By David Krenz

Austin Superintendent

One hundred and sixty-three years ago, Austin opened its first school in a log house located on the north side of Water Street between Franklin and Jay streets.

Since that time, the community has supported quality schools and quality education for their children. The start of the 2018 school year is no different, with programs continuing to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our community, society, economy and demographic backgrounds.

Austin’s schools are a mirror of our economic growth.  As the community grows and provides jobs, families move into the community and their children need an education.

Last year, the number of students enrolled at Austin Public Schools eclipsed 5,000 in kindergarten through 12th grade, and we were well above 5,200 when you include our pre-school students.  Due to this, we are once again beginning to see pressure for needed space and program growth at all levels, especially at the Community Learning Center and Austin High School, where classes are nearing the 400 mark.  Throughout Austin’s history, the community has stepped up during these times of growth to provide safe and innovative schools for the next generation of students.  We will continue to work with the community to find solutions similar to the process used prior to the building of I.J. Holton Intermediate STEAM School.

We are excited to take on new challenges and even more excited to welcome our past, current, and new students and families to our schools and the Austin Community.

I also wanted to highlight a few of our new initiatives.  First, we are very excited to be offering, through the support of our local business community, a class called CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities).  In this class, which will take place outside of the high school in our local businesses, students will learn from the business owners as they create their own startup businesses.  Be looking for their Spring Showcase later this year to see how the students have done.

We will also begin the renovation and addition to the high school annex that will expand our music programs and continue to grow our partnership with the MacPhail Center for Music.  This project is only possible through the generous support of The Hormel Foundation.  Additionally, this year’s graduating class will be the first to be able to take full advantage of The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship, which will fully support their tuition and fees to attend Riverland Community College.  More details to follow in the coming months.

These are just three of the many great things happening in the Austin schools due to the continued support of our staff, community partners, and most of all the parents and residents of the Austin School District.