Margo reminded me that Saturday November 11th is Veterans Day. In the midst of planning a November birthday celebration, plus Thanksgiving plans, I wasn’t thinking about Veterans Day. Maybe it’s because I’m not a veteran, but it’s not that I don’t think it’s important. My stepfather was a Marine, my father-in-law and cousin are Army veterans, and my uncle struggled with PTSD after serving in Viet Nam. Margo is my coworker who has suffered negative repercussions from her service to our country. The week leading up to Veterans Day is difficult for her due to devastating memories. I had no idea, but I’m so glad that she shared this with me.
In thinking about Veterans Day, I always thought of it as a positive affirmation for those who sacrificed for our freedoms, not realizing that it would be so difficult for some. Then, while listening to the radio this week, I’d heard someone talk about how people just minimally show up for the Veterans Day parade or events. In addition, there are rumblings in various communities about our young people not being grateful for our American freedoms, and not even understanding how they came about in the first place.
As we hear about acceptance, respect, and kindness for everyone in our community, I simply ask that we continue to remember and honor our soldiers. Express gratitude for the sacrifices they made, and continue to make, while remembering that there are often pains that we can’t see but which last a lifetime. Honoring our United States flag is honoring veterans. Teaching our children about the personal devastation of war and freedom’s defense helps them to learn compassion and empathy, plus thankfulness. This can help them to gain appreciation for our country, and pride for our American flag and freedoms. Help us stand together as Americans.
Jesus stated, “…every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25. Even if you do not believe what the Bible teaches, this makes sense.
Thank you veterans. Many are remembering and honoring, you do not stand alone!
Reminder, the next school board meeting is November 13, 2023 at the new location in the City’s Chamber office, 540 West Hills Circle at 5:30pm. There will be a presentation regarding The World’s Best Workforce (https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/wbwf/) which includes guided goals from the state:
“School boards that govern districts and charter schools are required to develop comprehensive, long-term strategic plans that address the following five WBWF goals:
1.All children are ready for school.
2.All racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed.
3.All students are ready for career and college.
4.All students graduate from high school.
Note: Due to legislative changes, third grade reading is no longer a WBWF goal area as of the 2023–24 school year.“
The next Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent is Friday December 1, 2023 at the district office 515 W. Bridge Street, door 1, 8-9am. Anyone in the community is invited to attend.
I hope you smile and make memories this weekend. Take care.
***Yesterday when I wrote this post, I forgot to mention the passing of Cindy Voss, a beloved paraprofessional who worked in our district. I didn’t know Cindy, but I’ve heard wonderful things about her; she was loved by many and will be greatly missed. I’m so sorry for this loss and I pray for comfort for all those that knew her.
Our regular school board meeting began at the district office at 5:30pm. After the call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda, Superintendent Elstad used Mission Moment to recognize our schools’ principals and assistant principals. He noted that October is principal appreciation month and they are “the glue that make this operation run.” I have no doubt that our principals work very hard, care for our children, and make many difficult decisions for our students. Thank you to all of our principals!
A community member used public forum to share her thanks to the board and district leadership for the new high school, the technology, the services, the programs, and opportunities that Owatonna students have. It is much appreciated to hear good news… thank you!
A few comments were made during board forum. The policy committee continues to review our policies. The finance committee is working to set up meetings for November and December. The City Chambers space should be available for our next board meeting in November. Governor Walz visited Owatonna for pheasant hunting opener. This is Red Ribbon week, sponsored by SHOC, which is a student organization that helps educate our students about the dangers of drug use. National Honor Society sponsored a blood drive. The high school newspaper (Magnet) led by Mrs. Wagner, was given a second-place award for the best school newspapers in the state. I asked our student board representatives if there were any rumblings or discussions among students regarding the attacks on Israel. They noted that there seems to be an awareness of what’s going on, but no concerns for arguments, safety, or classroom conversations at this time. Mr. Elstad noted that while our district never condones violence, we do not typically make any statements regarding international news.
