Owatonna school news

Federated Insurance followed through on commitments to the Owatonna School Board with donations toward the new high school.

The Owatonna High School principal is resigning to take a job in the private sector in the area.

The Owatonna Magnet student website reports that about 120 students participated in a national walkout Wednesday, that marked one month since a shooting at a Florida school left 17 dead. Members of the Steele County Indivisible organization were also at the protest, which was held on the steps of Owatonna High School.

In their recent email newsletter, the Owatonna School District reports that construction projects that are part of the 2015 referendum and continuing on time and on budget. Most of the work will be complete by the start of the school year in September 2018.

Progress is advancing at several Owatonna schools, with an indication that most of the work will be done by the time students return to class in the fall.

Owatonna's school board approved the addition of dance team Monday. Activities Director Ryan Swanson tweeted, "Work will begin immediately, our first season will be 2017-18!"

The Owatonna School Board announced Monday that former OHS assistant principal Jeff Elstad will be the new superintendent. Negotiations will begin for a contract to begin July 2017.

The Owatonna School Board released the names of the five candidates to replace Pete Grant when he resigns from the superintendent's position in June 2017.