Latest news with #AustinPublicSchools
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
APS board unanimously approves special election for building referendum
Jul. 14—In a unanimous vote, the Austin Public Schools Board on Monday night voted in favor of a two-question special election this November for a referendum to support building upgrades in the district. Voters will head to the ballot to answer the first question of the building referendum, which is not to exceed $54.7 million and that will be spread across eight buildings in the district. This money will go toward upgrades in each building that will include — among other things — safety, security and accessibility improvements. The second question authorizes $12 million for renovation of the 50-year-old Bud Higgins Pool at Ellis Middle School. This second question relies on the passing of the first question. In total, the district is asking voters to approve a total of $66.7 million. "I think if we can proactively take care of our buildings and make them functional and prepared for the next couple of decades, I think that would be a good investment on the community's part," said Board Chair Carolyn Dube. Board member Peggy Young agreed and added that this was the time to do it rather than kicking the can down the road. "The longer we postpone the more expensive it's going to be," Young said. "These are things that keep our buildings together. We have to be really good at telling folks that these repairs have to be done." READ MORE: APS considers possible referendum for November If passed, the impact to an average home worth $200,000 would increase by about $16. While board members were clearly in agreement about the need for the referendum, it didn't mean there weren't concerns ranging from the timing of bringing this election forward this year to how to get the word out. In particular, some board members referenced the current morale issues that have dominated discussions earlier this summer. "My concern is it's been a rough three or four months for the district, the board, the administration," said Board Member Don Leathers. "We need to do our darndest to win over the sliver of people that are a little bit mad at me and a little bit mad at you." Leathers also pushed for a unified effort to get the word out what the district was attempting to do, referencing a survey conducted early in the process that showed a willingness among community members to consider the questions. Cece Kroc on the other hand said she was worried about this being the only ballot item. "It could bring out more people that say, 'I don't want to pay any more,'" Kroc said. "I believe in the needed money, but there are concerns." However, conversations eventually returned to a will of avoiding postponing the referendum on the grounds of changing and likely rising costs of construction as well as a concern of what happens if the referendum doesn't pass. "My concern is if it doesn't pass we don't have $64 million sitting there in our general fund," Dan Zielke said, explaining that difficult discussions could arise in regard to possible cuts within the district. "If we have to spend this money, it comes from a different source." "What happens if this doesn't pass?" he added.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State budget questions have impact on APS budget process
Jun. 10—Editor's Note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available. The Minnesota State Legislature was able to get its budget wrapped up during a furious one-day special session, but the delay in the lead-up already had uncertain repercussions on the process of Austin Public Schools budget. Slated to present a plan Monday night during the Austin Public School Board's meeting, Executive Director of Finance and Operations Todd Lechtenberg informed the board that budget finalization would come later because there was so much uncertainty at the state level and its budget. "We just have too many moving parts," Lechtenberg told the board, after going through some of the things known and unknown. The Legislature's K-12 education bill would increase funding for Minnesota schools by $4.2 million in the 2026-27 biennium, however, the bill calls for $420 million in general education funding cuts in the following biennium. While there will be some work to dig through and see what the budget ultimately consists of and its effects on APS, some of the things already in the budget included reductions in three different areas. Compensatory aid modifications could decrease revenue by around $277,136, though Lechtenberg did say that is down from what it was in the beginning at around a $1.1 million decrease. However, this is a one-time reprieve and a task force is currently being formed to address this point. Announced late Monday night, the bill would also call for a 10% cut in transportation funding for students with disabilities by fiscal year 2027, resulting in a 5% decrease in special ed transportation aid for districts in 2026. That cut would further reduce 90% coverage in 2027. This cost was 100% covered in the past. The state's education bill would also cut school library aid by $19.62 million in fiscal years 2026-27, which could reduce the impact to APS by around $31,537. However, at the same time the summer unemployment coverage was expected to be continued through 2028. Lechtenberg also pointed to several things that further add to the unknown of APS's budget including