by Amy Baskin

Director of education and communications for Austin Public Schools

It is time for the students to load up their back-packs, dress up in their new clothes and head back to school. It can be a hard transition going from the freedom of summer to the structure of being a full time student, but it is worth it. A good education gives children the foundation for the rest of their lives.

Nelson Mandela once wrote that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” W.B. Yeats said that “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” The staff of Austin Public Schools works hard to light the fire of students so they can change the world. This is accomplished by highly inspired staff using innovative techniques to help students reach their highest potential.

Every staff member of Austin Public Schools believes that students deserve a first class education and work hard to make sure that every student is successful. From preparing the buildings and meals to preparing the curriculum and instruction, staff put forth energy, creativity and dedication to making Austin Public Schools one of the educational centers in the state of Minnesota.

Austin is blessed to be an excellent district with strong community support and partnerships. We truly appreciate the dedication of the community to our students, staff and programs. We have many new initiatives this year and hope that the community will come into the schools to see firsthand the work that is being accomplished. Students from a wide variety of cultures and socio-economic populations are achieving success and goals they never dreamed they could. Students and staff celebrate accomplishments in academics, extra-curricular and athletic venues.

Austin Public Schools is a recognized leader in many areas and works hard to continue their educational excellence. The community of Austin can be proud of the educational system in our community. As Malcom X wrote, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Austin has a bright future.