The Commencement Ceremony was held for our 2024 graduates at the new Federated Stadium on June 7, 2024. Congratulations graduates!!!

Our work session began at 5:30pm at the chamber office. The first presentation was given by SiteLogIQ who the district has hired to assess the structural safety and working order of our district buildings and equipment. The assessment information is used to determine current needs, but also to determine future needs and long-term planning. This will aid in budgeting our Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Fund (LTFM). The presenter commented that overall our buildings are in “fantastic shape.” However, the ventilation assessments for McKinley and the Owatonna Education Center are showing high priority for needing updates (original equipment is from the 1980s). Our district will have its own MySiteIQ website to help track facility needs over many years to come. This presentation can be found on the district website and includes a chart showing the 10-year LTMF plan as given by SiteLogIQ: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1055?meeting=639589

Secondly, we heard a presentation from Ehlers Public Finance Advisors. My understanding of this information is currently rudimentary so I will be studying this in the next few weeks before the next board meeting. The presentation can be view through the district website using the link above. The take-away message from this information is that if we take advantage of a School Building Bond Ag Credit, to help pay for the updated HVAC systems needed, most homeowners in Owatonna will note a decrease in taxes. Others (commercial/industrial and agricultural homestead/non-homestead) will notice a slight increase (however the increase is lower than if the Bond Ag Credit is not used).

At the next regular board meeting on June 24th, the board will vote to approve the scope of the HVAC project (SiteLogIQ) and then the July 15th board meeting will likely include a vote to authorize the issuance of bonds. Questions are encouraged between now and then.

Lori Volz, finance director, then presented an overview of the Preliminary Budget for school year 2024-2025. She noted some highlights including the end of ESSR funds (covid funds given to schools). The general education fund formula was increased 4% by the recent legislation, but next year will only be 2%. The district will receive some funding to support all the new mandates for The READ Act but not as much as will be needed. Also noted are the pool project updates that have been delayed at this time due to the higher costs required for this. The end result as noted by Ms. Volz, is a 2.5 million dollar deficit that can be partially mitigated by spending down the Unassigned Fund Balance. This can be managed over the coming year, however further analysis will need to be done for future school years.

The Library Resource Reconsideration Form was brought back to the policy committee for review and now to the board to review and discuss. Along with Superintendent Elstad, the policy committee elected to remove the paragraph in the form which lists the estimated cost of the reconsideration process. They have also elected to remove the form from the Library Policy for the reason being that the form is determined to be managerial and not part of policy. The reconsideration form will only be used if the informal discussion of a library material requires further appeal. There was no further discussion on this matter.

Superintendent Elstad noted brief legislative decisions coming in the future including a re-evaluation of the library policy, the introduction of a new cell phone policy, and curriculum changes.

November 2024 brings a BIG election, including 3 school board seats! The filing period for becoming a school board candidate is July 30 – August 13, 2024. Pick up the form at the district office and pay a $2 filing fee. Check out the website: https://www.isd761.org/our-district/school-board/election-information and contact me for more information!

Soli Deo Gloria.

Due to Monday May 27th being Memorial Day, our regular meeting was held at the district office on Tuesday May 28th. Freedom is not free, and I am grateful for those soldiers and families that have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America. I pray that one day we will again be united with gratitude for the sacrifices and our freedoms, and with pride for America. I will continue to say the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the national anthem with my hand on my heart, and teach my children to do the same.

Superintendent Elstad recognized Katie Coudron and Hollie Jeska during Mission Moment. Ms. Coudron was named Owatonna teacher of the year and Ms. Jeska was named southeast Minnesota assistant principal of the year. Thank you for you care and concern and hard work for our students!

No comments for public forum.

The enrollment report is reviewed. No significant changes, again noting that the kindergarten classes at Lincoln Elementary School are above the recommended number of students. Average class size is 22.25 and recommended class size is 19 students. This further reinforces why the attendance boundary lines needed adjustments. Overall, however, class sizes are declining. The numbers of students in each class listed here starts with our 12th grade class and ends with our kindergarten class: 397, 458, 444, 425, 344, 380, 337, 355, 365, 337, 367, 335, 283.

During board forum, all school board members made comments to our senior student representative as this was his last board meeting before graduation. He has been a valuable member of our board with thoughtful comments and questions. We will miss him, but wish him many blessings in his next adventure. In addition to his farewell, we were introduced to our next student representative who will join the board in August. He is currently a sophomore and it was great to meet him at this meeting.

