The most newsworthy event of the meeting was the approval of two significant tax abatement requests. The first request, presented by the Executive Director of Finance Operations, came from New Horizon Homes for a project at 1312 18th Street Northeast, with an estimated project valuation of $460,000. This request was approved without opposition. The second request was from Bigalow and London Construction for a project at 1331 18th Street Northeast, valued at $345,000. This request also passed unanimously. These approvals are expected to support local development and contribute positively to the community’s growth.

Superintendent Joey Page delivered a report that highlighted the district’s preparations for the new school year. Dr. Page expressed appreciation for the staff’s hard work, emphasizing the successful transitions in kindergarten and early childhood programs. New programs and facilities, including playgrounds, were noted, with specific recognition given to IJ Holton and Su Elementary School for their commitment to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Austin High School’s orchestra was also acknowledged for its upcoming performance at the Minnesota Music Education Convention in February.

Dr. Page also recognized three students for their achievements in the College Board National Recognition Program and acknowledged four students from Austin High School who would participate in the Global Youth Institute World Food Prize conference in Iowa. Additionally, the superintendent announced the induction of Chris Fadness into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, scheduled for October 26.

September being Minnesota School Board Recognition Month was emphasized, with Dr. Page highlighting the contributions of the board members who serve over 5,200 students and employ around 850 staff members across nine sites. Certificates were prepared for distribution to the board members as part of this recognition.

The meeting also included a detailed student report highlighting various initiatives and updates related to the high school environment. A new seminar class, the Packer Profile, aimed at easing the transition for freshmen, was introduced. This class focuses on essential skills such as time management and career readiness, offering students the opportunity to catch up on schoolwork while establishing connections with their teachers. Additionally, a new phone policy has been implemented throughout the high school, which has reportedly improved the learning experience by emphasizing face-to-face interactions and group-based work.

Homecoming preparations were discussed, with activities scheduled from the 24th through the 27th and a dance planned for the following Saturday. Events such as shirt sales, field day activities, and a bonfire are in the planning stages, alongside a new service activity in collaboration with Hometown Food Security. The administration acknowledged the challenges of overwhelming students during homecoming while striving to maintain high engagement levels throughout the year. This led to the introduction of a service project aimed at giving back to the community.

A significant service project involving the packing of 24,000 snack packs in collaboration with Hometown Food Security and Matter Box was discussed. This initiative aims to demonstrate care for the community by providing essential food items, with students writing notes of encouragement. The project encourages participation from students, who will be divided into grade levels for a competitive element. The event is planned to take place on the school’s lawn, with assurances of favorable weather conditions.

The summer school program was another focal point of the meeting. Jessica Cabine, the principal of alternative programming, presented data on the program’s success. A total of 561 students participated, supported by a staff of 50, including teachers and special education support personnel. Data on reading performance improvements showed an overall increase of 14.2 percent, with significant gains across various grade levels. The program also saw participation from veteran teachers, contributing to its success.

Concerns regarding academic performance and test scores were raised, with a commitment to ongoing improvement noted. The district is taking steps to enhance instructional practices and data analysis to support student learning.

The board also approved a request for guaranteed energy savings proposals, aiming to identify cost-saving projects, including LED lighting, as part of a broader initiative to enhance energy efficiency within the district. Additionally, the board reviewed and accepted several donations, including a $5,000 gift from the Fraternal Order of Eagles and two boxes of Native American books for the Native American Parent Advisory Committee.

Finally, the board agreed to delete policy 723 regarding the accounting and financial procedures manual, treating it as a resource within the finance office rather than a formal policy. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the next school board special meeting scheduled for September 23, 2024, at 4 PM at the district office conference room.