I write this to support the Austin School System’s operating referendum in the election, Nov. 3.

My wife Joan and I, with our beginning family, came to Austin in 1955. Our seven children were educated in Austin Public Schools. We consider the schools a major source of pride, one of Austin’s “crown jewels” along with the Hormel Company and the Hormel Institute.

Our school’s importance to new families considering our city became very clear to me in recruitment of physicians for, what was then, The Austin Clinic.

I have attended the monthly and the working meetings of the school board on a fairly regular basis. I am very impressed with the student-centered emphasis and the professional way decisions are reached.

A most important recent acquisition is the Grant for a Teacher Fellowship Cooperative. This involves the University of Minnesota and the Hormel Foundation.

With this grant science and math teachers can work toward advanced certificates and master’s degrees and interact with a mentor while actually teaching and exploring improvements in their courses.

This will also attract promising young teachers to our high school. (I understand the university was enthusiastic and considered this concept unique in the nation).

I am convinced that the Austin School System does an outstanding job of educating our youth and deserves our strong support.

Please join me in voting yes (for our youth) on Nov. 3.

John D. Hagen, M.D.

Austin