Owatonna Public Schools
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Owatonna Public School District Parents:
I write to you as the Owatonna Public Schools Superintendent and also a fellow district parent.
After monitoring weather conditions and our local forecast overnight, this morning at 5:30 am, we made the decision to have a two-hour late start. We immediately communicated this to families using our instant alert system and social media.
Making weather-related decisions is never easy, and I realize how difficult these can be on a family.
Please consider that we must make a weighty, purposeful decision that is often met with varied levels of support or opposition. Our goal is always mindful of student and staff safety while considering the value of instructional time.
To cancel, delay or close schools early poses significant issues for families with transportation, child-care arrangements and work schedules. We always try to balance these concerns with student and staff safety.
Whenever there are impending weather conditions, we work diligently to access the most up-to-date information and data by:
Participating in on-going National Weather Service webinars and/or conference calls for public school districts when impending weather conditions are imminent.
Maintaining on-going communication with our community partners regarding road conditions including the Owatonna Public Works, Steele County Public Works and the Owatonna Bus Company.
Communicating with regional area superintendents.
While there is always pressure when surrounding school districts cancel, delay or release school early, each district considers its own unique conditions first. It is helpful to know what surrounding districts are doing, but no other school district has the exact combination of roads, highways or city public works and weather forecasting data in place.
I realize not everyone will agree with our decision. We are deliberate and thorough in our process and decision-making as it impacts not only your child, but every child in our district. It is for this reason that as parents and guardians you are encouraged to use your judgment to determine what is best for your children.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Jeff Elstad
Superintendent of Owatonna Public Schools