Chair Sebring noted that during the facility committee meeting, there was a discussion about one of the buildings HVAC units that likely needs repair or replacement. He noted that there will be upcoming conversations for this. Vice Chair Weisenburger noted that there were no new updates from the policy or finance committee meetings this month. On May 15, 2024, I had a meeting with Chair Sebring, Vice Chair Weisenburger, and Superintendent Elstad about the previously approved new Library Policy and the reconsideration form that accompanies the policy. I was informed that any noncurricular classroom materials available for students during free reading class time come from the school library. Therefore, these materials are vetted by the librarians and follow the library policy. Classrooms should not have reading materials that are not part of the school’s library or curriculum. If you have concerns about any reading material in the schools, please contact the teacher or principal. I also presented a concern about the reconsideration form given to a parent recently that was not fully approved by the board. Therefore, the policy committee will review and edit this form, then bring it back to the board for review and approval in June.

The board received 3 policies for a first reading review: 709 Student Transportation Safety, 806 Crisis Management, 950 Public Data and Data Subject Requests. Please refer to the district website to reference these policies. There were no questions or discussion regarding these policies.

Superintendent Elstad gave the Administrative Report. He recognized Representative John Petersburg who was present at the meeting, stating that he’s never worked with a representative that’s worked as hard as he has for our community and our students. Representative Petersburg is retiring soon. Thank you for your dedication and work! In addition, Elstad noted that he will be giving a more detailed legislative update next month.

Lori Volz director of finance, and the finance team were also recognized for a recent award, “Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.” Thank you, Ms. Volz and team, for high quality work on our challenging budget!

Elstad recognized our senior student as well, noting his diligence, thoughtful and conscientious work.

The consent agenda was approved including minutes from the previous 2 meetings, the April disbursement reports, and the personnel report.

Seven additional votes were approved by 7-0 vote:

1. Resolution relating to the termination and non-renewal of the teaching contract of probationary teachers (a separate form indicated the teachers this referred to).
2. New student school board representative (as noted above), previously selected through interviews with high school staff, the superintendent, chair and vice chair.
3. Policy revisions, second reading and approval: 618 Assessment of Student Achievement, 620 Credit for Learning, 621 Literacy and the READ Act, 624 Online Instruction, 630 Awards for Student Achievement
4. Reallocation of Compensatory Revenue for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year. Compensatory revenue is based on the free/reduced lunch student count and is funding to support educational needs of these students. The district is allowed to take 20% of this funding and move it to another school. With this approval, the district can take this funding and hire school counselors so every school in the district will have its own counselor.
5. Compensation and Benefits for Individual Cabinet Employees. The district has 6 employees in its leadership cabinet that are not part of any collective bargaining group. The board recently received the proposed salary and benefits package which was approved at this meeting.
6. Extended trip request for Spanish students to travel to Peru in 2025 through Education First tours. Details are yet to be determined, pending the number of students participating.
7. Gifts to the district, specifically several donations for the OHS Color Run organized by student group Thriving Minds. This group of students is the largest growing student organization at OHS with a goal to raise awareness of suicide and its prevention.

Lastly, our senior student noted the OHS Magnet student publication earned national recognition for the 15th year in a row for its excellence. Thank you Magnet students and Ms. Wagner!

Last day of school is June 5, 2024.

OHS Commencement June 7, 2024 at the new Federated Football Stadium, 7pm. Two empty chairs will be placed, and honorary degrees will be given for the 2024 graduates who passed away in 2021 and 2024. Peace and prayers for those families.

Congratulations 2024 graduates!

Soli Deo Gloria

Just a quick note before I post on last Monday’s board meeting.

First, to the family of Olivia Flores… there are no words. I am so very sorry and my heart breaks for you. Many prayers are lifted for you all. Please be in touch if I can do anything to help you. (ehedlund@isd761.org 651-216-9455)

In addition to this sad news was the request to have remembrance chairs at the graduation ceremony for both Olivia and Dylan (who passed away in 2021). As stated by Superintendent Elstad in the People’s Press article this week, the school board was not part of this process. Actually, I had no idea that students had made a request and presented a petition to Principal Kath until I read this in the newspaper. The board had received one email from a parent suggesting that a memorial chair honoring these students was included with the rest of the graduates. This is the only communication we had received indicating that there may be a concern or suggestions from the community.

There have been so many sad stories recently and many of us are hurting in some way. I take solace in knowing that this world in not my home and our trials are but for a time. King Jesus is my Savior and Heaven is my home, I hope that you know the same Savior and have this hope for eternity.

Secondly, there are rumors on social media. I have confirmed with Principal Kath that the students of Owatonna High School have not been told that they cannot wear clothing with the American flag. In addition, students are allowed to pray in school if desired (so long as it does not disrupt the classroom learning environment.) If parents and community members have concerns about something in the schools, please reach out to the teacher, principal, or Superintendent Elstad for verification and understanding.

I appreciate the kind words and support in chatting with some of you over the last several months.

Up next, the regular board meeting update.

Our meeting began at 5:30pm with a Special Session in order to approve the personnel report. With summer approaching, there are several position changes that needed to be approved.

