Superintendent Search

Superintendent Jeff Elstad informed the Owatonna Public Schools School Board on January 6 of his intent to retire from public education on June 30, 2025.

The school board is planning to meet January 22 to determine the process for selecting a new superintendent.

Future updates will be posted to this page.

January 7 press release:

Superintendent Elstad announces retirement

Jeff Elstad, who has served as superintendent for Owatonna Public Schools since 2017, announced his retirement from public education to the school board on Monday evening, with an effective date of June 30, 2025.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the proud superintendent for the staff, students and families of Owatonna Public Schools. This is a special community that honors the past and embraces the future, all in the name of doing what is best for our children and youth,” said Superintendent Elstad. 

The school board will meet in the near future to determine the process for selecting the next superintendent to continue the Owatonna Public Schools’ mission to inspire excellence in every learner, every day

During his eight years as superintendent at Owatonna Public Schools, Elstad led the staff through the pandemic and the creation of Owatonna Online, which is now the fastest-growing online school in Minnesota. He nurtured business and community partnerships that resulted in the passage of a successful bond that led to the new high school opening in 2023, with the largest amount of private donations to a public school district in the state.

"Superintendent Elstad's successes since we first interviewed him over eight years ago have been nothing short of remarkable, as he accomplished what we asked and abundantly more. Owatonna is a better community because of his leadership and contributions," said School Board Chair Mark Sebring.

Elstad’s 32-year career in public education included time as an early childhood special education teacher, speech and language pathologist, coach, and administrator. He served as director of special services for New Prague Area Schools, assistant principal at Owatonna High School, principal at Willow Creek Middle School (Rochester), and superintendent for Byron Public Schools

Superintendent Elstad is a past president for the Minnesota Association of School Administrators and currently serves on the American Association of School Administrators Governing Board. He has been an adjunct faculty member of Concordia University – St. Paul and University of St. Thomas, teaching in both Education Leadership departments. 

The mission of Owatonna Public Schools is Inspiring Excellence - Every Learner - Every Day. To learn more about the school district, visit isd761.org or follow on social media - @owatonna761.

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