Mr. Elstad gave the Administrative Report, confirming that the new City Chambers space should be available to us for our next board meeting and there will be a ribbon cutting at the space soon. He is preparing for the State of the School address which will be virtual again this year as this seems to work best for most people. The Learn and Earn team continues to work developing the Owatonna Scholarship which will give students the opportunity to earn college courses at Riverland at no cost. The goal is to have this available in 2025. He is planning to meet with our state legislators to discuss financial assistance and the new unfunded mandates. Our community education director is working to formalize a plan for the public to use the walking track at the high school. There will be 2 upcoming open house opportunities at the new high school: November 2, 2023 which is the opening night of the fall play, and November 14, 2023 which is the All Bands concert, both are 5-7pm. Online registration is advised for these and is available on Facebook and the New High School link on the district website.
The consent agenda was approved which includes the minutes from the previous 2 meetings, the disbursement reports, and the personnel report.
The board approved 3 items in 7-0 votes:
policy revisions for policies 513, 514, 524, 602
MSHSL Form A Resolution: this is financial assistance through a grant which helps cover student activity fees
Gifts to the district: specifically recognizing the Music Boosters of Owatonna and Jersey Mike’s, but also other donations that helped with homecoming.
NEXT board meeting: November 13, 2023 at the City Chambers office! In preparation for the upcoming World’s Best Workforce presentation next month, I have been reviewing the proficiency reports on the Minnesota Report Card. These are based on MCA scores. There has been a lot of confusion about whether or not students that opt out of MCA testing negatively impacts our proficiency rates. The Minnesota Department of Education has confirmed that opting out does not negatively affect the MN Report Card statistics (though it does affect the North Star accountability system).
Owatonna Public Schools district 2023: Math 46.7%, Reading 48.3%, Science 29%
Owatonna High School 2023: Math 37.2%, Reading 55.5%, Science 32.6%
Due to public request, there will be a formal hearing on the social studies standards. The hearings are scheduled for November 8, 2023, 6-8pm and November 9, 2023 1-4:15pm. You can find the links to join these hearings at The American Experiment website https://www.americanexperiment.org/tell-it-to-the-judge-raise-our-standards/
An interview you may find interesting recently took place the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The series is called Dialogue Across Difference and is hosted by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. The guest was the Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and she discusses the topic “Parents Matter” and how they are working with parents in Virginia to improve academics and schools. The interview is about 1 hour long, but you can listen at 1.25-1.5x speed and still enjoy the interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWnLc1bYueU
The next Coffee with the Superintendent of Owatonna Public Schools is October 26, 2023, 8-9am, at the district office, 515 West Bridge Street, Door #1. Anyone can attend to ask questions and discuss what’s going on in the district. If you’d like to get more information like this from the district, you can sign up for the e-newsletter https://www.isd761.org/our-district/news/e-newsletter-and-press-releases
On the sidelines for school board work, as a parent I have questioned a few library books, and used the resource form that is listed on the school district website under policy 606 to bring those questions and concerns to the media specialist: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1657734918/owatonnak12mnus/egcv54ngk3fuo7pqdzxy/606FormRe-EvaluatingaResource2022.pdf One of the books I had concerns about was in the middle school library, the other was in the high school library, and after review by the media specialist and the review committee, both books are now only in the high school library. The books are: Sold by Patricia McCormick published in 2006 and Tricks by Ellen Hopkins, published in 2009. As of now, our schools book selection is guided by policy 606. Our media specialist director explained the protocol to me for choosing library books:
Each media center selects materials and resources that support, enrich, and help implement the educational philosophy of the OPS district.
Considerations are based on recommendations from faculty, staff, students, reviews in reputable media resources, material previews from vendors and publishers, and by subject knowledge and expertise of the District Media Specialist.
Selection of materials and resources is based on the evaluation of the existing collection, curriculum requirements, and the diverse needs of the students and staff.
That’s all for now. Next regular school board meeting is 10/23/2023!
The school board met at the district office for the work session at 530pm. One of our student representatives was absent but all other members attended. The majority of the meeting was spent listening to and discussing the 2023-2024 Operational Plan Update given by each of our district’s cabinet members. Much detailed information was presented and I’ll do my best to explain it here. However, please clarify and ask questions if something is not clear or sounds incorrect.
