Owatonna Public Schools

By Superintendent Tammy Champa

The beginning of a new school year is always special. It is a time filled with anticipation, fresh possibilities, and the excitement of welcoming our students back into our classrooms. From my very first year as a teacher to my 17th year serving as a superintendent, that excitement has never changed. Each year brings a renewed sense of purpose and a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students. As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we do so with a shared commitment to this year’s theme: Stronger Together: One Pack, One Purpose.

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Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Owatonna Public Schools?

Applications are open for OPS Insider, a new community engagement program offering residents an exclusive look at the people and programs that support student success every day.

Through seven interactive sessions, participants will visit schools, meet district leaders, hear directly from students and staff, and explore topics including teaching and learning, school finance, student support, district operations, and community partnerships. Along the way, they'll gain a deeper understanding of how Owatonna Public Schools prepares every learner for success.

OPS Insider is free and open to adults who live or work within the Owatonna Public Schools attendance boundaries. The district welcomes applications from parents, business leaders, retirees, alumni, and community members interested in learning more about their public schools.

Applications are open now through September 15. Space is limited to approximately 20–25 participants.

Ready to go behind the scenes? Learn more, see the dates and apply.

As the new school year is quickly approaching, find the information you need on our back-to-school webpage. From upcoming dates to links for classroom supplies, parental portal and more, it's your one-stop spot for back to school with Owatonna Public Schools!

Parents/Guardians: Please be sure to log into your Campus Parent account to complete yearly back-to-school requirements, verify contact information the district has on file, and review annual notices and student handbooks. If you need assistance with accessing or setting up your Campus Parent account, please contact Infinite Campus Support (campushelp@isd761.org or 507-444-8650).

Public Notice Regarding Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records

Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

In October, grades 3-12 will be asked to take the Student Life Survey. For more information, please review school board policy 520 - Student Surveys.

Find additional Student Privacy notices on the Notices & Reports webpage - click on the "Student Privacy" tab.

Welcome to Greta Veldman, new student representative to the Owatonna School Board.

Greta is an incoming junior who plays on the girls tennis team and coaches youth tennis lessons. She is involved in student council, SHOC (Students Helping Others Choose), concert band, Link Crew, Pulse and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Greta was chosen from a pool of sophomores who applied and were interviewed last spring.

She joins Lowell Schultz, OHS senior, as representatives who share the student perspective with the school board.

Congratulations to the 13 Owatonna students performed with the All-State Bands, Choirs, and Orchestra, the highest honor a high school musician can receive in Minnesota. We are incredibly proud of how these students represented Owatonna and our music program.

Choir:

• Levi Johnson, Bass 2, SATB Choir
• Jasher Young, Tenor 1, SATB Choir
• Lucas Ginskey, Bass 2, SATB Choir
• Joash Packard, Bass 2, TTBB Choir
• Mariah Fox, Alto 2, SSAA Choir
• Addie Gerdes, Soprano 1, SATB Choir
• Carson Van Gelder, Tenor 2, TTBB Choir
• Ms. Asmus, Soprano Section Coach, SATB Choir

• Isla Cosens, Trumpet, Concert Band
• Sophia Qualley, Flute, Symphonic Band
• Dalila Spencer, French Horn, Symphonic Band

• Rue Kopp, Viola
• Zurie Tolle, Violin 2
• Nicolina Broussard, Violin 2

The DCAC (District Curriculum Advisory Committee) serves as an advisory committee to the School Board and meets four times a year from 3:15-5:15pm. Parents and community members are welcome to apply to be a committee member. All terms are for one year.

If interested, please complete and submit this application by September 1.

Families are encouraged to complete an Application for Educational Benefits to be considered for benefits such as reduced fees for school sports and activities. The application also helps determine state education funding for our schools.

2026-27 sport/activity fees are:

• $225 for an OHS sport or $113 if you qualify for the benefits
• $140 for an OHS activity/fine arts or $70 if you qualify for the benefits
• $190 for an OMS sport or $95 if you qualify for the benefits

Owatonna Public Schools is seeking community members to serve on the district's Budget Advisory Council for the 2026-2027 school year. The council will meet at 6 p.m. at the District Office on September 9, November 18, January 13, March 10, and May 19.

