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Owatonna board approves 2027–28 calendar and a package of staffing recalls and labor agreements
Summary
The Owatonna School Board approved the 2027–28 school calendar, revised the 2026–27 calendar, authorized an extended student trip, created and filled two Spanish-teacher positions (recall offers to named staff), and ratified multiple 2025–27 labor agreements in a series of unanimous votes March 23.
The Owatonna School Board approved a set of routine but consequential actions in its March 23 meeting, including adoption of the 2027–28 school calendar, a revision to the 2026–27 calendar, a student extended trip and several personnel and labor agreements.
The board voted to approve the proposed 2027–28 calendar after the calendar committee presented three options and recommended one unanimously. Director Sullivan said a district calendar survey received 457 responses and that staff worked with bargaining units to align professional development days and contract requirements. "We had 457 I believe responded to that and so that was all taken into account," Sullivan said. Board members discussed accommodations for students involved in FFA/state fair events and were told those students would be excused for eligible activities.
The board also approved a targeted revision to the 2026–27 calendar to convert a February student contact day to a professional development day (to accommodate REDACT training for grades 6–12 language arts), to add a non-student day to host a regional music conference, and to allow an early release on the final day for grades 9–12 to accommodate graduation rehearsal.
On personnel the board approved a resolution creating a 1.0 FTE K–2 Spanish teacher position and authorized an offer to recall Logan Shock, citing a retirement that allowed the district to restore the position so middle school Spanish instruction can continue. The board later approved a related resolution creating a 1.0 FTE long-term substitute K–12 Spanish teacher with an offer to recall Jonathan Mirren (long-term sub first half of the year, Spanish position second half).
The board ratified tentative 2025–2027 agreements with several bargaining units: nutrition services staff, the Owatonna Principals Association and educational support staff (health office nurses). Board members commended district negotiators for reaching the agreements and acknowledged bargaining units made differing choices between salary and insurance contributions; one member expressed continuing concern about insurance premium increases relative to salary changes.
Other routine approvals included 2025–26 and 2026–27 salary and benefits updates for individual director/supervisor (non-cabinet) employees, acceptance of community gifts to the district and authorization for chair and clerk to execute contract documents where noted. An extended trip for seventh- and eighth-grade students to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia from June 7–12 was approved as presented.
All motions recorded in the meeting were adopted by roll call; the board indicated unanimous consent on the recorded votes. The meeting adjourned at the conclusion of business.