what the effects will be of the Minnesota Paid Leave legislation, which will kick into effect on Jan. 1 There will also be the impact of union settlements which are still in the process of being negotiated, the impacts of tariffs enacted by the Trump Administration, a potential district referendum and federal funding. In particular, the federal funding question revolves around title funding. The district has already received its Title 1 and Title 4 funding, but they don't know the dollar amounts for Title 2 and Title 3 funding yet. Also factored into the budget discussions will be the impact of a lower than estimated projected district enrollment, though that could be mitigated somewhat by a state aid increase to $7,481 per student representing a 2.74% increase. The district will pick up the budget discussion again on June 24, and are required to finalize the budget by June 30. In other news: Board members adopted a 14% increase to its medical insurance renewal in order to keep up with expected claims for the 2025-2026 school year as well as a 3% increase to do the same. According to Lechtenberg, the district was operating at 112% and 142% lost ratio for the 12-month spans of April 2024 to March 2025 and April 2023 to March 2024 respectively. However, the increase is a step down from last year when the district instituted a 24% increase.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Austin Online Academy growth more than just the numbers
Jun. 6—In late May, the Austin Public Schools District released its latest numbers reflecting graduates from its Austin Online Academy (AOA). In just three short years the number of graduates has expanded from under 10 the first year, 2022-23, to 52 this year reflecting a growing popularity of the alternative learning style the AOA offers. Even though comparing the first and third year is akin to comparing the proverbial apples to oranges, it nevertheless speaks to what the AOA can do for students not wanting a traditional education template. "I think year one was just a lot of learning of who a successful student is," said AOA and Alternative Learning Center Principal Jessica Cabeen. "Based on that knowledge and obviously the dedicated, seasoned teachers we have in that program, it's really increased." A breakdown of the numbers shows continuing inclination to explore what the AOA has to offer students in four primary areas: non-Austin students, unique districts outside of Austin, supplemental students taking up to three courses and comprehensive students taking all courses. In 2022-23, the program had just seven non-Austin students, students from unique districts and comprehensive students and no supplemental students. In the next two years, those first three areas showed rapid growth and supplemental students, while not quite so steep, still showed growth. Even between the first and second semesters of this school year, there was solid growth: —Non-Austin: Semester 1 — 37; Semester 2 — 49 —Unique Districts: Semester 1 — 24; Semester 2 — 30 —Comprehensive Students: Semester 1 — 30; Semester 2 — 44 Cabeen said there are multiple layers to the growth, but primarily she narrows it down to two areas — word getting out and the teachers in the AOA. "That word of mouth and those relationships are really what's helping brand our program," Cabeen said. The AOA falls under the alternative umbrella model of education at the school, growing on the same tree as the ALC. Both are meeting students where they are and largely that's because of flexibility in the programming. Students generally choose the AOA because of its flexibility. "The flexibility is a big piece to it," Cabeen said. "We have a lot of fifth and sixth-year seniors that really want to get that diploma, but don't want to be in a brick and mortar setting." The reasons for this can be varying, but Cabeen said it's how the program recognizes these challenges that can make a difference. "They kind of like coming to us because our teachers are a clean slate," she said. "There's no judgment, there's no guilt. We're here to help you learn and we're really excited when they make that final walk." One of the areas that has helped the AOA grow has been the NCAA endorsement, which few online schools have. It plays into the plans of students hoping to continue playing athletics in college. An example of this has been Aidan Martinez, who will be playing soccer at the University of Wisconsin and currently playing for Minnesota United FC 2, a professional developmental team in the Twin Cities. Cabeen added that there is a possibility of reaching out even further to teams like the Austin Bruins if the interest is there. "I can see us starting to branch out into some of these other amateur athletics that students are looking for," Cabeen said. Ultimately, what the numbers reflect is a growing avenue for students looking for alternative routes or even second chances. Second chances that could be life-changing. "I think what I'm noticing is that some of these students, if they wouldn't come here they wouldn't graduate," Cabeen said, picking out one story to relate of a student outside of the district that nearly aged out of his school. "I wonder for a student like that, if he hadn't had this opportunity, would his next step look different? I think that's something I'm excited about is helping support students that maybe didn't see themselves as a graduate, graduating — in a non-traditional way, but still graduating."
