the future.

Next regular board meeting is Monday April 28,2025.

Jesus is risen from the dead. Blessings to you and your families as you celebrate resurrection day! Soli Deo Gloria!

WELCOME Dr. Tamara Champa! The last 3 weeks have been encompassed by a review of Superintendent applications, discussions, school board meetings, 4 semi-finalist interviews, followed by 2 finalist interviews. Our finalist candidates each spent long arduous days touring our schools and the community, meeting with various groups (students, chamber members, community members, staff/teachers/principals, cabinet members), and then survived dinner with the school board members. Following this long day, they each endured a 25 question interview with all school board members. Our final candidates are both very capable, intelligent, well versed in superintendent duties and requirements, friendly and approachable. However, in evaluating what Owatonna Public School District needs moving forward, Dr. Champa stood well above the other 23 candidates. We are eager to work together and make strides forward, focusing on Every Learner Every Day, developing critical thinking lifelong learners skilled in academic studies for success in the pathways they choose. Dr. Champa will begin her preparations now for transitioning to Owatonna schools, but her official start date is July 1, 2025.

Our most recent regular school board meeting on 3/24/2025 took place at the chamber board room at 5:30pm. Much information was presented and many votes taken, all approved 7-0.

A representative from Ehlers Public Finance Advisors presented our Sale Day Report for the recently approved bond, which covers 2 previously discussed projects: 1. HVAC systems at McKinley at Owatonna Education Center, and some asbestos removal 2. OMS pool project. Project bids came in $1.1 million less than expected. The principal amount is $7,055,000 and total net principal with interest $9,560,193, with final closing date of 4/17/2025. Detailed documents can be viewed in the school board agenda notes for this meeting. This bond was approved 7-0.

Also presented was the draft from the City of Owatonna regarding “proposed tax increment financing.” As stated in the document:

The City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Owatonna, Steele County, Minnesota, will hold a public hearing on April 15, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle in the City of Owatonna, Minnesota (the “City”), relating to the proposed establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 3-18 (Economic Development) within Development District No. 3, and the proposed adoption of a Tax Increment Financing Plan therefor, all pursuant to and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.124 through 469.133 and Sections 469.174 through 469.1794, inclusive, as amended, for the proposed approximate 9,000 square-foot expansion of a manufacturing facility within the City.

The detailed draft can be found on the district website, agenda meeting notes. To clarify, Superintendent Elstad stated that this essentially means that the school district will forgo a small percentage of tax money to the city for maintaining and building the city’s business. This was for general information, no voting at this time.

Mr. Elstad noted that he has received some questions regarding federal funding and at this time, there are no known changes. He mentioned a feedback portal where concerns can be documented: https://mn.gov/indian-affairs/resources/news-and-updates.jsp?id=1193-673818

Our enrollment report shows growing enrollment, mainly due to the Owatonna Online program.

Policies approved 7-0 tonight had no major changes: 519, 624, 709, 522, 516, 621, 906. Policy 522 is regarding Title IX which reverts back to the 2020 version of this policy. This revision erases the changes made in 2024 that were directed by the Biden administration.

Several other votes taken:

1. 2024-2025 Amended Budget, no recent changes
2. Resolution relating to the termination and non-renewal of the teaching contract of probationary teachers (confidential list reviewed at the meeting by school board members.) These are positions ending to ease the budget deficit in the next year, totaling 7.35 FTEs.
3. Revised 2025-2026 school calendar, allowing 2 additional days for staff development (October 20 and February 16). Our teachers appreciated these additional days this school year due to the extensive training for the READ Act.
4. McKinley Ventilation Improvements (covered by bond)
5. Owatonna Education Center Ventilation Improvements (covered by bond)
6. Gifts to the district.

Take care. Soli Deo Gloria!

Our work sessions are now held at the District Office on School Street; therefore, the Special Meeting was also held there just prior to our work session. The Special Meeting was held to approve the previously discussed pool remodel project. This project has been delayed due to much higher-than-expected project bids in the past. The project is now covered by the new bond and work will begin after draining the water at the end of the month. The project was approved for a total cost of $1,157,410, with a completion date of mid-August 2025. Our facilities director, Bob Olson, can answer any question or concerns you may have.

HIGHLIGHTS for the work session:

Washington Elementary report

Lincoln Elementary report

Amended 2024-2025 Budget review and introductions with our new Finance Director

SAFF legislative work – Superintendent Elstad to testify at the Capitol 3/11/2025

Superintendent search update – 24 candidates!