Human Resources director Chris Picha
We’ve had a substitute teacher shortage, by approximately 15 subs daily, but are starting a short-call substitute pilot program which will hopefully help, plus we are offering increased pay for sub teachers. Ideally, we could hire about 20 more substitute teachers to be able to meet all of our district’s needs. The district has a $750,000 grant for the Adult Pathways program to focus on increasing the number of teachers of color into our district. In addition, there is a teacher apprenticeship program in development which is a collaboration between Owatonna and Minneapolis school districts, and I believe this will benefit our Education Assistants and Paras. Mr. Elstad noted that the OEA (teacher’s union) supports this program. There will also be an Administrative Mentorship program. Another $750,000 is for the Student Pathways partnership for 10th-12th grade students and will offer a summer camp option. Regarding our “safe and caring community” strategic goal, we have developed a Threat Assessment Team which is for prevention of problems. These team members will take a course of study and pass a test. Lastly, Ms. Picha noted that due to new legislation this year, they are working through the complicated documents and requirements for Earned Sick and Safe Time and the updated unemployment processes with the subsequent impact this will have on the district (financial and staffing shortfalls are expected).
Teaching and Learning director Julie Sullivan
At the forefront, Mrs. Sullivan is working through the requirements for the recently passed READ Act, also noted to be an unfunded mandate from the State. There are three professional development courses, and our district will choose one for our teachers to work through. These courses can require 40 hours, and up to 144 hours, of additional training for our teachers. They are looking at options for incorporating this training into the already full work that our teachers are doing. There will be five curriculum options given to the district to choose from, and this is based on The Science of Reading. Currently, our K-2 students are starting the Functional Phonics program. Progress is already underway to meet the Science Standards and the team is looking ahead to the new Social Studies requirements and changes also recently updated by the State. They have developed an Artificial Intelligence study group to begin the discussions for how AI can and will change education in the future. Soon, our students and families will receive the Desired Daily Experiences survey that was designed and developed specifically for Owatonna. This will be the second year for using this survey, which offers quantitative data only. Results from last year can be found on the district website, as will this year’s results when they are finalized. Of note, next month the board will be presented with the annual World’s Best Workforce presentation which comes from the State with specific goals and measures.
Special Services director Sarah Knudsen
They are working on a grant application for $750,000 for special education teachers, with a goal to assist teachers in moving from the Tier 1-2 levels up to Tiers 3-4. The team is hoping to help fund 30 teachers in the area (I believe this is a collaboration and not just Owatonna). Ms. Knudsen is working to improve consistency in programs and systems alignment between all the schools, specifically improving the 504 plan process and practice. She is working to integrate services (social, emotional, behavioral, mental health) into the Multitiered Systems of Support. She continues to work with the STRIDE and Discovery programs, and with implementation of Life Space Crisis Intervention training and Teach to Heal. In addition, she is looking at possible alternatives to the Crisis Prevention Intervention training as well as implementing new legislation requirements regarding non-exclusionary discipline practices. This entails ensuring that students of color are receiving the same type and frequency of discipline as white students, essentially, equal discipline practices regardless of race.
Community Education director Deb McDermott-Johnson
We now have all four School Age Care sites up and running where previously we only had staffing for two. Adult Basic Education is now more simply Adult Education (AE) and we have national reporting standards for documentation of new skills, assessments, and participation rates. We have a Career Pathways/Integrated Education and Training model, adult learning center student leadership council, and implementation of the Southern MN Initiative Foundation inclusive and equitable entrepreneur grant. They are working on community engagement through utilizing the new walking track, driver’s education class, and 2050 Community Vision Alignment. In addition, she is working on a joint educational assistant/para position model, sharing of 504 plans and IEPs between departments, and Positive Discipline on child guidance strategies. I have some learning to do as I don’t fully know what all of these programs are! Mr. Elstad commented on how Owatonna’s community education excels because of the hard work and efforts from Ms. McDermott-Johnson.
Finance and Operations director Lori Volz
School finance is much more complicated now given the multitude of unfunded mandates and changes required by the State Legislature this year. Ms. Volz is analyzing funding streams and compensatory funding, with the change in requirements for spending. Ms. Volz noted the upcoming district boundary analysis to be completed with the Teamworks organization and the growth of the Online School program. Also mentioned was the Voluntary PreKindergarten expansion which was met with transportation challenges. However, they worked this out by obtaining a van for the district, plus using the Owatonna Bus Company and the Smart Bus. She noted that our funding from the COVID pandemic will end this year, but that additional legislative funding will help to balance this loss.
