Category Archives: Blog

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”

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.Continue reading “3/18/2024 Regular Meeting”

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”