Federated Insurance Donations Accepted for New School

Federated Insurance has followed through with its commitment toward the new Owatonna High School which should open in the fall of 2023. The school board accepted donations from Federated Friday, December 20 during a special meeting. Gifts included $20 million toward construction in addition to funds to purchase land in southeast Owatonna for the campus.

In an e-newsletter from the school district, Owatonna Superintendent Jeff Elstad states, "Once again, Owatonna has set itself apart from other communities because of a strong belief that education is a cornerstone of a vibrant and successful community. I cannot thank Federated Insurace and the Rypka family enough for their ongoing commitment in the education or our children and the legacy that will be left for generations upon generations or proud Owatonna graduates moving forward."

Dixon Rypka said at the meeting, "The farm has been in the family for almost 120 years and I think this is a great continuation of this legacy." Dann Rypka added, "We know this is the right thing for the city, and we're very proud to be part of it."

The site for the new 1,600-student high school is in southeast Owatonna near the intersection of Highways 14 and 218.

CEO of Federated Insurance Jeff Fetters said this on the donations to the school district, "This is obviously a great day for the school board and for Owatonna High School, but I think about all of the kids waking up this morning and the facility they are going to have...We are excited for our kids, we are excited for our community."

After a narrow defeat in May 2019, the school board held a series of listening sessions with residents and came back with a proposal that passed in November.