Category Archives: Blog

First days of school occur this week for Owatonna students! Thank you, teachers and staff, for your hard work and preparations! A few upcoming dates to be aware of: Coffee with the Superintendent, 9/27/2024, 8:30-9:30am at the new school district office at 333 E. School Street. School Board Candidate Forum at the Owatonna Country Club,Continue reading “Welcome to School!”

Our regular meeting began on time at 5:30pm at the City Chambers boardroom. After the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda, Superintendent Elstad began with Mission Moment. He recognized the beginning of our teacher apprenticeship program with 6 participants who will become special education teachers through this program. Each participant will rotate throughContinue reading “8/26/2024 Regular Meeting”

Immediately following the school board retreat, we started our usual work session, still located at the new district office building, 333 E. School Street. Since we began the retreat 2.5 hours earlier with the pledge of allegiance, we did not repeat it at this time. Chair Sebring began the session with the summary results ofContinue reading “8/12/2024 Work Session”

On August 12, 2024, our retreat was held at the new district office building at 333 E. School Street. As last August, the school board had a planned retreat this August titled by Chair Sebring as Blue Sky Thinking. In addition to all school board members and Superintendent Elstad in attendance, our OMS principal Mrs.Continue reading “8/12/2024 School Board Retreat”

As of August 1, 2024, the new federal Title IX interpretations and definitions are to be in effect for institutions across the United States. As a result, our school district policy 522 needs to be reviewed and possibly updated. The policy committee will be meeting on Monday August 19, 2024 to review this. The schoolContinue reading “Title IX Update”

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”