OPS News district e-newsletter
School Board Election
School board members are elected during the November General Election on even years. All board members are elected at-large.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3
Four members will be elected to the school board for terms of four years each. Early voting is available. Find voting information on the MN Secretary of State website.
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent
Come on Friday, October 30, at 8:30am to enjoy Coffee and Conversation with Superintendent Tammy Champa in the District Office, 333 East School Street.
Bring your questions, hear updates about what is happening in the district, and engage in conversation with others.
District Financial Reports
In October of each year, a financial audit of district finances is done by Clifton Larson Allen. The 2025-2026 audit results will be presented at the December 14 school board meeting.
To review the current year's budget, previous budgets or previous audits, visit the financial reports webpage. Audits are found within each year's annual comprehensive financial report. The 2025-2026 comprehensive financial report will be posted after the audit is presented in December.
Mission Moment
Superintendent Champa recognized SteeleCoWorks during the October Mission Moment at the recent school board meeting.
SteeleCoWorks is a partnership with Owatonna Public Schools, Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Steele County, and Workforce Development Inc. The work of the OHS career navigators through this partnership helps bridge the gap between education and employment by connecting students with career exploration, work-based learning opportunities, and local professionals who can help them envision their futures. They are building relationships, opening doors, and helping students recognize the many pathways available to them.
National Community Ed Day
Celebrate National Community Education Day with 30% off fall class registration from 5:30-7:30pm on Thursday, November 12. Review the courses available ahead of time, and then register during those two hours to receive the discount.
Constitutional Amendment on Ballot
In this year's election, Minnesota voters will consider a constitutional amendment related to the Permanent School Fund.
What does it mean?
- Increase school funding - Minnesota already has the Permanent School Fund. The amendment modernizes how much of the existing fund is distributed each year from roughly 2-2.5% today to 4.5%, using the fund's three-year average value for steadier, more predictable funding.
- Benefits public, charter and tribal schools
- The Permanent School Fund was established in 1858 from public lands set aside for public education. Revenue from mining, timber sales and land leases is invested for current and future students. Today the fund is worth about $2.3 billion.
- Without raising individual income or property taxes - no tax increases
Under Minnesota's rule for constitutional amendments, leaving the question blank has the same effect as voting "No."
To learn more, visit: www.mnPSFamendment.org.
Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness
On Monday, November 9, at 5:00 pm, the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Annual Report and Public Meeting will be held at the District Office, 333 East School Street.
You are invited to hear a district status report and action steps on how the district is addressing these goal areas set by the Minnesota Legislature:
- All children are ready for school.
- All racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed.
- All students are ready for career and college.
- All students graduate from high school.
- Prepare students to be lifelong learners.
Learn more on the CACR webpage.
Spectator Reminders
Here's a reminder of activity expectations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Elementary students must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver who must remain with their student for the entirety of the game.
Owatonna Middle School students should sit in the OMS section or with their parents/caregivers.
No backpacks or large bags are allowed into the stadium.
No footballs may be brought into the stadium.
If students are found with prohibited items, they will be asked to leave, and disciplinary action may be taken.
A ticket is needed to enter the stadium during the entire game.
No reentry to varsity football games.
Fans will not be allowed onto the field after the game. Students and spectators must vacate the premises following the game.
There is no supervision beyond the game.
We appreciate your assistance and support in making this a great experience for all.
School Board Meetings
Watch the School Board business meetings on YouTube. Find agendas and other information on the district website.
Upcoming School Board meetings:
- Monday, November 9 at 5:00pm - Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) annual meeting - District Office, 333 East School Street
- Monday, November 9 at 5:30pm - School Board Special Meeting/Work Session - District Office, 333 East School Street
- Monday, November 23 at 5:30pm - School Board Business Meeting - Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle
Photo Gallery
Students in Foods 8 at Owatonna Middle School recently conducted a fun science experiment. They whipped heavy cream to turn it into whipped cream for their caramel apple crisp. Before adding it to their dessert, they first held it over each others' heads to see if it would fall!
Third to fifth grade students at our elementary schools listened to and learned from Michael Hall, Minnesota author/illustrator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo, Red: A Crayon's Story, Frankencrayon, and more. It was a great experience to inspire future authors and illustrators!
MEA break was the perfect time for a painting class with Owatonna Community Education. Check out these masterpieces of Bird on Holly Twig
First graders from Wilson Elementary visited the Owatonna Public Library to connect their classroom learning to their own community! As part of the Wit & Wisdom literacy module, students are learning about libraries around the world and how children access books in different places. We are grateful to the Owatonna Public Library for helping bring learning to life for our students!
Upcoming Dates
Friday, October 30 - End of first quarter
Friday, October 30 at 8:30am - Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent, District Office, 333 East School Street
Monday, November 2 - No school, Teacher Work Day/Professional Development
Tuesday, November 3 - Election Day
Contact Information
Stay Connected!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram:
@Owatonna761
More Information
Nondiscrimination Policy
Owatonna Public Schools is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all students and staff and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, in its programs and activities, as required by Title IX and MN Human Rights Act (MHRA). This includes prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based violence, and unequal access to extracurricular activities.
Any concerns related to Title IX should be reported to Chris Picha, Director of Human Resources & Title IX Coordinator, at 507-444-8602 or cpicha@isd761.org.
Share OPS News
Share this newsletter with others interested in Owatonna Public Schools. Sign up for e-news here.