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Board approves insurance renewal, trip, calendar, filings and other routine measures; student rep appointed
Summary
At its May 26 meeting the Owatonna board unanimously approved a package of routine but material items including a 9% self‑insured medical premium renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield, an extended trip to Costa Rica and Panama (summer 2027), the 2025–26 school calendar, filing‑date resolution for affidavits of candidacy, acceptance of gifts, designation of Superintendent Tamara Ciampa as the identified official for MDE secure sites, and a letter of understanding under the Read Act; the board also appointed Greta Feldman as student school board representative.
The Owatonna Public School District board voted through a series of routine but consequential items at its May 26 meeting, approving an insurance renewal, a student trip, calendar changes, filing dates, gifts and role assignments.
Insurance: Administration requested board approval for a Blue Cross Blue Shield self‑insured medical plan renewal. Superintendent Tamara Ciampa and finance staff explained the renewal carries a 9% increase in medical premiums for the self‑insured plan; the board approved the renewal. A member of finance noted the district has negotiated cycles of claims and premiums and is supported by an actuarial consultant.
Trips and calendar: The board approved an extended world‑languages trip to Costa Rica and Panama proposed for summer 2027, having found it met extended‑trip requirements. The final 2025–26 school calendar—adjusted to reflect two non‑school days and two late starts—was also approved.
Elections and administration: The board approved a resolution establishing the filing window for affidavits of candidacy (noted in discussion as July 14–July 28), and designated Superintendent Tamara Ciampa as the identified official with authority to manage Minnesota Department of Education secure‑site access for district staff.
Gifts and personnel matters: The board accepted a list of donations to schools and programs and approved the personnel and disbursement reports as part of a consent agenda. The board also approved a small letter of understanding with the Owatonna Education Association that addresses compensation for select staff participating in Read Act training.
Student representative: After a brief presentation by candidate Greta Feldman—who emphasized equity and inclusion—the board voted to appoint her as the new student school board representative.
Votes at a glance (as recorded by the clerk) - Consent agenda (minutes, disbursements, personnel): approved by roll call (all aye). - Amended 2025–26 budget: approved by roll call (all aye). - Decommit funds (Career Pathways): approved by roll call (all aye). - Policy 110 & 625 (equity, AI): approved by roll call (all aye). - Minnesota State High School League membership: approved (one board member reiterated a prior no vote in principle but the motion passed). - Blue Cross Blue Shield self‑insured renewal (9%): approved by roll call (all aye). - Extended trip to Costa Rica and Panama: approved by roll call (all aye). - Filing‑dates resolution (affidavits of candidacy): approved by roll call (all aye). - Gifts acceptance resolution: approved by roll call (all aye). - Letter of understanding (Read Act): approved by roll call (all aye). - Appointment of Greta Feldman as student representative: approved by roll call (all aye).
The clerk recorded roll‑call votes for each motion. Board members and staff said they will continue follow‑up work where necessary—most notably finance will monitor compensatory revenue changes and insurance fund balances.
