Inspiring Excellence. Every Learner, Every Day.

An updated 2025-2026 school calendar was approved by the Board last spring. The school calendar establishes student days, workshop days for staff, provides for emergency closings and other information related to students, staff, and parents.  


 

If desired, items may be removed from the consent agenda by request by an individual school board member for independent consideration.  A request is timely if made prior to the vote on the consent agenda.  The request does not require a second or a vote by the school board.  An item removed from the consent agenda will then be discussed and acted on separately immediately following the consideration of the consent agenda.

Roll call vote is required as the consent agenda contains the personnel report.

The board must take specific action to certify the 2025 payable 2026 preliminary levy (for 2026-2027 fiscal year).  These taxes are collected during the calendar year 2026.  The summary printout from the Minnesota Department of Education is attached as well as a comparison to the 2024 payable 2025 levy.  The attached information indicates the total school district levy will increase by approximately 2.24 percent. 

The district's overall levy increase is due to levy formulas set by the Minnesota Legislature as well as school board approved maintenance projects that have been financed with a bond issuance as part of the district's long term facility maintenance plan. 

Minnesota tax law changes are reducing taxes for many property owners and the district continues to experience tax base growth, including new properties that offset taxes for existing property owners in the school district.  

It is recommended that the Board approve the Proposed 25 Pay 26 Levy at the "Maximum."
 

Each year, school districts in Minnesota must submit to the Minnesota Department of Education an Assurance of Compliance with State and Federal laws prohibiting discrimination.  

By completing all sections of the Assurance of Compliance and Mandated Reporting, school districts provide written assurance that they do not discriminate in their use of funds provided through the Minnesota Department of Education and that they have informed all mandated reporters of their reporting duties.

This assurance is given by each district in consideration of and for the purpose of obtaining any and all federal grants, loans, contracts, property, discounts, or other federal and state financial assistance extended to the district by the U.S. Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

By submitting the Assurance of Compliance, the district recognizes and agrees that such federal and state financial assistance will be extended in reliance on the representations, supporting information required by Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.42, subdivision 3, and agreements made in this assurance. 

Attached is a purchase agreement for the City of Owatonna to purchase the former district office located at 515 West Bridge Street.

Article III. Section 3. of the Articles of Amendment of the Bylaws of the ISD 761 Foundation state that all appointments to fill vacancies shall be appointed by the School Board of ISD 761, a Minnesota public corporation.  Sandra Boss was the most recent appointment of the 761 Foundation Board of Directors. Below is the ISD 761 Foundation Board of Directors as of September 2025:

Sandra Boss
Ellen Draeger Cattadoris
Samona Grubish
Madeleine Haberman
Barbara Judd
Sara McKay
Janet Mittelstadt Tippett
Bruce Paulson
Nicole Schulz
Mark Sebring

The School Board of ISD 761 is being asked to ratify the appointment of this Board of Directors.
 

The district is required to designate its depositories for school district revenues.  It is good practice to periodically review the depository practices of the district to ensure the safekeeping of its assets and to maximize its investment.

Bremer Bank is currently designated as a district depository for school district revenues.  As a result of the sale of Bremer Bank to Old National Bank, effective at the close of business Friday, October 17, 2025, the district’s relationship will transfer from Bremer Bank to Old National Bank.

Old National Bank will now be designated as one of the district’s depositories for revenues related to its payroll, student activity accounts, general accounts, and savings.
 

The District has historically used a variety of institutions to oversee the proper investment of its assets.   Bremer Bank is currently designated as one of the institutions to oversee the proper investment of its assets.  As a result of the sale of Bremer Bank to Old National Bank, effective at the close of business Friday, October 17, 2025, the district’s relationship will transfer from Bremer Bank to Old National Bank.

The Board is asked to authorize Old National Bank as an institution to oversee the proper investment of its assets.
 

Policy 706 establishes guidelines for the acceptance of gifts to the District.  As specified by Minnesota Statute 465.03, the School Board may accept a gift, grant, or property only by the adoption of a resolution approved by two-thirds of its members. Any gifts accepted of more than nominal value (more than $5), shall become property of the District (Policy 421).

The gifts are listed on the attached resolution.