Facilities, Infrastructure and Security director Bob Olson
They are working to finalize an evacuation and reunification plan in the event that any school in Owatonna needs to be evacuated, a plan will be in place for parents and guardians to know where to find their children. The Raptor Alert system is in place for some of our schools with the goal to have all schools using it next year. The old high school building is now officially a construction site and the general public is no longer allowed inside for safety reasons. The asbestos abatement process has begun and is expected to take up to 3 months. The mass demolition is expected to begin in January 2024 with finalization of remodeling of the remaining spaces completed by July 2024. There will be district wide facility assessments in the future to help with planning and budgeting the Long Term Facilities Maintenance fund.
Before adjournment, Mr. Elstad noted that this weekend is the pheasant hunting opener and the governor will be in Owatonna for a tour and to visit the nature preserve at McKinley school!
Take care everyone. There are many challenges, hurts, and unexpected difficult life events happening for all of us. We must look for the helpers, and be a helper when we can.
The school board Regular Meeting started at 530pm at the district office on Bridge Street. As the meeting began, all members were given a laminated card, each side clarifying and asking the relevant questions:
Governance: Why? To what end? At what cost? Through what policies? (School board’s role)
Management: What? When? How will this get done? Who will be responsible for doing it? (Administration’s role)
Superintendent Jeff Elstad used Mission Moment to recognize student Carter Hanson as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Congratulations Carter and best wishes to you in all your future endeavors!
Mr. Elstad also gave an update on the Learn and Earn initiative which is connected with our district’s Career Pathways program. This is a new project funded by a $1 million grant, organized by a collaboration of the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce, Riverland Community College and ISD 761. The initiative includes the new Owatonna Scholarship and will help to fulfill Mr. Elstad’s vision of educating our pre-K through “grade 14” students. The class of 2024 will be the first class eligible to receive the new Owatonna Scholarship. More info on Career Pathways can be found here: https://ohs-reg-guide.weebly.com/pathways.html. If students are interested in the Owatonna Scholarship, they can talk to a teacher or principal at the high school.
The enrollment report was reviewed and again noted that Lincoln is over 100% capacity. Because of this, the board previously approved the Teamworks proposals on 8/28/2023 to address boundary lines and possible changes for the next school year to help with this.
During board forum I took the opportunity to make a statement to the board and noted this a few days ago in the previous blog post here. Since the board’s work seems to be focused on policy work, it seems reasonable to me that we need to be having respectful discussions as a whole board regarding topics of concerns or questions that any one of us as a parent, community member, or board member may have.
The first reading for policy revisions was reviewed for policies 513 (adds gifted and talented student provisions, early admissions), 514 (adds malicious and sadistic conduct prohibition, updates general policy statement and notice), 524 (adds cell phone provisions), and 602 (adds E-learning provisions).
Mr. Elstad gave the Administrative Report noting that the round-about on Bixby and 18th should be completed in early November, hopefully mitigating some of the traffic congestion on 18th Street. The auctions at the old high school building will be completed October 4th, with October 8th as the last day to pick up items. Then on October 9, 2023 the old buildings will officially be a construction site and the public will not be allowed in the buildings moving forward. Parents in the district will soon be notified of a 30-day window to comment on the updated Social Studies curriculum proposals. This is info organized by FAIR and can be found on their website: https://www.fairforall.org/join-us/
Minnesota K12 Social Studies Standards Instructions, artifacts and sources Deadline for comments: October 25, 2023 at 4:30pm Administrative hearing: November 8, 2023 6-8pm & November 9, 1-4:15pm (contingent upon receiving 25 requests for a hearing during the comment period) Statute that outlines how K12 Academic Standards must be established and reviewed: Minnesota Statutes 120B.021 Proposed replacement of the (2011) K12 Social Studies Standards: Final draft Instructions for comments and to request an administrative hearing: Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules MDE’s rulemaking page MDE’s justification for its proposal: Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR) p. 17 MDE’s summary of the history of academic standards in Minnesota p. 33 MDE’s summary of establishing the review committee p. 51 MDE’s summary of feedback received during drafting process p. 63 Itemized justifications for each of the 25 new standards
Mr. Elstad also noted that on October 10, 2023, at our next work session, we will be hearing some operational plan updates. Lastly, he noted that the open house at the new high school was a huge success with an estimated 5,000 people in attendance.