Immediately following the quick Special Session, the work session began. OMS principal, Mrs. Mattson, presented an update regarding our middle school. First, some interesting statistics: 987 students, 23% are receiving special services (IEP or 504 plan), and 7.3% receive English Learning services. The school has approximately 113 staff including 66 full time teachers, 34 support staff, the remaining staff consists of counselors, social workers, and administration. She reported on highlights of the year including building trust, growth in academics and social/behavior skills, and the school’s Best Buddies and Unified PE programs that have been successful. They continue to work on reading interventions, READ Act training, and improving school climate and culture (including de-escalation and restorative practices). Upcoming changes include the SOAR program so that it is focused on academics for everyone instead of for only those students that need catch up time or help with schoolwork. They are looking to find root causes of absenteeism and finding ways to increase parent involvement.

Mrs. Mattson further discussed her research on the importance of creative play for students. While teaching in Norway, she experienced and observed, with her students, the benefits of creative play. All Norway students through 8th grade have one hour of mandatory play outdoors every day, dressing appropriately for any type of weather condition. She commented that our children today are often tied to screens (phones, video games, social media) and are attending many scheduled activities and sports. This leaves little time for creative play which is having a negative impact on behaviors and learning. There may be more time for creative play in the students’ future!

Next on the agenda was the review of the 3-year governance work plan, focusing on finishing up the 2023-2024 school year. No significant changes were made, but in reviewing the section on district policy, I asked the board to consider how we determine policy effectiveness. We receive the World’s Best Workforce presentation every November by our director of teaching and learning, but we have several other policies not related directly to academics (discipline, attendance, dress codes, electronic use, etc.) Superintendent Elstad noted that he is working with our data specialist, Ken Griswold, to form a composite data sheet with several different measures. This could possibly be included on the agenda of our summer board retreat, but Elstad noted that we’d have more accurate and updated data once the next school year begins (after 10/1 2024). No significant changes were made to the governance plan and the plan can be viewed as an attachment to the agenda on the district website under “school board meetings.”

Superintendent Elstad gave the quarterly action items update. He notes that the cybersecurity system is now in place and they continue to work on the family reunification plan should students have to be evacuated from any school building. The elementary school boundaries project is completed and the elementary schools recently had open house events to welcome students that are changing schools this fall. Ongoing work is being done for the Grow Your Own teacher programs.

Board forum began with an update from our student rep, noting that the Thriving Minds sponsored suicide prevention fundraiser in memorial of Dylan Lauwers will occur on 5/19/2024: https://www.southernminn.com/owatonna_peoples_press/community/owatonna-thriving-minds-organizes-dylan-lauwers-memorial-walk/article_44f8ead8-0eff-11ef-a155-5fce7b3d3a90.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1JNqFO30btJeM195Q_2nqxAc0P3Xf3bAgvmuDi-BySK3LMcKoVdOG4JoE_aem_AZOml54Gd2u0Mc_rhOWgXMF-IsguB7VSYD39UzcPzx60K2fJYavvBfPQN5mEkkN9toHcrxyMfnK66AmKUySgVAoH

Superintendent Elstad gave a brief legislative update noting that there may be a small amount of funding in upcoming legislation to assist in providing for the READ Act requirements. There is consideration for a civics requirement change and for a policy limiting cell phones for students (data is accumulating showing the significant negative impact on students’ overall health and wellness with increased cell phone use.) To assist with long term facilities maintenance, the district hired SiteLogIQ to evaluate and give guidelines for our buildings’ maintenance and overall upkeep. Lastly, he notes that they have been looking at research regarding a 4-day school week. He states that because of the high stress workloads that students endure, there are noted benefits, and some districts have already made this change. My thoughts…consider keeping the 5-day school week but include one hour of time for creativity or mandatory play outside as they do in Norway… or consider limiting students’ activities/sports involvement. Some of our students are participating in 5++ extracurricular activities. I’d love to see more time and space for schoolwork and learning, more time for creativity, less screen/phone time, with participation in SOME sports and activities.

A plan is in motion to schedule an August board retreat and also a fall retreat to review the data composite sheet noted above.

Coffee with the Superintendent is open to the public on Friday 5/17/2024 at 8:30am in the district office on Bridge Street.

Next board meeting is TUESDAY MAY 28, 2024 at the district office on Bridge Street.

This is a big topic with layers upon layers of information and understanding. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is everywhere if not in every single school across the country in some way, shape or form. So, what is it and why do some people have concerns?

The concept of SEL started influencing schools in the mid 1990s. In essence, SEL is a skill development program that helps students regulate their emotions, develop and sustain healthy relationships, and make decisions that will benefit them and the community that we all live and work and play in. The Minnesota Department of Education states that SEL is “a central strategy for bullying prevention and school climate improvement.” (https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/safe/social/ ) Given this information alone, most everyone would agree that this is a good thing for our students and their overall development.

