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Welcome to 2024!

Progress and Promise: Reflecting on the School Year So Far: Reflecting on the first months of the school year, I am amazed by how fast the year seems to be moving and how much work we are getting done. From the District’s initiative to get back to neighborhood schools to implementing the strategic plan, it has been a season of growth, collaboration and success. Let me share a few highlights with you.

Transitioning Back to Neighborhood Schools: To manage resources more efficiently while easing transitions for our youngest learners, The district embraced the decision to place kindergarten back into neighborhood elementary schools to manage resources more efficiently while easing transitions for our youngest learners. As a result, students attending their resident-assigned neighborhood schools increased from 66.4% to 80.3% in 2023. I appreciate the district’s staff, parents/caregivers, and community members who provided feedback throughout this decision-making process and continue to support our schools during the transition.

Sustaining Excellence in Education: In 2022, district voters approved an operating levy to support classroom education within our district. The district has already benefited from this funding in various ways, from the planned preservation of electives for students to the maintenance of extracurricular programs. In addition, the district announced hiring a new Executive Director of Finance and Operations, Todd Lechtenberg. Strong resource management is pivotal in our district’s long-term strategic priorities, and Todd’s experience will be critical in meeting these goals.

Implementing Our Strategic Plan: Our district’s strategic plan is a roadmap for fulfilling our mission: to Inspire, Empower, and Accelerate.  It also is shaping the way all staff approach their everyday responsibilities. I’m proud to see this happening in many different ways. Our teachers and staff support students of all backgrounds, create meaningful learning experiences that lead to future careers, and innovate to address challenges and new opportunities. To learn more about the district’s strategic priorities, please visit AccelerateAustin.org.

A Heartfelt Thank You: As we look forward to 2024, students throughout Austin Public Schools will continue to shine as we cheer them on every step of the way. Thank you to the district’s teachers, staff, parents/caregivers, students, and community members for your continued commitment to our schools as we move into an exciting new year.