July 2025 article

Owatonna Public Schools Plans for the Future
By Dr. Tammy Champa, Superintendent

As the new superintendent for Owatonna Public Schools, I am excited to be part of a community that supports its schools so strongly. During the upcoming months, I will be meeting community members, learning more about the area, and most importantly, sustaining Owatonna’s proud tradition of educational excellence.

As the 2025–26 school year approaches, we in the school district are focused on continuing to build a strong future for students. At its June 16 meeting, the Owatonna School Board voted unanimously to hold a special election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The question on the ballot will ask district residents to consider an increase to the district’s operating levy to help sustain the high-quality educational experience Owatonna families have come to expect.

This funding request comes at a time when school districts across Minnesota are facing growing financial pressures. While the cost of educating students continues to rise, state funding has not kept pace with inflation or with the increased expectations placed on schools. In fact, if state aid had kept up with inflation alone, Owatonna Public Schools would receive an estimated $9 million more each year. These funding gaps, combined with unfunded state and federal mandates, place more responsibility on local taxpayers to support public education.

For the 2025–26 school year, we have already taken significant steps to address budget challenges. Personnel changes include not filling administrative and instructional positions after retirements plus reductions to elementary, secondary and special education. These decisions are never easy and reflect the district’s commitment to managing resources responsibly. We do everything we can to effectively steward taxpayer’s resources; however, we are at a point where we cannot continue to provide the opportunities you have come to expect without additional funding.

Balanced with the district reductions is a request for increased community investment. If approved by voters, the additional funding would help maintain class sizes, retain high-quality staff, and continue offering programs that support student success both in and out of the classroom. This includes opportunities in the arts, athletics, and the high school’s Career Pathways program.

Currently, Owatonna’s voter-approved operating levy is second from the bottom when compared to other Big 9 Conference schools. The proposed increase would bring Owatonna more in line with peer districts and provide needed resources to continue delivering excellent educational opportunities.

If the levy is not approved, we anticipate a need to reduce at least $3 million more for the 2026–27 school year. This could result in larger class sizes, additional staff reductions, and cuts to programs and services that support student learning and well-being.

I am excited to be a part of a community that clearly values education and its students. With gratitude for the past support shown to the school district, I look forward to the months ahead—meeting community members, listening to your hopes for the future, and sharing how this referendum can help ensure a strong and stable foundation for the district and community.

More information about the November 4 operating levy referendum is available at isd761.org/levy. We invite families, staff, and community members to learn more and stay engaged as Owatonna continues to move forward. We will host a number of in-person opportunities for you to get more information and ask questions this fall. If you would like me to come to your organization, please email levy@isd761.org to make the request.