The agenda and attachments for the work session can be found on the district website: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1055?meeting=678984

Principal Libby Zeman presented with a few school staff, the Washington school report focusing on student voice, student leadership, and instruction/collaboration. Principal Justin Lang presented with a few school staff, the Lincoln school report focusing on connections, culture, and core. Similarities are noted between both school in their work toward helping students connect and develop relationships to engage them in learning. They have school counselors doing work with each classroom to improve social emotional learning. Teachers are working hard with the new phonics curriculum and are seeing great improvements in reading already when comparing assessment data.

The amended budget has several changes from the preliminary budget, but ultimately has not significantly changed the bottom line or the unassigned fund balance at 12.25% (goal 8-10%). In summary, the district is deficit spending (~ 2.4 million) this year and is preparing to make cuts for the 2025-2026 school year. Of note, our state aid for special education has just been reduced about $500,000 due to a new pro-rated amount set by legislature.

Welcome Mark Stotts, our new Director of Finance and Operations. He has worked with school districts in Albert Lea, Austin, Burnsville, and most recently Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan.

Superintendent Elstad has been working with SAFF, Schools Advocating for Fair Funding, and testifying at the Capitol regarding the equalization aid given to schools. Because Owatonna’s Referendum Market Value (market value of all properties) is higher (due to more industry and less homes), taxpayers in Owatonna pay more for the same levy amount compared to other districts in Minnesota. The equalization aid is given to school districts to help balance the funding and lessen the burden for taxpayers. For example, Owatonna taxpayers will pay $1408/student, while in Eden Prairie, the cost to taxpayers is $338/student, for the same levy amount. Mr. Elstad is working to improve this for us! The website https://saffmn.org/resources/comparison-data/ and a comparison chart with Owatonna http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://saffmn.org/wp-content/uploads/WDYL-Owatonna.pdf provide more details.

Each school board member spent time at the district office over the last week to review all 24 applications for our Superintendent position. Chris Picha, our director of human resources has been assisting in the process, preparing copies of applications, completing phone screening interviews, and gathering interview questions for board members to review. Schedules are being prepared for the upcoming interviews, which are open to the public. After reviewing all the ratings and comments for each candidate, Ms. Picha created a top 6 list of candidates. We took an informal vote regarding the top 6 and created our “Top 5” list of candidates that will be scheduled for initial interviews. The first interview will be this Friday, 3/14/2025! Check out the schedule on the district website for updates: https://www.isd761.org/our-district/school-board/superintendentsearch

Thank you everyone. Soli Deo Gloria!

I gave up watching the news on television several years ago, but once in a while, information comes along that is interesting, helpful, and/or deserves some thoughtful attention. Here are some things came across to me by various interactions over the last week. Please understand that these writings are never giving legal advice to the reader.

On the horizon: Non-binary pronouns in 3rd-grade classrooms

American citizens, by way of first amendment rights, cannot be compelled to certain speech that they do not agree with. If calling someone by a pronoun that differs from their biological sex violates your beliefs and moral standards, you have the right to say no to this request. Minnesota is in muddy waters with regard to all the changes recently and I am not an attorney or giving anyone legal advice, but I do understand that several factors need to be considered including federal executive orders, federal laws, MN law, MN Department of Human Rights rules, MN Department of Education rules, and any legal cases that are settled amidst all these changes.

If this is important to you, this is a federal government website to report any practices in education that you feel are illegally discriminatory: https://enddei.ed.gov/

Some Owatonna community members are in the midst of a community book study for a book titled The Anxious Generation. School board members were given this book several months ago. Two main concepts continue to remain prevalent in various new books and research reports today: our children are spending too much time on screens and do not go outside for free creative play. Our children are suffering in all ways because of this, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

A good reminder, the MISSION of PUBLIC EDUCATION in Minnesota as stated in Statute 120A.03

The mission of public education in Minnesota, a system for lifelong learning, is to ensure individual academic achievement, an informed citizenry, and a highly productive work force. This system focuses on the learner, promotes and values diversity, provides participatory decision making, ensures accountability, models democratic principles, creates and sustains a climate for change, provides personalized learning environments, encourages learners to reach their maximum potential, and integrates and coordinates human services for learners. The public schools of this state shall serve the needs of the students by cooperating with the students’ parents and legal guardians to develop the students’ intellectual capabilities and lifework skills in a safe and positive environment. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120A.03

When someone in my family, including myself, becomes upset or frustrated by something, we will sometime stop, recognize, and say, “First world problem…” Sometimes, these things that are upsetting need to be put in a list of priorities. What is truly important to us? Food for thought.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Our regular monthly recorded school board meeting began with all 7 members present at 5:30pm.

HIGHLIGHTS for tonight’s meeting:

Mission Moment: Superintendent Elstad recognized the work of our 4 Instruction Coaches at the elementary schools. These coaches assist our teachers with curriculum and teaching methods, essentially coaching teachers to do the best work they can.