The district is looking for up to 20 members representing a variety of perspectives, including parents, district residents, high school students, business representatives, and employee bargaining groups.

Community members interested in serving are encouraged to visit this webpage and apply online. For questions, contact Mark Stotts, Director of Finance & Operations, at 507-444-8605 or mstotts@isd761.org.

The Owatonna High School Activities Department has several changes to be aware of for 2026-27.

SCHEDULES & GAME TICKETING:

• Current schedules can be found on Bound. This is replacing Big9.org.
• To see a specific schedule click on activities, select the activity you want to view. Make sure you are in the correct school year. Under the Varsity dropdown, select which level you want to view. Once the level is selected, click schedule to print a schedule or choose notifications (postponements/cancellations, etc.)
• To receive notifications, make sure you are on the correct school year (26-27), have the correct activity selected, select the correct team level (Varsity, JV, etc.), click the notification tab and enter requested information and save.
• To view daily, weekly or monthly calendar - click on calendar.
• To view multiple activity levels (ie all girls soccer levels of V, JV & 9th), go to calendar, click filter button, select specific activities, click list or calendar view.
• All game ticketing will be through Bound - go to owatonnaactivities.com and click on the large blue box that says “Bound” OR download the Bound app. All Big 9 schools are using Bound for ticketing.
• Individual game tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students K-12 and seniors 62+ who do not live in our district.
• Activity and senior passes will NOT be accepted for the winter musical.
• There will be admission charged for spring activities (track, softball, baseball and boys/girls lacrosse).
• Consider purchasing an activity pass for the 26-27 year.

Seniors aged 62+ who live within the Owatonna Public Schools district boundaries may receive a FREE activity pass that continues to be valid from year to year. This is not available as an online option.

Please contact the OHS Activities Office at 507.444.8988 to request a free pass.

Owatonna Public Schools is one of 45 school districts and charter schools across Minnesota selected by the MN Department of Education to pilot a new kindergarten assessment this fall.

The Minnesota Kindergarten Fall Assessment (MnKFA) is an observation-based tool that allows teachers to learn about students through everyday classroom experiences such as communication, problem-solving, and play. Rather than being a traditional test, the assessment is designed to help teachers better understand each child's strengths and needs as they begin their kindergarten journey.

Information gathered during the pilot will help educators tailor instruction to support every learner while also providing valuable feedback to the Minnesota Department of Education as it prepares for statewide implementation in 2027.

We are honored to be part of this important statewide initiative and look forward to helping shape a tool that will support Minnesota's youngest learners for years to come.

Minnesota's Permanent School Fund has supported public education for more than 165 years.

This November, voters will decide whether Minnesota should modernize how annual distributions from the fund are calculated.

Key facts:

• The fund already exists and supports public schools statewide.
• The amendment does not raise taxes.
• A nonpartisan task force unanimously recommended the proposal after extensive study.
• The proposal received bipartisan support from the Legislature.
• The amendment is designed to increase support for students while protecting the fund for future generations.

To learn more about the amendment and access additional resources, visit:

www.mnPSFamendment.org.

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

Upcoming School Board meetings:

• Monday, August 24 at 5:15pm - Public Hearing on Consideration and Approval of Property Tax Abatement - Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle
• Monday, August 24 at 5:30pm - School Board Business Meeting - Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle
• Monday, September 14 at 5:30pm - School Board Work Session - District Office, 333 East School Street

• Monday, August 31 - Grades 9-12

• Tuesday, September 1 - Grades 6-8
• Wednesday, September 2 - Preschool, Grades K-5
• Tuesday, September 8 - ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education), Adult Education

Transportation Liaison

Nutrition Services

Health Services

Enrollment Office

Community Education

Technology

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram:

@Owatonna761

Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Parent Email Community and School Flyers (PeachJar)

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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