Members promote more communication

The Austin Public Schools Board gave Superintendent David Krenz another vote of approval Monday.

The board revealed the results of Krenz’s annual evaluation. The board said Krenz has performed well as superintendent, showing passion for education and students. Board members were also happy about his continued work to get technology into the district, his help with Pi Academy, and that he has helped gain trust and respect from the Austin community for the principals and administration throughout the district.

Krenz was pleased with the results of the board’s evaluation.

“On a five point scale I think the average was somewhere between 4.3 and 4.5, so that … really felt good,” Krenz said.

In November, the board voted to increase Krenz’s salary as part of a contract that will start July 1, 2015, and end June 30, 2018. Krenz, who is making $148,614 this year, is set to see his salary increase to $159,257 by the 2017-18 school year.

However, the superintendent didn’t take all the credit after the report.

“We’ve got a great team here, from the school board to all of our staff, we just have to make sure that we have the systems in place to support the work that they’re doing, and I see that as our role as administrators,” Krenz said.

The board noted it would like to see Krenz grow in communication with the central administration team to encourage everyone to present ideas. It would also like to see him continue to present regular reports regarding the districts’s strategic process, with data to back up the achievement goals of the district. The board would also like to see regularly scheduled meetings for the five main committees: curriculum, facilities, finance, personnel and policy.

“I think the big thing is just making sure that we continue to communicate, get information out,” Krenz said.

Starting January, Krenz said representatives from the principals’ association will give reports and to also help keep the board informed.

“It’s about sharing the information,” he said.

Krenz has been the superintendent for Austin Public Schools for six years.