Owatonna Public Schools
New Hope!
by Superintendent Jeff Elstad
As we continue planning for the year ahead with both hope and somewhat anxious anticipation, here are some things on my mind and what they could mean for our schools.
Legislative Session
The legislative session began on January 31. This is a non-budgetary session, but the recent announcement of a $7.7 billion surplus may change the dynamics. Our hope is for legislators to address some long-term financial issues for schools, including those noted below.
Employee Shortage
Just like many other industries, we have an employee shortage and ongoing competition to recruit staff at every level. Shortages in custodial staff and educational support staff have been the two areas of highest concerns. Due to rising wages in many areas, we need additional long-term funding to be competitive as we do our best to recruit and retain quality staff.
Property Tax Equity
This item has long been on the list of annual legislative priorities. Our local taxpayers currently pay more for local school funding than other communities because our district has a limited tax base and the tax system unfairly provides more relief for some school districts over others.
Mission Moment
Triple 'A' Award
Arianna Shornock (bottom right of image) and Connor Ginskey (bottom left), Owatonna High School seniors, have been nominated for the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Academics, Arts and Athletics Triple 'A' Award.
The Triple 'A' Award acknowledges a male and female high school senior with a 3.0 or higher GPA who participates in League-sponsored athletic programs and fine arts activities such as theater, speech and music. Ginskey was recently selected as the male Region 1AA Tripe 'A' award nominee.
ExCEL Award
Owatonna Juniors Sarah Snitker (top right) and Nils Gantert (top left) have been nominated for the Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership (ExCEL) Award for the 2021-22 school year.
Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, the ExCEL Award recognizes high school juniors who are active in fine arts and/or athletic activities, who demonstrate leadership qualities and who are model citizens in their community.
MN School Board Recognition Week
Existing Owatonna High School Process
The Existing OHS Citizens’ Task Force was commissioned by the School Board for Owatonna Public Schools to review information gathered from community members and help advise on the best way to make use of the existing high school site and facility following the move to the new campus in fall 2023. The task force has proposed two recommendations:
consolidate the appropriate district functions from the current District Office and Rose Street facilities to the existing high school site, and
continue to seek partners to redevelop other portions in a way that would benefit the community.
Registration Information
A reminder that kindergarten registration for 2022-23 is open through February 5.
Montessori Program
The Montessori approach to education embraces individualized instruction for children, mixed-age groupings of students, a structured curriculum, and a prepared environment. Registration for 2022-23 is open through February 15.
Owatonna Online
Owatonna Online is the accredited K-12 online public school offered free through the Owatonna Public Schools for any Minnesota student. Enrollment in Owatonna Online is open now for the 2022-23 school year.
Important February Dates
- February 5 - Kindergarten Registration Deadline
- February 15 - Grades K-5 Conferences
- February 17 - Grades K-5, OHS, ALC Conferences
- February 18 - No School for Grades K-5, Conferences
- February 28 - Little Learners Conferences
February School Board Meeting
Date/Time: Monday, February 28 at 5:30 PM
Location: Owatonna High School, Small Group Forum, 333 East School Street (Door #16)
COVID-19 Information
While we had all hoped that the pandemic would be in a different phase this school year, the unseen benefit is that we know what steps to take to minimize the spread in our schools and protect in-person learning. Stay up-to-date on information and resources by frequently checking the District's COVID-19 information webpage (www.isd761.org and click on "COVID-19" at the top of the webpage).
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