The Consent Agenda was approved including minutes from previous meetings, the disbursement report and the personnel report.
Several votes were taken:
Director of Special Services Sarah Knudsen noted that we have a $65,000 grant to cover social services in the district and the long-held agreement with Steele County Children’s Mental Health is due to be renewed. Vote passed 7-0.
Policy reading #2 with a vote to approve them (policies 102, 406, 410, 413, 414, 415, 419, 504, 506, 507, 509, 515, 522, 807, 901, 902, 905, 906) was met with discussion regarding transgender girls (biological males) playing sports with biological girls. Ms. Deborah Bandel raised concerns about the fairness of biological males playing with biological females. Comments were made about the guidelines and limits within our district’s membership in the MSHSL and with regard to the Title IX funding we receive. As I understand things at this time, our membership in the MSHSL requires us to allow transgender females to participate with biological females and to use restrooms and locker rooms of biological females. Title IX is a less clear on this topic. Title IX was put in place in the 1970s to prevent discrimination for females playing sports. However, in today’s era of various opinions regarding biological sex differing from gender identity, Title IX is not well defined… yet. I asked about clarity in our district as to the process of transgender students’ participation in sports. Mr. Elstad noted that there is a process to follow that does not allow for hasty decisions in this matter. At this time, I am not aware of any transgender students participating in sports or using locker rooms of their gender identity. I would appreciate more discussion on this topic, out of fairness to our female athletes that work so hard (as Deborah mentioned) and more specifically out of concern for the safety of all our students, on the field/court, in the restrooms, and in the locker rooms. The policies were approved 6-1.
Several other votes were taken and approved, and I will update the Decision Updates section with this information soon! This includes ratification and tentative agreement for custodial employees, preliminary tax levy certification, assurance of compliance report, extended trip requests for OMS students to Washington DC and FFA students to attend the National FFA Convention in Indiana, the old high school asbestos removal contract, and gifts to the district. Meeting adjourned.
Congratulations Huskies Football for their Homecoming WIN! I had so much fun in the homecoming parade with my boys Carson and Michael! I only wish we had more candy since we ran out 3/4 of the way through the parade. Noted for next year… !!
I’ll be writing a summary of tonight’s board meeting, but first I wanted to provide you with a copy of a statement I made tonight at the meeting…
I’ve been on the school board for 9 months, and during this time we’ve reviewed several policies. The policies are updated by the policy committee to reflect changes in laws, then we as a board read and approve them. Most, if not all, of our policies are copied from the MN School Board Association Model Policies guide.
I’ve been taught that the school board works on district governance and not district management. The board’s work is in policy, and I’ve been told that policies are meant to solve problems. I’ve also been taught that policies need to be carefully chosen and worded… first, to follow federal and state laws, and second, so that we do not open the door for any unfair or unjust perceptions or treatment.
In addition to solving problems, policy can serve as guidance and boundaries. One of the positive outcomes of having boundaries is prevention of problems, it is proactive. I’ve been told that our current board has never created new policy. At this point, I’m not sure that we need a new policy, but I do believe that we need to discuss topics that our community is concerned about. Then, out of those discussions, we can determine if new policy is needed, or current policy needs amending. Simply having me or any one person present an idea to the policy committee for consideration does not allow the full board to work collectively as it was meant to do. Also, I believe just a few board members having a discussion about a topic, is not fully utilizing the board in the way it was created to work. We are a collective group of 7 board members, with different perspectives, each of us representing constituents. We have more than 5000 students and adults walking through our school doors and hallways, each one of them with a personal perspective, belief system, political view, and moral foundation. We are allowed, and should have, these differences. As a public school district, it is our duty to welcome everyone into a safe environment. One of our strategic goals is to have a safe and caring environment.
The only way that all can feel welcome and safe is by remaining neutral in areas of ideologies and political views. With this in mind, I have concerns that our district does not have guidelines for the speech and displays within our schools. I’ve been told that our teachers can display things like signs and flags in the classrooms, as long as the teaching itself is not biased one way or another, and all aspects of a topic are taught. The constitutional right to free speech allows us as Americans to speak and display what we want in our personal spaces such as homes and vehicles, and even on our children. However, when working for a public entity that is funded by taxpayers and government, it is of utmost importance that we remain neutral. This neutrality needs to be reflected in speech, displays, and clothing while working as an Owatonna Public School employee and using the physical property of Owatonna Public Schools. Requiring our staff, teachers, and physical buildings to remain neutral in areas of ideologies, political views, religion and personal beliefs (including sexuality) does not violate the First Amendment Freedom of Speech rights. Other districts in Minnesota have taken a “viewpoint neutral” stance and I would like to see Owatonna Public Schools do the same. I request that the board have this discussion at a future school board meeting.
