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With just under a month remaining in her tenure on the Austin Public Schools Board, board members honored Kathy Green Monday night during the Austin Public Schools Board Meeting.

Green, who has spent 25 years serving on the School Board, will retire on Nov. 4, just one day ahead of the General Election on Nov. 5. Originally set to retire on Dec. 31, Green agreed to move up her retirement to allow the district to call a special election to fill the position.

Dan Zielke and Isabella Krueger are running to fill Green’s position. Whoever is elected will round out Green’s remaining two years.

“I’ve worked with wonderful School Board members within our community,” Green said Monday night. “It’s been wonderful getting to know board members along the way. I have so much admiration for this staff in the district.”

During board member reports, individual members took a moment to congratulate Green, who is stepping down to spend more time with family.

“Your advocacy at the district, regional, state and national levels has been significant,” said Board Chair Carolyn Dube. “We hope that in the coming days, they are filled with travel and lazy days … We are so excited to send you off to this next season of your life.”

In her opening presentation, Dube commented on the number of students Green has advocated for in her time on the board. Dube said that estimated number comes to just shy of 14,000 students.

“This is quite a legacy to leave behind,” Dube said.

In her closing remarks during this part of the meeting, Green challenged the board to continue to foster spirit and creativity within the district. 

“That’s something I charge the board and staff with as you move forward,” she said. 

Fadness honored

Earlier in the recognition period of Monday night’s board meeting, the board also recognized former Austin Packers boys basketball head coach Kris Fadness, who will be inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association on Oct. 26.

Fadness, who led the Packers to three Class AAA state title appearances in 2013, 2014 and 2017, had previously won a Class A state title while coaching Caledonia in 1997.

In total, Fadness led the Packers to seven total state tournament appearances, breaking a 30-year state tournament drought in 2012.

Fadness rounded out his coaching career with a record of 504-266.

“We congratulate him on this tremendous honor and the years of service to those you impacted in your career,” said Austin High School Activities Director Katie Carter.

While Austin most notably knows Fadness for his time of guiding the Packers program, he also has an extensive coaching background outside of  Austin, including a stint coaching basketball in Iceland.

“I feel very blessed,” Fadness said Monday. “This has been a great home for our family. It takes a village. I wouldn’t be standing here without all the support in the community.”