Austin Public School officials are gearing up for the November election where residents will decide the fate of a proposed $28.9 million bond levy referendum.

The Austin Public School board will vote to authorize an absentee ballot board at its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at City Council Chambers. In addition, Austin Superintendent David Krenz will give a district enrollment update based on student attendance and registration during the first week of school.

About 4,639 students were expected to school Tuesday, compared to about 4,500 last year according to district officials.

Although the numbers vary, about 4,425 students came to school in October according to state enrollment reports. These numbers vary throughout the year as students move in and out of districts, and school officials won’t have concrete numbers until mid-September when they can see who’s coming to class.

District officials originally projected about 4,445 students attending Austin Public Schools on a regular basis for this year, but administrators are confident enrollment numbers will be much higher.

Krenz and Educational Services Director John Alberts will also give a report on the district’s strategic initiative on developing partnerships and understanding between the district and the Austin community.

A new high school award may be created Monday as well. The board will vote on the Austin High School Scarlet Cord Program, which recognizes students who volunteer for more than 160 hours every year they’re in high school.