Owatonna Public Schools
November: Providing Innovation & Technology in Learning
Watch as Superintendent Jeff Elstad shares how the school district is providing innovation and technology in learning, balanced with people skills.
We also look forward to celebrating and thanking our staff during American Education Week, November 13-19.
Innovating for Kids While Balancing Our Budget
By Amanda Heilman, Director of Finance and Operations
As a school district, our number one priority is always our students. How can we best support them, provide them with the best staff, and offer them a wide range of learning opportunities?
As Director of Finance and Operations for Owatonna Public Schools, one of my primary roles is to provide leadership for financial decisions. I’m proud to say that thanks to the hard work of my team, we have earned the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award from the Association of School Business Officials International, along with the Minnesota Department of Education School Finance Award for exhibiting fiscal health, sound fiscal management, and accountability - for 24 years running!
Mission Moment
Five Owatonna Middle School students who make up Junior Girl Scouts Troop #47951 - Jaycie Smith, Addison Schuetz, Adelynn Miller, Shaela Karlen and Olivia Winkel along with their leader, Jodie Smith - were recognized as the Mission Moment during the October 24 School Board meeting.
This troop painted the colorful geometric designs for the end caps of the Owatonna Human Rights Commission’s cultural diversity mural, located on the city trail by The Blast. By completing this project for the community, the girls earned their Bronze Awards.
We are #OwatonnaProud of these students as they gave of their time and considerable talents to this mural that celebrates immigration, integration, and inclusion in our city.
World's Best Workforce Annual Meeting
On Monday, November 14 at 5:00 pm, the World's Best Workforce annual meeting will be held at Owatonna High School in the Small Group Forum (across from the gym). You are invited to hear a district status report and focused action steps on how the district is addressing these goal areas set by the Minnesota Legislature:
- All children are ready for school.
- All third-graders can read at grade level.
- All racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed.
- All students are ready for career and college.
- All students graduate from high school.
Learn more about our strategic plan and directions, and view our World's Best Workforce annual report by visiting our school district dashboard found at www.isd761.org > Our District > District Dashboard.
Note: The School Board meeting will begin at 5:30 pm or immediately following the World’s Best Workforce Annual Meeting
State of the District
On Thursday, November 17, the "Building Our Future" State of the District video from Superintendent Jeff Elstad will be available on the school district website.
To watch the State of the District address, please visit www.isd761.org.
Coffee and Conversation
The community is invited to join Superintendent Elstad for “coffee and conversation” at the Owatonna Public Schools District Office (515 West Bridge Street, Door #1) on Friday, November 18, 8:00-9:00 am.
Hear an update on what’s happening in the school district, and bring any questions you have.
Election Information
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. Four members will be elected to the School Board for terms of four years each. Visit our election page.
2022 School Board Candidates
Lloyd Brandt
Nikki Gieseke
Jan Guse
Elizabeth Hedlund
Michael Herman
Josh Indahl
Jolayne Mohs
April St. Martin
Mark Sebring
Lori Weisenburger
Colin Whalen
Election information
Polling Place Finder
What's On My Ballot?
School Closing Reminders
When decisions are made to alter the school day or cancel it due to inclement weather, every effort is made to communicate that decision to parents in a timely manner through our school messenger system, website, and local radio and TV stations.
Parents can choose to receive notifications via text message, phone call, email, and/or parent portal inbox messages. To help us contact households efficiently, be sure to update home, work and/or cellphone information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, and verify that the appropriate boxes are checked to receive notifications.
Other ways to stay informed:
- Visit the website: www.isd761.org
- Check local TV stations: KSTP-5, KMSP FOX 9, WCCO, KEYC TV, KTTC, KAAL
- Listen to local radio stations: KOWZ, KRFO/KAT KOUNTRY 105, KDHL
The first two inclement weather/emergency days in the Owatonna Public Schools are considered non-attendance days for students. In the event OPS has more than two inclement weather/emergency days, students will follow the E-Learning Plan.
High School Construction Update
Upcoming Dates
- November 3 - Owatonna Middle School conferences
- November 4 - No school
- November 7 - Owatonna Middle School conferences
- November 15 - Elementary school conferences
- November 17 - Elementary school conferences
- November 18 - No school, grades K-5
- November 18 - Elementary school conferences
- November 23-25 - No school
November School Board Meetings
November 14: World’s Best Workforce Annual Meeting, 5:00 pm
November 14: School Board Special Meeting to canvass school board election results, 5:30 pm or immediately following the World’s Best Workforce Annual Meeting
November 14: School Board Work Session, immediately following the 5:30 pm special meeting
November 28: School Board Regular Meeting, 5:30 pm
Location: Owatonna High School, Small Group Forum, 333 East School Street (Door #16)
Contact Information
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