Owatonna Schools Announce Staff Leadership Changes for 2017-18

The Owatonna public schools have announced staff changes in several leadership roles for the 2017-18 school year.

In their email newsletter and on the Owatonna school website, the district announces new leadership roles for several principal, director and coordinator positions. Melodee Hoffner will become the principal at Wilson Elementary after serving in that role with the Alternative Learning Center (ALC). She has a background in counseling and working with diverse student populations.

Jayne Jacobson will take on the role of intervention teacher at Wilson after serving as the ELL coordinator. She will "work directly with students on equity and academic issues," according to the news release.

Jim Kiefer will be the new principal of the ALC after working at Willow Creek Intermediate School. Michelle Krell will be the new director of teaching and learning after previous experience at Kasson-Mantorville, Waseca and in the Owatonna district as a teacher and interim principal. She replaces Amy LaDue, who is leaving the district.

Amy Young will become the ELL coordinator. "Amy has a background in multi-lingual learning and her skills will be invaluable as the district works to close the achievement gap," states the school website.

Superintendent Pete Grant says, "It's valuable to change leadership in positions every so often and build on individual staff strengths. It ensures we periodically provide fresh perspectives."