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
UPDATE: APS cancels last day at Ellis, IJ over 'potential safety concern;' AHS graduation unaffected
May 30—Due to what was termed as a "potential safety concern," at Ellis Middle School, the Austin Public Schools District has made the decision to cancel the last day of school for both Ellis Middle School and IJ Holton Intermediate School. In a letter to district parents, Superintendent Dr. Joey Page made the announcement early Friday morning. "Due to the timing of this report and our need to fully assess the situation, we have made the decision to cancel the last day of school for Ellis Middle School students," Page explained in the letter. "Additionally, IJ Holton, due to its close proximity to Ellis, will also be closed to students." Citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Page said he was unable to go into details regarding the situation saying only that the district was working with law enforcement to investigate the threat's nature and that it is "taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our community." "All threats of violence — even those made in jest — are taken seriously and may result in student discipline, including possible expulsion and involvement of law enforcement," Page's letter said. However, later in the day on Friday, Page confirmed that the report of a possible safety threat had come in late Thursday evening. Austin Police Chief David McKichan confirmed that the district had reached out to the Austin Police Department, which continues to look into the threat. "Austin Public Schools received information about a potential safety concern involving students at Ellis Middle School. They did contact us to investigate, and that investigation is ongoing," McKichan said in a statement. "We do have two School Resource Officers (SRO) assigned to the school district. One of those is dedicated to the Ellis/IJH joint campus and is assigned this case. The other SRO, and any of our other staff, would of course assist as needed." Page has said that this incident had no bearing on Austin High School's commencement which took place as planned Friday night. The letter ended with Page urging parents or their students that if they hear of any threats to call 911 to report it.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
EDITORIAL: APS work will need to be done together
May 30—In a week that included yet another lengthy conversation regarding morale issues in the Austin Public Schools District it's worth remembering that this is not just a light-switch moment. It's clear there is a problem within the district, made painfully obvious at times through meetings and community discussions, and by now we're all pretty familiar with what many of these more important issues are. Teachers are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and that their voices are not being heard when it comes to these concerns. While the catalyst can be traced to involuntary teacher shifts within the district, the processes behind the current situation are branching off into other facets. Conversations within the district on how to better the situation are being shaded by frustration and impatience both within the district and in the community. It's an understandable reaction, as human beings as a species often tend to be impatient during a time where we have become used to having things at our fingertips. But underneath it all, it has to be realized by all sides that this is not a quick fix. Just as its been claimed that this has been simmering for at least a year, it will be equally long-lived in finding answers. That's an idea that's not likely to be popular, but that is the reality, despite some easy fixes that some might see out there. People want change now. They want to know that their kids are getting a quality education in an encouraging environment devoid of distractions. But this can't be a quick conversation, nor can it be an easy fix because in order to truly repair the damage, anything fixed has got to last. This can't be something that persists like an open wound. In order to do this, however, there has got to be transparency in the process. Yes, there will be some things that will require closed meetings, dictated by law, but any time the district can, it will need to be open and welcoming in its conversations. This past Tuesday, during its work session, there were indications this is heading in the right direction as board members and administration discussed viable ideas that could go a long ways in mending the issue at stake. But there is a responsibility by the public as well. It is bolstering that so many have taken interest in this issue. Naturally, they want to see this whole thing resolved, but we urge them to keep their eye on the prize. It is important to voice concerns and to question, but this is an issue that requires all voices to work collectively and committed. As we've stated, there is not one answer that fixes all types of scenarios to any of this. School board member Dan Zielke was exactly right that all parties need to be wary of pointing fingers, "because there are three more pointed back at you." Introducing factors that have little bearing on the issue at hand only invites complication for a matter that is plenty complicated on its own. We believe the district will get through this, one way or another. But how it does it is as important as the final fix itself. Hands have to be shaken in order to find resolution and the motivating factor has got to be the benefit of the students. There is no doubt that this is a charged situation and it will continue to be charged for some time to come. There will have to be some give and take by both sides, but we can go a long way in building confidence if we are willing to understand and accept that this will not be an overnight fix. By working together and openly as one community we can get to a lasting fix that will benefit it all.