Bond presale report was given by Matt Hammer from Ehlers. The upcoming bond totaling $7.77 million is for financing health and safety projects previously approved by the board. The bond will be brought to the board for final approval at the next regular meeting on March 24, 2025.

First reading policies: 519, 624,709, no questions or comments discussed

Second reading and approval of several policies, of which I asked to separate policies 601 and 606.5 from the rest. The group of policies approved together by 7-0 vote include 418, 603, 604, 609, 613, 606, 619, 707.

I asked to separate policies 601 and 606.5 as these are policies that I had previously voted no and continue to vote no for the reasons listed:

601 School District Curriculum and Instructional Goals: definitions in the policy, specifically E. “Culturally Sustaining” and I. “Institutional Racism,” make opinion statements rather than fact, making this policy one that I am not comfortable approving. Stated in E. “Culturally sustaining” is the phrase “…communities continue to be harmed and erased through the education system.” Definition I. “Institutional Racism” implies that institutional racism exists, and this concept is a theory/opinion that I do not agree with.

606.5 Library Materials: while I believe the recent updates offer improvements, I still believe that this policy lacks input and oversight by the school board. Final responsibility for selection of library materials is given to the Library Media Specialist, with oversight from the superintendent. The school board is left unaware (and has no input) of any and all selection of materials, and if any material is presented for an informal or formal reconsideration process (and thus reported to the state) the board is still unaware of these materials. Mr. Elstad assured that if there were any major issues, the board would be notified. However, in 4 months we will welcome a new superintendent, and this will bring several unknowns. This policy does now include a statement allowing parents to request certain library materials NOT be available to their children (such as Being Jazz, Maus, Sold, Tricks, just a few in our OMS and OHS libraries). Therefore, if parents know of a specific book or library material that they do not want their child to have access to, they can request this at the school.

Policies 601 and 606.5 were approved by 6-1 vote.

Achievement and Integration (A&I) grant: Owatonna schools qualify for this grant as we are considered a “racially isolated” district. This grant money will be applied to 3 specific goals for our Free and Reduced Lunch Population (FRLP) qualifying students: graduation rates, participation in rigorous coursework, and improved MCA Reading scores.

The board approved 7-0 the resolution to make recommendations for reductions in staff/programming. Due to the financial deficit going into the next few years, Superintendent Elstad previously presented a report recommending a $1.8 million reduction in programs/staff for the 2025-2026 school year. Tonight’s resolution authorized the superintendent and administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions. In working with each school’s principal, decisions will be made and staff will be notified in the first few weeks of March. The specifics will be outlined in the personnel report for the March 24th regular meeting.:

Superintendent Search: there were no internal applicants, so the process was opened for external applicants to apply. Mr. Sebring explained the process. The closing date for applications is Friday 2/28/2025. Each school board member will review applications in the district office next week. At the March 10th work session, we will determine which applicants (no names will be given) will be invited for a first interview. The first interviews will take place March 17-18 and 2 applicants will be chosen for a final interview to take place on March 19-20. A final decision will be made in the evening on March 20, 2025. Chris Picha is compiling a list of interview questions, and any school board member may submit questions to Ms. Picha for review. In one month’s time, we will hopefully know who our next superintendent will be.

That’s for tonight folks. Take care.

Soli Deo Gloria!

IN LOVING MEMORY ~ Cyrus James Hedlund, born 2/10/2025, 1#3oz, 11.5″ He has mommy’s mouth and daddy’s nose, 10 perfect little fingers and 10 perfect little toes.

Last week was a whirlwind that began when I was woken by a phone call at 1:52am on February 10, 2025. My daughter in law stated that there might be an emergency. She was 23 weeks along her in pregnancy and after telling me a few symptoms, I advised that my son take her to the Grand Forks hospital. After several hours, a short text and a phone call from my son, we painfully learned that Cyrus James was stillborn at 7:52am. Upon arriving to Grand Forks that afternoon, I walked into the hospital room to see them holding their sweet boy for the first and last time. The sorrow in their faces was almost unbearable, but their faith amazing.

This is an excerpt from a letter I wrote to Cyrus James that was read at his funeral:

“You are loved beyond measure by so many grandmas, grandpas, great grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins and dear family friends.   But most of all, deeply loved by your mommy and daddy that miss you with aching hearts.  They will cherish you forever, knowing that you will be a big brother someday.  We are broken and hurting but not destroyed.  Our hope is in Jesus, in joining you in Heaven one day, knowing that God is love and always good.  We miss you baby, we love you so very much.  We cry tears of sadness and pain, but also of joy and love.  Thank you for reminding us how precious every life is.  God doesn’t make mistakes, we will trust Him.  I love you beautiful boy of my boy.  Goodbye for now Cyrus James.“

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed. For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Sorrow reminds us what is good, reminds us that this world is not our home and the things of this world will fade away. Our hope is a gift given to us by a loving heavenly Father who gave His own son to die so that we may be saved. Soli Deo Gloria!

