“The new high school was built because we determined that the facilities in the old high school did not meet our students’ needs for 21st-century learning, and it was no longer relevant or reliable when it came to servicing students, particularly in the skilled trades training,” says Jeff Elstad, superintendent of Owatonna Public Schools. “Plus, the old building’s heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing and other systems were failing, which led the community to the ultimate decision to build a new high school.”
Designed with a culinary lab, fabrication lab, nursing classroom and other collaborative spaces, the high school was built to meet the needs of students and employ new, innovative ways of teaching. The school also boasts two gymnasiums, an indoor walking track, multiple outdoor sports fields and an ultramodern weight room funded by Life Fitness.
“We have numerous flex spaces and classrooms that allow students countless ways to engage with their learning,” says Kory Kath, Owatonna High School principal. “We also have incredible physical education and arts spaces that showcase the talents of our students.”
Elstad says the building’s open design and use of natural light has changed the overall mood.
“We’re seeing a much calmer environment that is college-like, with students going about their day and getting their business done,” Elstad says. “Every space in the building is a learning space, and our hallways are not long corridors with lockers on both sides but instead have small tables, places to meet and booths to gather in. Our classrooms are set up very collaboratively. There are nearly no individual desks in the building. Instead, there are a lot of tables and a lot of integrated technology to make it easier for student presentations. It’s very similar to what they would see in an office or other workplace.”
