Local foundations tour new Owatonna high school

School district leaders guided a tour of the new Owatonna High School for members of the ISD 761 Foundation and Owatonna Foundation last Monday, Aug. 14.

The groups gathered in the commons area for a brief presentation by Superintendent Jeff Elstad and then split into two groups to tour the school. One group was led by Elstad, while Director of Facilities, Infrastructure and Security Bob Olson took the other around the building and grounds.

The tour highlighted the unique spaces in which OHS students will have the opportunity to learn this fall.

These spaces include a classroom designed specifically for students interested in medical careers, a modern industrial tech space, and a spacious kitchen for foods classes.

Attendees of the tour were also able to see the music suite, as well as visit both the main and auxiliary gymnasiums, the weight room, and the stadium.

The tour also included a visit to the Foundation Room, which is a joint venture between the two foundations. Each donated $250,000 for the room to be included in the project. The Foundation Room is located on the first floor of the athletic wing and will host meetings and events for large groups.

Although both groups contributed equally to the project, it is important to note that they are two separate entities.

“The Owatonna Foundation is more capital projects, brick and mortar. The 761 (Foundation) is (focused on) scholarships, programming, mini grants for teachers,” said Sara McKay, executive director of the Owatonna Foundation.

As the tour concluded, Elstad expressed his gratitude for the support of the members of both foundations.

“I appreciate each and every one of you and everything you’ve done for our community,” Elstad said. “Thank you for your philanthropy and for being great stewards of our community.”