APS Column: A December update from Austin Public Schools

Published 5:27 pm Friday, December 8, 2023

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By Dr. Joey Page

Austin Public Schools Superintendent

As we near the end of 2023, I extend warm greetings to all of you. Our district’s teachers, staff, students, families/caregivers, and community members have helped make the first few months of the school year one of the best starts in recent memory.

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This past month, Austin Public Schools marked several milestones. Lars Johnson, the art and digital art teacher at Ellis Middle School, was awarded Teacher of the Year. Mr. Johnson’s passion, diligence, and caring attitude are shaping Austin’s students in many positive ways, and I am proud to have him as a staff member.

The district also celebrated Nadia Hummel, an Austin High School junior named to the Minnesota Department of Education Computer Science Working Group. Nadia is one of only two students from across the state selected for this honor. Congratulations, Nadia!

Further, Todd Lechtenberg was named executive director of finance and operations at Austin Public Schools. Todd is excited to join the team and continue the district’s strategic priority of excellence in resource management. I hope you will join me in welcoming him.

As we head into winter, we want to remind everyone that inclement weather, from closures and delays to indoor recess and slippery sidewalks, can affect our schools.  Through it all, the most crucial factor when making weather-related decisions is what’s safest for Austin Public Schools’ students and staff.

For many families, one of the most pressing questions when the temperature plummets and snow is in the forecast is whether there will be school.  Many factors go into the decision to delay, release early, or close schools entirely.  When winter storms loom, we receive announcements and timely updates from NOAA the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  We also review road conditions with city and county road crews and our bus contractor and consider MnDOT reporting.

After looking at all the information, we determine what we feel is safest for Austin Public Schools’ students and staff.  While we try to make the best decision possible for the safety of all, sometimes parents might have a different perspective.  It is, of course, always within the parent’s prerogative to keep their student home if they feel it is safer in this situation.

Student (and staff) safety continues to be a priority even when schools remain open.  At the elementary level, students will automatically have indoor recess if the temperature is below zero or the wind chill is below -10oF.  It is vitally important that students be sent to school with appropriate winter weather gear, including coats, gloves, and hats.

Our buildings and grounds crews work tirelessly to clear sidewalks and parking lots throughout the day, though we encourage our students and staff to do the “penguin shuffle” if ice is present.  While our goal is to make sure sidewalks and other surfaces are clear of snow and ice, in the case of inclement weather, it might not always be perfect.  Again, student and staff safety is paramount to Austin Public Schools, and we work hard to keep up with our dynamic Minnesota weather.

Thank you for your continued support of our district. I wish you and your loved ones a season of joy.