Category Archives: Blog

July 15, 2024 was the only scheduled school board meeting for this month, as per usual for July and December each year. I was able to watch the video recording since I was not able to attend the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPoNfC_0iII. Ms. Deborah Bandel and Superintendent Elstad were also absent for the meeting. There were noContinue reading “7/15/2024 Regular Meeting”

Our board meeting began per usual at 5:30pm at the city chambers board room. After the formal call to order, pledge of allegiance, and approval of tonight’s agenda, Mission Moment was presented by Superintendent Elstad. He recognized several OPS district retirees, noting their leadership, commitment, and passion for our students and schools. None of theContinue reading “6/24/2024 Regular Meeting”

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 andContinue reading “6/10/2024 Work Session”

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 beContinue reading “5/28/2024 Regular Meeting”

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)Continue reading “A Personal Message”

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: 987Continue reading “5/13/2024 Special and Work Sessions”

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 midContinue reading “SEL: Social Emotional Learning”

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 historyContinue reading “4/22/2024 Regular Meeting”

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. FromContinue reading “Rocking the boat.”

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-serviceContinue reading “4/8/2024 Work Session”