Governor Walz recently signed a new law regarding the use of restraints in Minnesota schools by School Resource Officers. Many have felt that this law is confusing, lacking clarity, and therefore places our SROs with too much dangerous liability. As a result, several school districts in Minnesota are now without any SROs.
In our last school board work session, I confirmed with our Superintendent, Mr. Elstad, that Owatonna Public Schools has been communicating on this topic with the Owatonna Police Department. There are no plans at this time to remove the SROs from Owatonna Public Schools. Currently, we have 2 officers, with the hope of someday adding a third.
Please let us know if you have any concerns, questions or comments!
The school board work session occurred on Monday September 11, 2023. Please take a moment to pause and remember 911, and talk about what happened to our country on that day. Thank you to all of those that have made significant sacrifices on that day and since that day.
The majority of the work session was spent reviewing and discussing the 3-year governance work plan and the school board’s role in district policy, annual operations oversight, unique operational oversight, board governance, superintendent relations, annual public engagement, and unique public engagement. We pulled forward topics and concepts from 2022-2023 that are reviewed annually and ongoing issues that take longer to complete, plus added topics that need to be addressed in the coming years. The edited and updated version will be sent to all board members In October and we will review this quarterly over the coming years. Each topic on the work plan will be brought to the agenda at some point over the coming year. I believe that the updated work plan will be available for public review when it is completed. Mr. Elstad agreed to write a quarterly report sent to board members updated with the plans and topics he’s working on that align with our district goals.
Alongside our review of the governance work plan, we reviewed our moral imperative as a school district. Our moral imperative is reflected by our mission statement: Inspiring excellence, every learner, every day. This is also revealed through our vision: Owatonna Public Schools inspires a community of learners with equitable access to high quality, innovative learning opportunities ensuring all students are college, career and life ready. Our core values are: build and nuture relationships, develop and maintain a growth mindset, and challenge the status quo. Our strategic directions are categorized into 4 groups: 21st century learners, safe and caring community, high quality teaching and learning, and equity (I’ve been told that equity in Owatonna does not mean equal outcomes).
The board agreed that it would be beneficial to connect our district policies with our strategic goals as a means to help us move forward in setting and reaching our goals as a district. This will also aid in determining policy effectiveness and where policy revisions may be needed or new policies created.
Mr. Elstad and Sarah are going to set up visits to the schools for all board members at various times over the coming months so that we can meet with principals and tour the schools again. One of the best, if not the best, aspects of this work is seeing the important work in action, the teachers, students and staff working together!
Keep an eye out for upcoming “Coffee with the Superintendent” which is a time for anyone to meet in a small group to discuss questions, concerns, and updates in the district with Mr. Elstad. This will be occurring every 4-6 weeks throughout the school year.
Board forum included updates from the facility committee. The new high school is up and running, no major setbacks or complications. They are working through final change orders and punchlist items. Phase I of the auction at the old high school is complete and Phase II is underway. Check out Grafe Auction https://www.grafeauction.com/ if you haven’t already. I clarified the application deadline for the District Curriculum Advisory Committee public applications was September 1, 2023. Our Teaching and Learning director confirmed that a recent article mistakenly reported the deadline was October 1, 2023 and another article accurately reported September 1, 2023. They are not taking any further applications for this committee at this time.
Upcoming dates:
New high school open house: September 23, 22023 11:30am – 2:30pm
Homecoming parade and football game: September 29,2023
Regular school board meeting: Monday September 25, 2023
I just received this email and wanted to share a great resource for anyone who knows children starting a new school year. This resource is called Success at School Handbook 2023-2024 and was created by the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism. Lots of helpful information is here to assist you in navigating and finding answers to questions or concerns you may have about our schools! https://www.fairforall.org/success-school/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Plus, another event, also hosted by FAIR, to help parents understand the concerns about Social Emotional Learning:
Since I was not able to connect to the school board meeting to attend virtually, I watched the video recording and will summarize the meeting here. Here is the video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUyyCxhP5w0. Most of the audio is difficult to hear but I will do my best to accurately report on the meeting.