Our regular meeting took place per usual beginning at 5:30pm. These are the HIGHLIGHTS of the meeting! Several recognitions were noted including our student ExCel Award winners and Triple “A” Award nominees, and our principal Justin Kiel won a leadership award for his work at McKinley Elementary School. Congratulations!!

Our enrollment summary is notable for increasing enrollment in our district, primarily in the Owatonna Online program which is attracting students from across the state. OPS enrollment is up to 5121 total, 357 in Owatonna Online (up from 215) as of the recent report. Hopefully this will help with looming budget deficit.

Superintendent Elstad reported that he is beginning to work again in his legislative efforts with Mr. Sexton and Mr. Jasinski. He specifically works toward equalization of funding, addressing the many unfunded mandates passed by legislation last year, and working to increase funding for special education and our Grow Your Own program.

In the Admin Report (see link on the website agenda), several principals mentioned that students are finishing, or have finished, their winter Fast Bridge reading and math assessments. I asked if we could get an update and Mr. Elstad noted that he will discuss this with Mrs. Sullivan, our director of teaching and learning.

Several policies were reviewed for a first reading: 418 Drug-Free Workplace/School, 601 School District Curriculum and Instructional Goals, 603 Curriculum Development, 604 Instructional Curriculum, 605 Library Materials, 609 Religion, 613 Graduation Requirements.

In light of a recent personal discussions regarding legalized marijuana and children’s exposure to secondhand smoke/vapor, I asked about our policy coverage to protect students from the odor that makes its way into our classrooms. Because marijuana has the potential to cause negative cognitive effects and physical symptoms such as headaches and nausea, a strong odor is disruptive to the classroom environment, for students and staff. This could fall under policies 418, but also 807 Health and Safety, or 533 Wellness. Mr. Elstad noted that policy 504 Student Dress and Appearance also covers this issue. MN Statute states that it is illegal to use marijuana in a vehicle and in a place where a minor could inhale the smoke/vapor. In this case, as mandated reporters, any public school staff could call Child Protection Services and file a report if they feel that a child’s health may be compromised.

Regarding the Library Materials policy which was recently created and approved by the board, a revised version was needed due to recent legislation. This new version has an added paragraph that states any parent or guardian may request that a specific book included in “library materials” not be seen or checked out by their child and the school must comply. Another new paragraph states that, “the school board must report…” to the MN Dept of Education any book or material that is challenged in the district. As previously when this policy was first created, I mentioned that the absence of school board involvement in the selection materials and reconsideration process seems lacking to me, and I would like the school board to be involved in the processes. Mr. Elstad confirmed that the district does report all challenged material to the MN Dept of Education already. I requested that the board be notified when this occurs and what the challenged material is. The policy committee members confirm that they will review and discuss at the next policy committee meeting.

The last highlight is an update for the Superintendent search. The school board had a Special Meeting 1/22/2025 to discuss the process. Sheri Allen from TeamWorks assisted our discussion and led us in conversation regarding identifying ideal characteristics for our next SI and how we may elect to proceed. At this Regular Meeting, we voted to start the process with an internal search, accepting applications from only our school district. If needed, we will then open the process to include external applicants. Initial interviews are planned for 2/13/2025 and then follow up interviews on 2/18/2024. A community survey will be sent to parents/guardians soon, if not already. Please watch for this and fill it out to help the board in selecting the next Superintendent for OPS! June 30, 2025 will be Mr. Elstad’s last day and we expect to have our next Superintendent hired by then.

In follow up to the last post, also watch for the email notification of the MN Student Survey. You may opt your children out from this survey if desired. Please contact the principal of your school to do so.

One last note, I do not have any children of my own at the middle school these days, but I have been notified that the driving around the school has become very unsafe. The principal is working to make this safer, but until major changes take place, please be careful, slow down, and follow driving rules so NO ONE is hurt.

Well, a long post, even just for the HIGHLIGHTS. Thank you for reading. Please keep in touch.

Soli Deo Gloria!

As I was reading this week’s post, I realized I made a typo in stating McKinley’s theme. The theme should have read, “Be you, Be HERE, Belong.” I giggled when I read that I instead typed, “…Be her…” I am exhausted this week and so, typos are more easily showing up.

As life goes, there are always changes and adjustments that we need to make. I am quickly learning that 2025 is starting with a busy bang and so I will be needing to simplify a bit. Therefore, moving forward, I will be creating blog posts that are more focused, highlighting what I believe to be the most important points of each school board meeting, rather than a basic replay and summary of what the meeting included. The regular school board meetings on the fourth Monday of the month are recorded and can be found on YouTube if desired. Thank you for understanding!