Owatonna Public Schools

by Kaci Rendahl, Director of Early Learning

For many families, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is their first connection with Owatonna Public Schools. That connection can begin as soon as a baby is born. We believe learning and development begin long before a child enters preschool, and our goal is to provide families with opportunities, resources, and connections during these important early years.

Through ECFE, we offer a variety of classes designed to meet the needs of families with infants and toddlers (and preschool-aged). Families can participate in classes together, attend parent-child experiences, or choose classes that include a separation component. Whether you are looking for opportunities to play and learn with your child, connect with other families, or learn more about child development and parenting, we want families to find a class that feels like the right fit.

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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 from October through April, 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.

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

The Homecoming Top 12 queen and king candidates were announced at Owatonna High School. Homecoming Week is September 28-October 3. Coronation is Monday, September 28, at 7:00pm in the OHS Wenger Performing Arts Center.

Pictured:

Top row: Owen Kubicek, Willie Moore, Lee Smith, Aedan Tackmann, Cooper Mottl.

Third row: Jack Hawkins, Jacob Dut, Andrew Selbrade, Xzabian Hernandez, Lane Webber, Carson Van Gelder

Second row: Ava Cox, Kelsey Skala, Norah Cederstrom, Grace Mitchell, Jersey Coleman, Ella Schuster

Front Row: Carlin Maas, Kilee Hovey, Addie Gerdes, Jaelyn Otte, Mariah Fox, Kate Cowell

Missing from photo: Micah Gentz and Cecelia Bauer

Congratulations to Jackson Davis, a senior at Owatonna High School!

For the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League spring 2026 season, Jackson had the High Male Average and High Overall Average in the state, with over 11,000 student participants. He had a 24.9/25 season average, missing only one target out of 250.

The Owatonna Community Walking Track program at Owatonna High School begins soon.

October 1, 2026 - April 29, 2027

(days when school is in session)

6:00-9:00 pm

$50 for season pass or free with senior activities pass

Participants must be 18 years or older and are required to wear clean, indoor-only, walking shoes on the track. A senior activities pass (for those 62 years of age and older) will be honored for free admittance to this program. Pick up senior activity passes at Roosevelt School.

Learn more and register.

The Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) brings together parents, caregivers, school staff and community members to provide input and perspective on special education programs and services within our district. SEAC serves as a collaborative voice for students with disabilities and their families by sharing ideas, identifying needs and helping strengthen partnerships between families and schools.

School board members are elected during the November General Election on even years. All board members are elected at-large.

School Board Candidate Forum: September 28

Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Clubs of Owatonna will host a Candidate Forum on Monday, September 28, from 11:50am-1:30pm at the Owatonna Country Club. Optional lunch begins at 11:30am. Learn more and register. Watch the livestream or recordings at that same link.

Election Day: November 3
Four members will be elected to the School Board for terms of four years each.

Find the slate of candidates and other election information

With the fall sports season underway, we want to communicate some expectations of those who plan to attend to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

• Tickets can be purchased in advance using the Bound app (NEW in 26-27). Credit cards are accepted at the gate. NO cash.
• All elementary students in attendance for a sporting event must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver who must remain with their student for the entirety of the game.
• OMS students should sit in the OMS section at varsity football games or with their parents/caregiver.
• If students are found with prohibited items, they will be asked to leave, and disciplinary action may be taken.
• No backpacks or large bags are allowed into the stadium or gym.
• No footballs can be brought into the stadium.
• No reentry to varsity football games.
• Fans will not be allowed onto the field after the game. Students and fans must vacate the premises following the game.
• There will be no supervision extended beyond the games.

Additional information regarding Bound ticketing and pricing can be found at owatonnaactivities.com

Minnesota families may be eligible for state tax credits and tax relief programs.

Child Tax Credit

• Families may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,800 per qualifying child with no limit on the number of children claimed. They can receive a refund even if they do not owe tax.
• For more information, visit Child Tax Credit.
  
  

K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit

• Minnesota has two tax relief programs for families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade: the K-12 Education Subtraction and K-12 Education Credit. Both programs help lower taxes and may provide a larger refund.
• For more information, visit K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit.
  
  

Free Tax Preparation

• Families may qualify for free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or AARP Tax-Aide programs. These programs prepare federal and state income tax and Property Tax Refund returns.
• To learn more about eligibility and find a free tax site near you, visit Free Tax Preparation Sites.
  

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

Upcoming School Board meetings:

• Monday, September 28 at 5:30pm - School Board Business Meeting - Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle
• Monday, October 12 at 5:30pm - School Board Work Session - District Office, 333 East School Street

• Friday, September 25 at 8:30am - Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent, District Office, 333 East School Street

• Friday, October 2 - Homecoming, 2-hour early release

• Thursday-Friday, October 15-16 - No school, MEA

• 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

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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