Dear APS Community:

We're committed to keeping you informed about the financial planning and tax implications that support the success of our schools. As part of this transparency, our annual Truth in Taxation meeting will occur on December 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Annex Recital Hall. Here's a preview of what to expect and highlights from this year's fiscal overview.

What is Truth in Taxation?

This meeting is required by state law and provides a platform to:

• Present the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and the Proposed Tax Levy for Pay 2025.
• Discuss key financial updates and changes impacting property taxes.
• Hear and respond to public comments.

Financial Highlights

Our District continues to demonstrate financial excellence thanks to the school board's diligent planning and our team's hard work. Here are some recent achievements:

• A1 Bond Rating by Moody's Investor Services.
• Recipient of the 2024 MDE School Finance Award for the 8th consecutive year.
• Clean, unmodified audit opinions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• We exceeded the School Board targets for unassigned fund balances.

These accomplishments help us maintain strong financial health, benefiting our schools and community.

Key Updates for Pay 2025 Property Taxes

1. Property Tax Law Changes:
• Homestead Market Value Exclusion increased, reducing taxes for properties valued up to $517,200.
• Agricultural Homestead Classification limit expanded to $3.5 million for Pay 2025, offering significant tax relief to larger landowners.
2. Ag2School Credit:
• The state will cover approximately $370,000 of the $2.6 million debt service levy, lightening the tax burden for agricultural properties.
3. Reduced State Aid Due to Rising Property Values:
• The District has seen growing property values in recent years. As property values increase, the state provides lower funding levels for some revenues. This results in a larger share of the revenue coming from local taxpayers. The school district does not receive more funding when this happens, but local property taxpayers see an impact.

2025 Budget Overview

The District utilizes a Fund Accounting system, separating revenues and expenditures into six distinct funds, including the General, Community Service, and Debt Service Funds. This structure ensures transparency and precise allocation of resources.

Public Input Always Welcomed

We value your thoughts! Join us on December 9 to ask questions, provide input, and learn how your tax dollars are helping inspire, empower, and accelerate student success.

Thank you for your ongoing support in making Austin Public Schools a thriving environment for our students and community. Additional financial details are available for your review here. We encourage you to consider joining our district Finance or Facilities committees if you want to get more involved.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

We're excited to kick off a four-part series focused on the Packer Profile, a key strategic priority of Austin Public Schools that supports our mission to inspire, empower, and accelerate our students. This series will provide a closer look at the Packer Profile framework, starting with an overview of how it shapes well-rounded learners. We'll also explore the Packer Profile Seminar course, highlight the opportunities within our Career Pathways exploration, and introduce SchooLinks, our new college and career readiness platform. Each part of this series will showcase how these efforts prepare students for success in the future. Part one provides an overview of the Packer Profile.

At Austin Public Schools, we believe in a collaborative approach to education, and this year's theme of "Connection" reflects just that. Our students, families, caregivers, staff, and community partners all play vital roles in preparing our students for a successful future.

This month, I want to spotlight our Packer Profile — a framework guiding the APS student experience. Developed with input from students, staff, families, caregivers, and residents during the 2021-22 strategic planning process, the Packer Profile identifies five Core Values for students at APS:

• Responsible: Demonstrates accountability to self and others.

• Resilient: Develops perseverance and self-confidence.

• Learner: Challenges self to think critically.

• Communicator: Listens actively and shares learning and experiences.

• Contributor: Engages as a productive member of the community and global society.

These values capture what we hope to see in every APS graduate: a young adult ready to navigate a complex world and make a positive difference.

Beyond Core Values, the Packer Profile is built on three key principles:

1. Career Pathways: Students will explore fields that match their interests and abilities, connecting with local professionals to learn about various careers and educational opportunities.

1. Meaningful Learning: Teachers will provide meaningful, relevant content and instruction that connects with students and their possible careers.

1. Packer Portfolio: Starting with the class of 2027, students will create and share a digital portfolio highlighting their personal growth and achievements. This will be incorporated starting in 9th grade alongside students' Personal Learning Plans, as required by Minnesota State Statute.

Together, the Core Values and principles of the Packer Profile demonstrate our District's commitment to ensuring every learner has the support they need to become the best version of themselves. Thank you for being so supportive in bringing this commitment to life. To learn more about the Packer Profile and our long-term strategy for success, visit AccelerateAustin.org.

We are pleased to share updates about the upcoming 2025-2026 school instructional schedule changes designed to accelerate student learning, build stronger connections, and reinforce our commitment to academic excellence. You can learn more at the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Our Special Services Department is vital in establishing effective leadership, support, and guidance systems to ensure students with disabilities receive the needed services. They empower students and staff to thrive in a supportive learning environment through their commitment to IDEA compliance and inclusive practices.

It's time for another PackerCast! We're talking to Ellis Middle School Counselor Farin Delaney this month. Check it out!

At Austin Public Schools, our mission is to inspire, empower, and accelerate every one of our learners, and we know that the only way for us to reach this goal is through the efforts of all our incredibly hard-working staff.

In this week’s Staff Spotlight, we’re highlighting IJ Holton Intermediate School ML teacher Angela Thoen.