Then we start pulling back the layers of what SEL may include, where it’s leading, and what the future could possibly hold. I suspect that many school staff and teachers and parents do not know what could be embedded in these layers because on the surface, SEL sounds positive. It’s my understanding that SEL concepts are incorporated into teachers’ professional development and school’s curriculum; therefore, it’s incorporated into many aspects of a student’s education each day. Owatonna Public Schools has its SEL programs including PBIS, MTSS, and Caring School Community (https://sites.google.com/isd761.org/k-5-curriculum-and-instruction/social-emotional-learning). The Caring School Community program is based on the CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) framework (https://casel.org/). It is worth noting that CASEL is funded, in part, by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Fetzer Institute, and the Zuckerberg Institute.

So, what is the concern with SEL? A few of the prominent concepts of CASEL’s SEL is awareness of self and others, and self-management. More defined, this is mindfulness. I teach my children about being mindful in that they should be aware of their surroundings and be respectful of others near them. However, mindfulness can include meditative practice which is based off Hindu or Buddhist beliefs, or New Age concepts and practices. For example, many schools have incorporated yoga into classes (including Owatonna), which is a religious meditative practice. Thus, one can see how the basic idea of self-awareness and emotional regulation can easily take a turn toward something that some parents do not want for their children. How and where do we draw the line in public school?

There is concern that word and concept definitions we learned in the past are now being redefined. This allows for surface level understanding of SEL which is positive, but a deeper dive reveals phrasing and practices many are not aware of. There is evidence that SEL is based on Critical Theory. “Critical theory, a Marxist-inspired movement in social and political philosophy originally associated with the work of the Frankfurt School” (https://www.britannica.com/topic/critical-theory). Most of us have heard of one aspect of Critical Theory called Critical Race Theory (CRT), but it also includes Critical Gender Theory. James Lindsay is known as a CRT expert, and he explains his concerns here in a 14-minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy_1CPDimfI. The Child Protection League explains what is MTSS and SEL, including how and why this is based on Marxism: https://cplaction.com/sel/. Therefore, the concern is that while the words to describe SEL sound positive, the underlying messages children learn may focus too much on New Age concepts, Eastern religious practices, divisive teachings that put too much focus on differences of gender, race, and religion, and even lean toward a Marxist way of thinking. As I’ve noted before, schools should be a safe neutral place for all who are working and learning there, and these concepts may only be making it worse.

Because the US Federal Government and the State of Minnesota regulate public school education, there are many statutes that our schools must follow. Our school district policies are based on these statutes. Many government funding sources (including grants) are tied to programs related to academic requirements, SEL, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Therefore, we have to be careful so that we follow the law, while also recognize that the district may lose funding if we decide to give up a program.

Ultimately, we need to decide how much public schools can and should do beyond the academic learning and structure. Most would agree that when a child is emotionally dysregulated, they are not going to learn well or behave well. This is true for any of us, no matter the stress (family, work, illness, learning disability, etc). SEL could be equated to a form of therapy, and I hope we can agree that we all do not need therapy every day. (Sometimes a good distraction from a problem is a needed break!) Furthermore, do we need to treat all children as if they are dysregulated every day? Many parents believe that social emotional learning should be first taught at home, but then to also work together with teachers and school staff as needed.

On another level, we are now seeing the incorporation of “community schools” in some cities. These neighborhood schools are offering more and more services to children including nutrition, health, dental, counseling, and others (https://www.nea.org/student-success/great-public-schools/community-schools?utm_medium=paid-search&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=community-schools&utm_content=&ms=ads-community-schools-se&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw3NyxBhBmEiwAyofDYZeksY15VLYjR9Ms0nu0z3oXyM4Uf-ww91PoOIwCKAZEyF1cQu3evxoCkt0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds ). However, some are concerned that this concept is giving too much authority to the government and thereby taking it away from parents (https://frontline.news/post/white-house-funding-community-schools-that-aim-to-replace-parents?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2BsQP1C8aX0juHXH3NNczTCdPZhJgb9tp9LrQ-NKDLHB7Il_R2J6YAJ-Y_aem_ASb98zJ9D6zrN5ZHVT2qrT2IV_z8JL36uNILl4UqauD9j8EOaj4cHwjE6fNVDhD4iA5f3Sx1QbcoWdWC7QYp8dzd ).

Anyone working in a school would likely agree that schools should help children and families when they can by providing outside resources for public health, social services, financial assistance, housing, etc. However, should the public schools be providing these services within the boundary of the school and with its own funding? There are only so many hours and dollars for a school day; we need to remind ourselves and ask, “What is the goal of public education?” If, in fact, most of our students are struggling with emotional dysregulation, behavior issues, learning problems, respect for self and others, etc., then we as a society have work to do (and this is not the school’s job.) We need to get to the root of the problem so that our children can go to school and learn academics and skills they need to be “college and career ready,” functioning as responsible adults. I have my own theories about why our children are struggling and why our special needs numbers are rising, but that’s for another time.

