Owatonna Public Schools
District Newsletter
Welcome Back!
Referendum Update
What we heard about the May 2019 referendum:
- The cost of the new high school was too high.
- The tax impact was too high for the residents of Owatonna.
- A suggestion to determine how the current Owatonna High School building would be a part of the community going forward.
- A request to revisit and compare the costs of a new high school vs. a remodel of the current Owatonna High School.
- Interest in seeing what taxpayers were going to get for their money and location for a new high school.
What’s changed since the May 2019 referendum?
Extensive work went into addressing the needs identified by the Facilities Task Force while also listening to the community to reduce the cost and tax impact, retain corporate donors, reduce the cost of the new high school and review and offer options to reuse the current Owatonna High School. Two different construction firms provided estimates to renovate the existing high school; the renovation costs were so close to building new that they were deemed impractical and not fiscally responsible.
- The cost to taxpayers for the high school has decreased from $116M to $104M
- The November ballot will have two questions: Question 1- A new high school campus to be constructed for $104M and Question 2- Repurpose the current high school site for future district and/or community use, $8M
- State legislature also passed tax relief for farmers, reducing their tax burden on current and future school bond referendums.
Learn More
- Visit our official district referendum website: www.owatonnaproud.org
- Email referendum@isd761.org
- Call 507.444.8650
- Attend the Public Information Meeting on October 3 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. located at the Owatonna High School- Small Group Forum. High school tours will also be available before the meeting at 5:00 p.m. Those interested should meet outside the Small Group Forum doors.
Coffee and Conversation with Superintendent Jeff Elstad
Upcoming coffee and conversations:
Monday, September 9, 8:00-9:00 AM at HyVee Cafe, 1620 S Cedar Ave
Tuesday, September 10, 8:00-9:00 AM at Owatonna Public Schools District Office
Monday, September 16, 8:00-9:00 AM at Kernel Restaurant, 1011 Hoffman Dr NW
Tuesday, September 17, 8:00-9:00 AM at Owatonna Public Schools District Office
Monday, September 23, 8:00-9:00 AM at TBA - check our website for the location
Friday, September 27, 8:00-9:00 AM at TBA - check our website for the location
Monday, September 30, 8:00-9:00 AM at Old Town Bagels, 211 North Cedar Ave
Click here for the complete list of coffee and conversation dates
Community Engagement Series
Better Together
Tuesday, September 10
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Owatonna Middle School Commons Area
Join us for a continuing conversation about making Owatonna a safe, welcoming and supportive community for all people. This is an open invitation to discuss what it truly means to live with our neighbors and to recognize our cultural differences. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from others and share your experiences over a meal.
Supported by: Owatonna Forward, United Way of Steele County, City of Owatonna and Owatonna Public Schools.
Save the Date: Owatonna Homecoming is October 4
Contact Us
Email: sbaumbach@isd761.org
Website: www.owatonna.k12.mn.us
Location: 515 West Bridge Street, Owatonna, MN, USA
Phone: 507-444-8600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owatonnapublicschools/
Twitter: @ISD761_Owatonna