Superintendent of Schools Dave Krenz got high marks in his role as the head of Austin Public Schools, according to the School Board on Monday.

The board, in a joint statement, cited his “excellence in leadership within the district” using tools to make sure what is happening in the district aligns with the board’s vision and strategic plan.

“Austin Public Schools is on the cutting-edge of meeting the needs of our diverse population with Mr. Krenz at the helm,” and cited his work in establishing a partnership with Phrazer and its maker, GeaCom, a device that aids communication for English learners.

“In its beginning stages, the device was piloted at Neveln Elementary School assisting its EL staff to communicate about immunizations. More recently, the device was used during enrollment, providing a valuable resource to district staff.”

“While Mr. Krenz is looking toward the future of the district, he also has a desire to appreciate the legacy of the past,” the statement added. “The development of the online process to further recognize alumni of Austin Public Schools is nearing completion.”

“The Austin School Board is pleased with the goals Mr. Krenz has achieved in 2016-2017 and looking forward to the goals set for the upcoming year.”

Krenz has served the district since 2008. Prior to that, he was superintendent at La Crescent-Hokah Schools, and before that, served as principal at Wabasha-Kellogg Schools.

“Thank you for working so hard for us,” said Vice Chairwoman Peggy Young, who led the meeting in the absence of Chairwoman Angie Goetz.

In other business on Monday:

Thanks: The board extended thanks to the many organizations who bring supplies, monetary donations and clothes to the schools for the children who need them. “Kids Closets” are located in all the elementary schools, Woodson Kindergarten Center and the Community Learning Center.

Each meeting, the board is notified of donations made to the district. On Monday, for instance, Early Risers Kiwanis donated $500 each to Southgate Elementary School and Woodson. Red Oak Lutheran Church gave school supplies to all schools, and even the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wis., gave supplies to Austin High School. Individuals were also thanked, such as Gary Corcoran who donated $50 for items at I.J. Holton Intermediate School. Those are not the only ones, but representative of “the great, heartfelt donations for our children to help when they are in need,” Krenz said. “It is just fantastic — and they are in need.”

AALA Cooperative: The board approved a quit-claim of the title of the Oakland Education Center, which houses the Austin-Albert Lea Area Special Education Cooperative, which serves special needs students from the two school districts. The center opened last year.

Austin schools obtained financing for the center through a lease/purchase agreement and owns and has title to the center. Since Albert Lea schools are a partner in the center, and pays 50 percent of the principal and interest on the lease, the three entities — Austin, Albert Lea and the cooperative — will resolve to have Austin quit-claim the title over to the cooperative when the lease term ends.

Extended trips: The board approved extended trips, including one to France in the next school year (postponed from this year); a foreign language trip to Concordia Language Village in February; and a Skills USA trip next week to Alexandria.

Teacher salaries: The board amended the agenda to postpone action on the approval of a two-year contract with the Austin Education Association. Three board members were not in attendance, and the board agreed it would be better if all board members were present to act on the contract.

In addition to Goetz, Carolyn Dube and Don Fox were absent. The board will take action on Oct. 23, at its study session.