Parents Defending Education (https://defendinged.org/about/) is an organization that is working to “reclaim schools” and believes, “Our classrooms should include rigorous instruction in history, civics, literature, math, the sciences, and the ideas and values that enrich our country,” rather than, “impose ideologically driven curriculum with a concerning and often divisive emphasis on students’ group identities: race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender.” A local organization, Minnesota Parents Alliance is working to assist parents in engaging their local schools with a goal “to effectively and efficiently channel the momentum of the parent movement into positive and lasting changes for education in Minnesota.” (https://minnesotaparents.org/about/)

Parents are given the natural authority to care for, teach, and raise their children in the ways and values they desire. Public schools are given the responsibility to help parents teach their students. Schools should not have the sole responsibility for raising our children. As I have stated before, I believe that we have dedicated hard working teachers in our schools. I believe that we have administration that truly want what is best for our children. However, we all have to be aware of the slippery slopes around and within our communities. Social Emotional Learning has been interwoven into our schools. We must have an awareness and always be able to ask questions. We must learn and remember from world history so that we do not make the same mistakes over again (https://lettertotheamericanchurch.com/).

Soli Deo Gloria.

Our school board evening began at 5pm at the Chambers board room with a ceremonial opening of the time capsule that was found in the cornerstone of the old high school 1921 building. With much anticipation, yet having no idea what if anything was still in the metal box, many people gathered to witness history revealed. The event was captured on video which you can view on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH0Dx69uJMg. Upon opening the box in the presence of Superintendent Elstad, Principal Kath, and all school board members, we were each able to show a piece of material found in the box. Contents were all papers including newspapers, club information, high school information, and various documents dated 1920 or earlier. Items from the time capsule will be preserved and eventually displayed for the public to view.

Our regular board meeting then began at 5:30pm. Superintendent Elstad recognized the Owatonna high school students who sang the national anthem at the Governor’s State of the State address recently given at our own OHS. In addition, one student was able to interview one on one with Governor Walz and represented Owatonna well. I was able to hear the singing of the national anthem and it was beautiful!

No comments for public forum.

The board received a presentation from Dr. Sarah Knudsen and Rhynda Dulas with highlights from our Special Education department. Starting with statistics, Dr. Knudsen noted that there is an increased need for special education services as the number of qualifying students has increased, now 20% of our student body. She notes that some of these students are open enrolled because of all the services drawing families to OPS. Highlights over the last year include:

1. A new math intervention program for elementary students called Georgia Numeracy.

2. The Setting III Stride students will be dividing over 2 locations, Washington and McKinley, in order accommodate increased numbers of students.

3. Due to increased numbers of Setting III students in the Discovery program at Lincoln, they are adding this level of support at Wilson school also.

4. Completion of Para Certification: all para educators need to be certified to meet state and federal qualifications. Much time and effort was spent helping our paras complete these requirements.

5. Special Education Leadership Team: developed as an advisory committee for the district with input for general education programming and staff development and IEP development plans.

6. Caseload and workload analysis for our speech language pathologists and social workers to help with staffing decisions and ensure equity and consistency across all schools of the district.

7. Using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to determine strengths and gaps in the system; programming used called Teach to Heal; improving consistency across the district with services and resources.

8. Ongoing growth with our Grow Your Own program for teacher apprenticeships and special education teachers.

9. PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System) and Work Based Learning: works with high school students in Special Education to guide and teach multiple skills for future work beyond high school, giving opportunities for internships in the community that can result in future employment.

Dr. Knudsen has been busy in her first school year working in OPS, thank you Dr. Knudsen and Rhynda! Please contact them if you have concerns or questions.

The enrollment report is reviewed, and it is noted that Lincoln’s average kindergarten class size is now above the recommended size guideline given by the board. Superintendent Elstad noted that this was due to recent community growth. This reiterates why it was necessary to adjust the elementary attendance boundaries and this change will improve next year’s class sizes.

Our student representatives began board forum with updates from the high school. Our speech team sent 8 students to the state speech meet and preparations are underway for the Big 9 Select performance. A facilities committee meeting update was given, and the remodeling of the C plaza and new district offices is on budget and on time with an expectation to move into the new space this July. Chair Sebring recognized Superintendent Elstad for his award received last Saturday from the Faribault community as they celebrated distinguished alumni. I took the time to comment on the Wilson Elementary Spring Concert that we attended last week. We listened to the children sing about colors, in particular the red red robin that goes bop bop boppin’ along, and the yellow submarine, made complete with enthusiastic children blowing into their kazoos! The program was classic and I loved it. Thank you Mrs. Dant and the student intern that has been working with her! (I may have been biased because I was watching my second grader perform!)

Superintendent Elstad continues to stay involved in legislation regarding education. Students are completing their spring MCA tests in all schools. There is work being done to organize a new safety transportation committee. Please contact SI Elstad if interested.