First, the Schoolhouse Closing Public Hearing as required by MN Statute 123B.51. This is a public hearing “regarding the necessity and practicality of closing the Owatonna High School building located at 333 E. School St. Owatonna, MN.” The is to allow any person to “give testimony for and against the proposed closing” before the school board. One community member spoke with a suggestion to consider building “tiny houses” on the school property after the old buildings are gone.
Mission Moment by Superintendent Elstad was used to recognize all the district employees that have put in hours of work and extra work to help prepare the new high school for opening to students this week. This includes administrative staff and the custodial team, the teachers, the technology team and the nutrition staff. Many thanks for all the hard work this summer!
Public forum had one community member speak about the importance of school systems and apprenticeships. I do believe that our Career Pathways program is moving forward with many similar concepts already!
Mr. Sebring reported on the Superintendent Evaluation Summary and discussed some of the comments made in the annual survey. Various positive comments are noted including: encourages creativity and innovation, Vision Cards, advocates for growth and professional development, strong communication skills, providing every learner what they need to be successful, is a tireless advocate for our students. Thank you Mr. Elstad for your hard work for Owatonna schools!
A policy review report was given by Mrs. Jolayne Mohs. Several policies are review only, however she noted that policies 419 and 506 required quite a bit of time by the policy committee to review and update and be sure that new MN Statutes are followed. Policies to review at this time include 102,406, 410, 413, 414, 415, 418, 419, 504, 506, 507, 509, 515, 522. A second reading and a vote for approval will be held in the near future.Ms. Deborah Bandel asked about the discrimination policy, and questioned if our district is allowing transgender students to participate in the sport of the gender that they identify with. Mrs. Mohs responded that the policy discussions didn’t specifically address this but were to make sure that our policies follow the state and federal mandates. She stated that “all means all.” No further questions or discussion was noted on the policies.
Mr. Elstad gave the administrative report, and first recognized the sudden and unexpected death of varsity hockey coach Dave Fromm last week. Much of the Owatonna community and many hockey communities are grieving. Rest in peace Coach Fromm, you will be missed greatly. He also noted that completion of the round-about at the corner of Bixby Road and 18th St SW will be completed in November 2023. The delay is due to the Canadian Pacific Railroad, and he cautions that all drivers and pedestrians be extra mindful and careful navigating their way to and from the high school this fall. The auction has begun for items at the old OHS buildings, starting with the 1921 building and A/B plazas. The first phase will remain online until 9/6/2023 and the final date to make a bid is when the item is presented online for 20 seconds on 9/7/2023. Phase 2 and 3 of the auctions will hopefully be completed by the end of September.
Several votes were taken by the board, all passed 4-0.
Resolution to Close the Owatonna High School Building
Teamworks (third party) proposal: attendance area development (to assist with developing new school boundaries, allow for transparency in the process with a design team, input team, and communication strategies)
Teamworks proposal #2: continuous improvement through school analytics (for data gathering and strategic planning)
Designation of 12/11/2023 at 6pm as the Truth in Taxation hearing date/time for formal approval of the tax levy, which is needed when any entity intends to increase local tax rates.
Increase of adult lunch meal price from $4.95 to $5.00. Breakfast price stays the same $2.25.
Extended trip request from choir director Paula Asmus for the OHS Concert Choir to travel to the Twin Cities.
Two-year Compensation and Benefits package for 10 individual director/supervisor (non-cabinet) employees in our district.
Two-year Compensation and Benefits package for 35 individual non-affiliated employees in our district.
City Council Chambers Lease Agreement, allowing the school board to use the city chambers for school board meetings. The lease is for 3 years beginning 11/1/2023, but can be stopped by either party at any time. There is no cost to the district in this lease agreement.
Gifts to the district, including refurbished lampposts that were originally donated to the OHS by the 1920 and 1921 graduating classes, now replanted at the new high school.
Meeting adjourned! Enjoy the smiles and moments of excitement that come with the start of a new school year!
Elizabeth for Owatonna Schools 