"Mrs. Thoen is welcoming, creates meaningful relationships, and provides top-notch core instruction whilst simultaneously engaging students in their English Language learning. She is truly amazing!"

Congratulations!

If you’d like to nominate an outstanding Austin Public Schools staff member for our weekly Staff Spotlight, please take a moment to fill out the form at https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/district-resources/aps-staff-spotlight. It only takes a minute and can truly make someone’s day. Thanks!

Austin Public Schools will participate in the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), conducted by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) in partnership with the Minnesota Departments of Health, Human Services, and Public Safety. This survey is a valuable tool that helps schools, communities, and policymakers better understand the experiences and needs of students across our state.

What is the Minnesota Student Survey?
The MSS is administered every three years to students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11. It gathers information on various topics, including school climate, health, safety, and well-being. The survey is entirely anonymous and confidential, and participation is voluntary. (MN Student Survey Website)

How is the information used? The data collected from the MSS helps our District and schools:

• Identify trends and determine where students may need additional support.
• Develop and refine programs that promote student success, safety, and well-being.
• Provide a voice for our students to share their experiences and perspectives.

At the state level, the survey informs public health initiatives, funding priorities, and policies to improve outcomes for children and youth in Minnesota.

What should parents know?

• The survey window is January through June 2025.
• Participation is voluntary. Parents have the right to review the survey questions in advance and opt their child out of the survey.
• The survey does not collect personal or identifiable information, ensuring student privacy.

How can I review the survey?
If you have questions about the survey or want to review a copy, please get in touch with your child's school counseling office.

We believe the MSS is a valuable opportunity for students to share their voices and for our District to understand their experiences better. We encourage all eligible students to participate, as their input helps guide our efforts to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Attendance is not a box to check - it's a path to success! Consistent attendance boosts:

• Grades
• Test scores
• Graduation rates

Attendance matters!

Austin High School’s most talented musicians present Sounds of the Season with the Austinaires, Choralaires, Flute Choir, Jazz One and La Fiera Chamber Orchestra on Sunday, December 8, at 2pm at Austin's Historic Paramount Theatre.

Performances by the Austinaires and Choralaires are one of Austin’s most anticipated holiday traditions. The tight harmonies and entertaining dance moves make for memorable shows. Both groups are directed by Kalle Akkerman.

Austin High School’s best flutists will bring the airy, silvery sounds of the flute to holiday music. The Flute Choir, founded in 2018, is directed by Erin Grush.

The La Fiera Chamber Orchestra, an auditioned orchestral ensemble, will be performing pieces by Bach, Vivaldi, Shostakovich, as well as favorite holiday carols. La Fiera is directed by Gene Schott.

Jazz One, an auditioned jazz band, will be performing a fun swing medley of familiar holiday tunes, and some other arrangements in Big Band style. Jazz One is directed by Christoph Dundas.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. You can purchase online or at the door.

The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship (THFAAS) is a scholarship (free money) that students can use while earning a full-time or part-time education at Riverland Community College. This scholarship covers tuition (65 credits) and fees and includes a stipend for needed books and class materials. The scholarship amount varies for each student, but it will cover 100% of tuition and fees not fulfilled by federal or state grants. THFAAS has a potential savings of over $12,000 for college education costs! Learn more here.

Rebecca Bultsma offers a collection of AI resources tailored for educators, making incorporating artificial intelligence into daily tasks and teaching easier. These tools and strategies are designed to boost productivity, enhance student engagement, and streamline workflows. Discover how AI can transform your approach to education today!

Podcasts

• Daily news: AI Daily Brief
• The Artificial Intelligence Show
• Ethical AI Futures: The TED AI Show

AI Books

• Basic AI: CoIntellignece: Ethan Mollick
• "How we got here in tech" story: Genius Makers: Cade Metz
• Ethical landscape scan: The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman
• Big picture AI impact for everyone: A Citizen's Guide to Artificial Intelligence by John Zerilli

Courses

• AI for Everyone - Coursera
• Linkedin Learning Courses
• Practical AI for Teachers and Students
• Intro to ChatGPT by The Neuron - AI News

Newsletters

• Almost Timely News
• One Useful Thing by Ethan Mollick
• The Neuron

• Food recalls and sickness
• Wash your hands for better health
• Health Benefits of kids and sports
• Emotional exhaustion: When your feelings feel overwhelming

• U.S. Education Department pings states, schools to set policies on cellphone use
• Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?
• AI and teacher burnout: Can technology really help?

Please join me and a School Board member at the Coffee House on Main, 329 Main Street North, for coffee and conversation.

Dates:

• 1/27/25
• 2/24
• 3/31
• 4/30

Time:
7:45 AM - 8:30 AM

You can reach me at joey.page@austin.k12.mn.us or call 507-460-1900 to schedule an appointment.

APS offers a wide range of student activities, including competitive athletics, intramurals, academic clubs, fine arts, and performing arts. View schedules and learn more here.

The school district strongly encourages anyone interested to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations are available to access job openings or apply for a job. Click here to learn more.

You can review previous issues here.

Austin Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity. Individuals may report concerns or questions or make a complaint of sex discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator, Sue Stark.