The policy committee met in March and April and have given board members a list of updated policies to review for a first reading: 618, 620, 621, 624, 630 (renumbered from 621). I noted that policy 616 was reviewed by the committee in March and April, with no particular comments about the policy and it is not on our list for review. Mrs. Weisenburger noted that this policy is still a work in progress and will be brought to the board in the future when revisions are complete.

Of note, the policy referenced above is 616 SCHOOL DISTRICT SYSTEM ACCOUNTABILITY and can be viewed on the district website as with all policies. This policy is particularly interesting to me as statute states the school board is responsible to superintend and manage the schools of the district (MN Statute 123B.09 subd 8) and the board’s authority to govern, manage, and control the district, carry out duties and responsibilities, and conduct the business off the district includes implied powers (MN Statute 123B.02 subd 1). Therefore, final accountability seems to also rest with the board. We need data and information in order to know if our governance, policies, budget, and programs are working to accomplish our goals–which is, ultimately, to help our children grow into adulthood with skills, knowledge, and integrity. This data should come from student assessments, teachers, principals and administration, parents, and community members that will eventually employ our students. More to come on this!

The consent agenda was approved including minutes from past school board meetings on 3/18/2024 and 4/8/2024, the disbursement reports from February and March, and the personnel report.

Several votes were taken and all passed 7 – 0.

1. Superintendent Elstad is authorized to act as the Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for OPS 761. This is required annually by the state and authorizes him to access the State of MN Education secure websites.
2. Approval of the contract with a prime vendor that supplies most of our school food and all USDA commodity foods; only one bid was received, from Upper Lakes Foods, and the contract gives the option for up to 4 one-year renewals.
3. Approval of a farm lease agreement with FFA. Our director of finance Lori Volz presented the lease agreement for approval, noting that the school owns 40 acres of farmland east of Turtle Creek Nursery. MN Dept of Education has advised that the district lease the land to FFA who would then have an agreement with a farmer. This gives FFA the flexibility to manage the property as they deem fit.
4. Approval of the district’s health and dental insurance plans, which is a self-insured plan and should keep the rate increases minimal for employees. There is a 3% increase in rates for health plans and no increase for dental plans.
5. Approval of gifts to the district adding up to thousands of dollars donated for our students. Lists of donors can be viewed on the district website, under school board meetings, and agenda review. Thank you to our generous community.

Upward and onward Owatonna! Keep moving forward!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Hello all. Just wanted to share this article about an acquaintance of mine from the Anoka-Hennepin school district– which I believe may be the biggest school district in Minnesota. The changes he desires to make in the school district and the response from the district is typical among many districts, including Owatonna’s school district.

From The American Experiment:

https://www.americanexperiment.org/school-board-member-throws-down-the-gauntlet-in-anoka-hennepin/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2leO7oPT3EuzzIaClU3bE_36e9IyErNQOh7AyB1XuOGjHabtSiih6Xo5I_aem_Adn7A4J_BWl251ooyyGPFifSr-t6jHItvOP-7kvof9oe8tcUaQRcQSnW7R5-XTBeMVkGXNwTBidwKHyzf2viNj64

Working within the law is key and necessary (goes without saying), while yet making independent decisions for our children and families to best that we can is of utmost importance. If we are truly independent school districts, we should have some capability and flexibility to do what’s best for our children and yet remain in the bounds of state law.

Thank you Matt, for your tenacity and leadership.

Our April work session began on time at 5:30pm at the Chamber Board Room. After the call to order and Pledge of Allegiance, Ann Mikkalson started the work session with an update for the Owatonna Online Program. The online program is attracting a lot of attention from cities all across Minnesota due to its full-service programming that includes special education and social work services. The program offers flexibility for families, excellent access to teachers, and high standards for education.

Ms. Mikkalson reviewed several areas of focus for our K-12 online students, plus the work that teachers are doing through Professional Learning Communities that help with collaboration and maintaining consistency. Owatonna is working closely with other school districts to help guarantee successful partnerships.

Superintendent Elstad noted his gratitude for all the great work that Ms. Mikkalson has done with the online program, and that she is moving on at the end of the school year to take a position as a principal in a small southern MN school district. Congratulations and best wishes Ms. Mikkalson!

Kris Busse, the city administrator, presented the annual report for the 2023 year as given by the Owatonna Partners for Economic Development (OPED) https://owatonnadevelopment.com/ . OPED promotes development, unity, and collaboration for existing and new Owatonna businesses, housing, industry, project development, and helping students connect with local businesses for internships, job shadowing, work experiences and as future employees. Superintendent Elstad meets weekly with the OPED civic leaders.

The Owatonna Area Business Development Center presentation by Sean Williams will be rescheduled for a future meeting.

