Only three words will represent the mission of Austin Public Schools: “Engage. Empower. Inspire.”

The Austin School Board, following the recommendation of the School Board Communication Committee, approved the new statement at its Oct. 9 meeting.

Superintendent of Schools Dave Krenz said after the new statement was presented for feedback from staff and principals, “we only received positive feedback.”

The committee began to meet two years ago, whose focus was to update the district presence in the media, and on the district website.

A survey about what should be included in a mission statement was eventually sent to district staff, parents and students, Krenz said, and 300 were returned. A computer program sifted through the responses to bring most-used words to the forefront. Among them were the three words finally approved.

The words are simple enough to be remembered, but they also are encompassing enough, “that everyone can apply it to a situation and make in meaningful to them.,” Krenz said.

If the words sound somewhat familiar, they should. The current mission statement — a mission statement sets forth guiding principles for the district — says, “Engaging and empowering all learners for life.”

Now that the new statement has been formally approved, work will be done to develop a new logo representing the district mission. The logo will be used on district communications.