Austin Packer Bulletin
May 28, 2026
Strong Schools, Strong Community
As another school year comes to a close, I want to thank our students, families/caregivers, staff, and community for the many ways you continue to support Austin Public Schools.
A school district is more than its buildings. It is the people inside them. It is the teacher helping a student gain confidence, the bus driver greeting students each morning, the coach building teamwork, the paraprofessional offering steady support, the food service worker making sure students are ready to learn, and the families and caregivers cheering a child on through both success and struggle.
I am grateful for our staff, whose work makes these opportunities possible. I am grateful for our families/caregivers, who trust us and partner with us. And I am grateful for a community that understands strong schools help build a strong future.
As we look ahead, we will continue working toward our mission of preparing all learners to make a difference in the world. That work takes all of us.
Thank you for supporting Austin Public Schools. I hope you have a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer, and congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent
Earlier this week, the Austin School Board approved submitting materials to the Minnesota Department of Education for Review and Comment as part of the district’s ongoing facility planning process. The materials outline a potential single-question bond referendum totaling $24.9 million for improvements across the district. No final decisions have been made on whether to proceed with a referendum, and the Board will continue reviewing information, community feedback, and next steps in the months ahead. Learn more here.
The Austin Community Scholarship Committee invites all eligible students entering their junior or senior year of college in the fall of 2026 to apply for their annual scholarship. Students must be Mower County residents, be able to provide transcripts with 60 earned credits, and have a GPA of 3.0 or above. The application and scholarship guidelines are available by emailing austincommunityscholarship@gmail.com. Application deadline is July 1, 2026.
It's time for another Packercast. On this episode, we sit down with Sumner Elementary Special Education Teacher (and 2026 Austin Teacher of the Year) Laura Jertson.
As we head into spring and the close of another school year, we are also planning ahead for summer meals. Austin Public Schools will again offer free breakfast and lunch to all children ages 1–18 through a federally funded program that ensures students have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session.
Meals must be eaten on site, which also gives students a chance to connect with friends in a safe setting. Young children should be accompanied by an adult. Meals will be available for purchase for those over age 18. Please note that no meals will be served on June 19.
When students are well-fed, they are better prepared to learn and grow. Our goal is to remove barriers and support every child. We hope you will join us in helping students have a healthy, positive summer.
Serving on a school board is an opportunity to help shape a community's future and make a lasting impact on students, staff, and families. It is a meaningful public service that requires thoughtful decision-making, collaboration, and a commitment to serving the best interests of all learners.
If you are considering serving, take time to learn more about the role. This includes understanding board members' responsibilities, the election process, and the expectations that come with public service. Effective board members listen carefully, work respectfully with others, consider the district's long-term needs, and uphold the code of ethics that guides school board leadership. Learn more about the election process and school board work here.
Just a reminder that Austin Public Schools recently launched PackerChat, a new feature on our district website designed to help families, caregivers, and community members find information more quickly.
PackerChat can help answer common questions about school schedules, menus, enrollment, transportation, activities, calendars, and more by using information from our website and approved district resources.
As we continue testing and improving the tool, we encourage families/caregivers to try it and share feedback. PackerChat is not replacing communication with our schools or district office. It is simply another way to help connect people with information more quickly and easily.
You can find PackerChat on the Austin Public Schools website.
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