Board forum began with our student rep noting the Speech team sections meet this week Thursday. The Robotics team has partnered with the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Our schools have begun MCA testing. Chair Sebring commended the OMS Orchestra and their conductor for their recent service providing orchestra music in several senior centers in the area. A great experience for our students and local senior citizens to be able to enjoy one another’s company and contribute to Owatonna’s safe and caring community.

Superintendent Elstad gave several updates. He continues to closely monitor and stay up to date with MN legislation as it affects education. There are two more upcoming administration changes including Ann Mikkalson as noted above. Another principal will be resigning at the end of the school year. While Mr. Elstad noted the name, I believe a formal announcement will be made in the future and the personnel report will be approved by the school board. He also notes the ongoing work with the elementary school boundary changes and has been working with families and discussing their questions. Overall, it appears that the community feels that the changes have been well communicated, allowing for adequate time and input to consider the many factors that needed to be included in the process. Mr. Elstad is preparing to put together some data of the district which will entail student assessment scores among other things, hoping to have this information for the school board August retreat. I would like to see the data that will tell us if our district policies are effective, which should ultimately prepare our students for adulthood including college or entering the workforce (data such as academic assessments, attendance rates, graduation rates, disciplinary issues, etc.) The school district will be an upcoming campaign leader for the United Way of Steele County which helps raise funding for various programs in the community https://www.unitedwaysteelecounty.org/. In the last few weeks, interviews were completed for the next student represenative to join the school board as a nonvoting member. The board usually has one junior student and one senior student. The position has been offered and accepted to a current sophomore and the board will meet him in May when we also say goodbye to our current senior student!

Just before the next board meeting on April 22, 2024, at 5pm, we will be opening the time capsule that was found in the bricks of the 1921 building. Finding the capsule was a surprise and therefore no one knows what, if anything, is still there. This event is open to the public so please feel free to join us at the Chamber Office board room at 5pm on 4/22/2024!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Our regular school board meeting began at 5:30 in the City Chamber board room as per usual. The board Chair, Mr. Sebring, added to the agenda under heading X. Items with board action requested; E. Achievement and Integration Grant due by 4/1/2024. Gifts to the district was retitled as F. The agenda was then approved.

Superintendent Elstad moved on to Mission Moment, recognizing Sean Hughes and Jeff Williams. Mr. Hughes is the district’s facility use specialist and OMS activity coordinator and works hard to keep things running and functioning and organized. Coach Williams is recognized as a favorite teacher at OHS and also congratulated for his entry into the MN Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, having 207 game victories and the most wins in coaching history. Thank you Mr. Hughes and Coach Williams for your dedication and hard work.

No comments for Public Forum.

Lori Volz, our Director of Finance and Operations, along with the district’s controller, Sarah Cramblit, presented the amended budget for 2023-2024. The budget can be reviewed through the attachment on the agenda: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1055?meeting=625296. The amended budget is based on actual numbers of employees hired vs. estimated numbers from the previous budget, plus the final settlements with bargaining units. The amended budget also includes increased enrollment numbers, interest earnings, increased special education funding, unemployment and utility costs, among many other adjustments. The finance team worked hard to find the maximum amount of grant money and funding streams possible. Lori Volz commented that this year’s budget was the most complex that she’s ever had to work with. The bottom line, according to Ms. Volz, is that the budget is sitting in a good place and the unassigned fund balance remains at 12.4%. The recommended unassigned fund balance is 8-10% and anything higher than that is better. While many districts in Minnesota are struggling, OPS is doing well, in part, because we were careful with the additional COVID funding received over the last few years. Therefore, as this funding now goes away, we do not have budget cuts.

No major changes or discussion regarding the Enrollment Report.

A brief note by board members during Board Forum to report that both the facility and finance committees met last week, and the policy committee will meet this week. Since I wasn’t able to attend the finance committee meeting, I met personally with Lori Volz and Sarah Cramblit to review the amended budget at a separate time.

Superintendent Elstad gave the Administrative Report. He noted that they will soon be creating a transportation safety committee with about 10-12 members. Governor Walz will be giving the State of the State address at the Owatonna High School Wenger Performing Arts Auditorium on March 26, 2024. This will only be the 12th time in Minnesota history that the address has been given outside of the state capitol. Timothy Massawe will be attending our work session in April as a thank you for the donations to Tanzania. For a legislative update, Mr. Elstad noted that the SRO bill was signed and gives more clarity for all school officers so they can do the work needed and keep the schools safer. Lastly, Mr. Elstad announced that the district has hired 2 new principals. As of July 1, 2024, Justin Lang will be the Lincoln School principal and Martina Wagner will be the principal of the ALC.

The consent agenda was approved including previous school board meeting minutes and the personnel report.

