The Owatonna School Board on Sept. 22 ratified the slate of directors for the ISD 761 Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity that raises funds to support teacher mini-grants and classroom initiatives.

Board materials note the foundation "dates back to the late 1880s or early 1890s," and board members emphasized that the foundation operates independently from the school district. Dr. Champa said the foundation's bylaws require the school board to regularly approve the foundation's board of directors.

Board members discussed how the foundation selects directors and attempts to maintain a cross-section of community representation; board materials indicate the foundation can have up to 15 directors. The board approved a motion to ratify the foundation slate as presented, which included the recent appointment of Sandy Boss.

One board member asked whether serving on the foundation board required being a graduate of Owatonna High School; Dr. Champa said it did not and that the foundation seeks broad community representation. The motion to ratify the slate passed by voice vote.

The foundation's primary function, as described in board discussion, is to raise funds and award mini-grants to teachers for classroom projects and programs.