Owatonna Public Schools

At Owatonna Public Schools, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We continue to share our Standard Response Protocol, the all-hazards approach that emphasizes five clear, action-based responses: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

The HOLD directive is used when it is necessary to keep hallways clear. This measure can be implemented for various reasons, such as a medical emergency, a student experiencing distress, or a significant spill.

During a HOLD, classrooms continue normal activities, but movement in the hallways is restricted. A HOLD is typically not communicated broadly, as it is often a precautionary measure to manage internal situations efficiently.

Watch the HOLD protocol video.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe and prepared.

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is thrilled to announce that Owatonna Public Schools has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE). This honor recognizes school districts that uphold the highest standards of financial reporting and transparency. This is the district’s 33rd year receiving the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.

The school district earned the Certificate of Excellence for its exemplary Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending in June 30, 2025.

Participation in the COE program highlights a school district’s dedication to financial accountability. Submitted ACFRs are rigorously reviewed by a panel of experienced financial professionals, who provide constructive feedback to further enhance the quality of future reports. Districts that meet the program’s stringent requirements are awarded the Certificate of Excellence, a distinction that also supports bond rating and continuing bond disclosure processes.

Owatonna Community Education is inviting all district residents to help shape the future of programming through a new survey arriving in mailboxes and e-mail inboxes in the coming days.

You are encouraged to share your feedback on several key areas, including how well current Community Ed programs are meeting community needs, opportunities for improvement, and any barriers that may prevent participation.

To ensure confidentiality, all responses will be collected and managed by School Perceptions, an independent research firm.

The survey will be open through Monday, May 18 at 5:00 PM.

If you do not receive an email invitation to complete the survey, please check your “spam/junk” folder. If you are not able to find it, please reach out to Owatonna Community Ed: call 507-444-7900, email communityed@isd761.org or stop by Roosevelt School, 122 E. McKinley Street, for assistance.

You may also complete the survey here.

Owatonna High School’s Nancy Williams has been named National School Social Worker of the Year!

While this national recognition is a tremendous accomplishment, it simply confirms what our students, staff, and families have long known: Nancy is truly the best of the best.

Nancy’s impact reaches far beyond her title. She is a trusted advocate, compassionate listener, and steady source of support for students navigating challenges both in and out of school. Her ability to build meaningful relationships and ensure every student feels valued and supported reflects the heart of our mission in Owatonna Public Schools.

We are incredibly proud to see Nancy recognized on a national stage and grateful for the difference she makes each and every day for OHS students!

Watch as our talented Owatonna High School students perform the spring play "Almost, Maine" in the Wenger Performing Arts Auditorium. Performances are April 30-May 2 at 7pm and May 3 at 1:30pm

Purchase tickets on GoFan.

The April Mission Moment focused on the important partnership with MN State University, Mankato that strengthens both OPS and the future of the teaching profession in Owatonna.

This partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to developing high-quality educators and supporting them through every stage of their careers. Highlights of the partnership include:

• “Grow Your Own” pathways that encourage students and community members to pursue careers in education
• Teacher apprenticeship programs with hands-on, supported routes into the profession
• Mentoring systems to ensure new educators receive the guidance they need to thrive
• Student teacher opportunities to bring fresh perspectives into classrooms
• Professional development for current staff such as the MN Educators Partnership Summer Institute

The community is invited to join Superintendent Champa for “coffee and conversation” at the Owatonna Public Schools District Office (333 East School Street) on Friday, May 15, at 8:30am. Hear an update on what’s happening in the school district, and bring any questions you have.

Minnesota has enacted a new law to better protect students during their daily commute.

What’s Changing: You are now required to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus the moment its red lights begin flashing, even if the stop arm has not yet extended. This change eliminates the previous "gap" some drivers used to pass buses before the arm was deployed.

Remember the Rules:

• Stop immediately when red lights flash.

• Failure to stop is a misdemeanor.

• Fines for violations start at $500.

Let’s work together to keep our students safe. Please remember to stay alert, be patient, and always stop for flashing red lights.

Watch the School Board business meeting and previous meetings on YouTube. Find agendas and other information on the district website.

Upcoming School Board meetings:

• Monday, May 11 at 5:30pm - School Board Work Session - District Office, 333 East School Street
• Tuesday, May 26 at 5:30pm - School Board Business Meeting - District Office, 333 East School Street

Evan Guenther (clarinet, 9th grade) and Rachel Barth (trumpet, 8th grade) performed this weekend in the MN Band Directors Association State Honor Band in Wayzata. Evan was selected for the 9–10 Honor Band, and Rachel for the 6–8 Honor Band. Both earned their spots by submitting recordings of scales and solo excerpts, which were evaluated through a blind audition process.

Owatonna High School and Area Learning (ALC) students participated in Made in Owatonna Day, focusing on agriculture. Students started with tours of the Wastewater Treatment Facility and Lakeside Foods. The afternoon included many activities and vendors within the agricultural sector.

Each Made in Owatonna Day focuses on a different sector of local career opportunities. Thanks to our community partners for showing our students career paths in their own community!

Sixteen Owatonna Middle School students recently participated in the Albert Lea Excel Honors Orchestra Festival. These students spent the day working hard under the baton of Mary Gagnon and were also fortunate enough to get an improvisation workshop with the infamous OK Factor before they gave their final performance on the Albert Lea high school stage.

In honor of Earth Day, Lincoln Elementary kindergartners enjoyed some outside time, helped clean up the school grounds and wrote in their journals about Earth

Owatonna High School students in Introduction to Education spent time learning about careers in education outside of teaching in the classroom. Thank you to all of the professionals who shared their career journeys with our students!

• Tuesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 30 from 3-7pm - Kindergarten Spring Interviews at all elementary schools
• April 30-May 2 - OHS Spring Play at 7pm. Sunday, May 3 matinee at 1:30pm.
• Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30pm - OMS Bands Concert at OHS
• Monday, May 11 at 7pm - OMS Orchestras Concert at OHS
• Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30pm - OMS 6th & 7th Grade Choirs Concert at OHS
• Tuesday, May 12 at 7:15pm - OMS 8th Grade & 7/8th Morning Choirs Concert at OHS
• Friday, May 15 at 8:30am - Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent at the District Office
• Monday, May 18 at 7pm - OHS Pops Concert
• Monday, May 25 - District closed, Memorial Day
• Friday, May 29 at 7pm - OHS Choir Senior Recital at St. John Church
• Friday, May 29 at 8pm - OHS Choir Graduation Concert at St. John Church

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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.

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