Finally, the board voted and approved 6 items:

1. 2023-2024 Amended Budget as presented earlier in the meeting.
2. Resolution relating to the termination and non-renewal of the teaching contract of probationary teachers. The letter is an annual review, plus a review of attachment A given at the meeting, which lists the staff/teachers affected this year. My additional commentary: I find it interesting that this letter states that the school board resolves to terminate the employment contract and that the receiver may request from the school board reasons for non-renewal of the contract. However, I am given only names of those staff whose contracts are terminated on the night of this meeting with no discussion or explanation for why we are approving termination. Management or governance? Seems more of a management decision to me… but it’s statute, so that’s the way it is. I’m sorry if I voted yes on this and hurt anyone in the process simply because I do not know anything about these terminations and I have no explanation for why they occurred. I’m often reminded that school boards are for governance… well, except when the state statutes tell us we have to manage.
3. Attendance boundaries model 2C-AB-2-1 including implementation for the 2024-2025 school year, with the following 3 exceptions: Setting III Special Education, Families In Transition (homelessness), and incoming fifth graders that do not have younger siblings.
4. 2025-2026 School Year Calendar, noting that Homecoming for the fall 2025 has not been scheduled yet as the football schedule has not been determined.
5. Achievement and Integration Grant which covers the Rising Scholars program, REACH program, Success Coaches, and oversight administration, with no significant changes.
6. Gifts to the district including a variety of funding for music, sports, school trips and school events. Thank you Owatonna community for your ongoing generosity for our kids!

Students spring break begins March 22, 2024 and ends March 31, 2024.

Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent April 5, 2024, 8:30-9:30am, at the district office on Bridge Street. Anyone can attend!

Good Friday March 29,2024 and Resurrection Sunday March 31, 2024, Jesus Is Alive!

Take care friends. Soli Deo Gloria.

Monday’s meeting began with a Special Session in order to complete 2 votes, both of which were approved 6-0. The first was the approval of the 2023-2025 salary and benefits agreement with the Owatonna Principals’ Association and for the Chair and Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the school board. The second was the approval of the 2023-2025 salary and benefits agreement with Owatonna Nutrition Services staff and for the Chair and Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the school board. Meeting adjourned.

Immediately following the Special Session, we proceeded to the work session agenda. The first item was a presentation by Washington Elementary School’s principal Libby Zeman and a few of the staff at the school including a kindergarten teacher, the teaching and learning coach, the speech pathologist, and the new math interventionist. The school is working on “Celebrating All” through team engagement, literacy and math developments, the Best Buddies program, and ensuring students feel valued. Our K-2 teachers are working through Functional Phonics, and the school has the addition of a Reading Corp Tutor volunteer that has been working with 37 students one-on-one (17 of whom have exited the program). The math interventionist is doing small group work with students which is helping them grow, learn, and enjoy math work. The Best Buddies program pairs students with students that are in the STRIDE program (student with disabilities.) They meet monthly for activities and can continue the relationship into middle school and high school if desired. Staff have used survey data to encourage student engagement and a feeling of being valued at school. This includes reinforcing listening skills and showing kindness, buddy activities, celebrations, class projects and dress up days (as determined by the student council.)

Superintendent Elstad reiterated the recent steps taken to ensure the best decision possible for the changes in elementary attendance school boundary lines. The input team has met twice and the design team is drawing up conclusions. The board will be given the final presentation in one week at the Regular Meeting 3/18/2024.

Lots of information shared during Board Forum. Our student reps discussed Speech Team meets, with Owatonna recently earning first place at our home meet, with 2 upcoming meets this week. Robotics is traveling to Iowa for competition, and there will soon be an interview for the Rotary sponsored leadership camp. Our students are looking forward to spring break beginning March 22 through March 31! Also discussed was the recent visit by educators from Japan who toured our schools with Dr. Meagher. They are especially interested in our STEM and STEAM programs–WOW–from Japan to Owatonna, Minnesota!

The Facilities committee met and continue to report construction is “on budget and on time” for the new district office remodel project at the old C plaza. The demolition crew is working to recycle whatever materials they can from the old buildings, and there is some preparation for the possible sale of the current district buildings on Bridge Street and Rose Street. The Owatonna Education Center is making final preparations to house the WeePals daycare beginning in April and likely ending in November.

Superintendent Elstad gave a legislative update briefly discussing the SRO amendment which has passed through the House and is currently pending the Senate vote. There is also discussion of the READ Act 2.0 which may allow for some funding for the programs required. Soon, there will be announcements introducing our new ALC principal and our new Lincoln School principal, both to begin employment this summer (I believe).

Lastly, we viewed a short video showing the completion of a project that Mr. Elstad states began about 2 years ago. The video revealed the packing and loading and delivering of some tables and chairs from the old Owatonna high school to schools in Tanzania. So very heartwarming to see these children in Tanzania, all in uniform, sitting in the chairs from OHS!

Reminder: the next school board meeting is in ONE week, 3/18/2024, due to upcoming spring break March 22-31, 2024.

Enjoy Spring!