Category Archives: Blog

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 wasContinue reading “3/11/2024 Special Session & Work Session”

The regular school board meeting began at 5:30pm with all members present. Superintendent Elstad recognized Owatonna students during Mission Moment. Two students are recognized as ExCEL Award nominees and two students are recognized as Triple A Award nominees. Great work students! No one presented for Public Forum. The enrollment report was reviewed with no significantContinue reading “2/26/2024 Regular Meeting & New Library Policy”

Monday’s meeting began at 5:30pm with a Special School Board Meeting for the approval of the 2023-2025 agreement with the Owatonna Education Association, which also authorizes the board chair and clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the school board. Immediately following the Special Meeting, the work session began and it’s full of information! FirstContinue reading “2/12/2024 Special Meeting and Work Session”

I drove out of my way, then stopped and gazed across the street. Dust billowing and lingering as the machines move debris. I could see the bleachers that were once blocked in view by the old pillars, bricks, and mortar of the old high school building. I paused just for a moment, sighed and drove on. We only justContinue reading “2/5/2024 Sigh… Policy and Tours”

Superintendent Elstad held an open discussion session on Friday January 26, 2024 at the district office on Bridge Street, 8:30-9:30am.  First, he discussed the ongoing work regarding the elementary school attendance boundary lines, including an update from the first Input Team meeting that took place at OMS 1/23/2024. Mr. Elstad noted that the last time majorContinue reading “1/26/2024 Coffee with the Superintendent”

The regular school board meeting began at 5:30pm at the Charles S Crandall Center Chambers. Regular board meetings are recorded and can be viewed from the district website or YouTube: https://www.isd761.org/our-district/school-board/meeting-dates Mission Moment, as given by Superintendent Elstad, recognized 3 district support staff for dedicated hard work of many years. This was for Gwen Vogt, CurtContinue reading “1/22/2024 Regular Meeting”

Beginning last year, the district began conversations with the school board about possible changes in boundary lines for our elementary school attendance. Three main reasons for this: 1. increased enrollment at some of the schools (now exceeding capacity at Lincoln) with room to spare at others (Wilson). 2. Maintain or improve program equity so all studentsContinue reading “K-5 Boundaries Design/Attendance Area Development Process”

Our first school board meeting of 2024 began with the annual Organizational Meeting. This meeting includes multiple votes, including that for the Election of Officers, Committee assignments, and various legal and business decisions. All votes seemed to be typical and routine with no major changes from last year. Election of Officers: School Board Committee assignments: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1055?meeting=615873 TheseContinue reading “1/8/2024 Organizational Meeting and Work Session”

With only one meeting in December, Monday December 11, 2023 was the school board’s last meeting for the year, so this was a regular meeting and not a work session. Superintendent Elstad began with Mission Moment, recognizing our orchestra teachers who recently received a string award. Present at the meeting tonight was Ms. Lisa Revier whoContinue reading “12/11/2023 Regular Meeting”

As I read some of the news articles over the last few weeks, I’m reminded how important it is that our schools remain a neutral place where any child or student can feel safe and welcome. https://elizabethforowatonnaschools.com/in-the-news/ We all recognize that our students will differ in many ways, and I think we can agree thatContinue reading “News”