Facility Planning update 05/27/2026

Dear Families/Caregivers:

Austin Public Schools continues to study long-term facility needs across the district and the investments needed to maintain safe, functional, and effective learning environments for students and staff. As part of that work, the Board recently approved the next required step in the state review process related to potential facility improvements. Below is an update on the Review and Comment process, the proposed projects currently under consideration, and what comes next.

Austin Public Schools is moving through a careful, step-by-step process focused on improving environments for students and staff, as the district studies long-term facility needs and the investments required to maintain safe, functional, and future-ready schools.

As previously shared, many district buildings were built decades ago and are showing their age. Critical systems such as heating, electrical, plumbing, ventilation, and safety are wearing out. In some cases, these systems are well beyond their expected lifespan. At the same time, many school spaces were not designed to meet today’s safety standards, technology needs, or the way students learn, creating daily challenges for both students and staff.

When building systems can’t keep up or classrooms no longer fit today’s needs, it directly affects how students learn every day. In some spaces, it’s hard to stay focused when rooms are too hot or too cold, the air feels stale, or the lighting isn’t right. Background noise from aging equipment or crowded layouts can make it difficult to hear, think clearly, and stay engaged.

Outdated classrooms can also limit hands-on learning, group work, and access to technology. Over time, these everyday challenges add up, making it harder for students to concentrate, participate, and feel comfortable and confident in their learning environment.

At earlier Board meetings, including the April 27 Board Study Session, the Board reviewed districtwide facility needs and discussed how to repair, update, and improve school buildings. These include updates to secure entrances, restrooms, classrooms, fire alarm systems, windows, doors, mechanical systems, and other infrastructure. Projects were organized by priority and by school so future decisions can be based on need, condition, and responsible long-term planning.

One area that also received specific attention was the Ellis Middle School pool. Proposed work includes structural repairs, equipment replacement, and updates to the pool area to keep it safe and operational for student and community use.

On May 26, the Austin School Board approved submitting materials to the Minnesota Department of Education for Review and Comment. This “Review and Comment” is a required step for school districts considering a voter-approved bond referendum and helps ensure the plans meet state guidelines before moving forward.

The materials submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education will outline a proposed single-question bond referendum totaling $24.9 million for improvements across the district.

In November 2025, voters considered a two-question bond referendum totaling $66.7 million. That proposal was not approved. Since then, Austin Public Schools has continued reviewing facility conditions, project priorities, cost estimates, and timing. Most importantly, we continued listening to the community. Feedback from residents, staff, and families/caregivers continues to shape this process, with many encouraging the district to keep exploring ways to improve school facilities. The current Review and Comment submission does not place a question on the ballot. That authority rests with the Board, which would need to take formal action before any referendum question could appear on a future ballot.

No final decisions have been made on whether to proceed with a referendum. This decision is expected between late June and early August, as the Board continues reviewing information, feedback, and next steps.

Why This Work Matters

Facility planning is not about having newer buildings for the sake of it. This is about addressing real day-to-day needs in schools that serve students, staff, families/caregivers, and the broader community.

As major building systems reach the end of their useful life, the district has few good options. Repairs become more frequent and expensive. Emergency fixes become more likely. Costs become harder to predict and manage. In some cases, waiting can also limit what can be fixed or improved within the same budget.

Keeping facilities up to date helps schools run safely, smoothly, and efficiently. It reduces disruptions, improves energy efficiency, and helps manage long-term maintenance costs. The goal is to plan responsibly and make thoughtful investments now – before problems become more disruptive and more expensive.

Why the Timeline Matters

Facility planning is shaped by three major factors: time, cost, and conditions outside the district’s control.

There is a built-in delay between approval and construction. Planning, design, state review, and bidding typically take 12 to 18 months. That means if voters approved a referendum in November 2026, major construction would likely begin around Summer 2028.

Construction costs have also increased in recent years, often by 4 to 7 percent annually. Waiting does not freeze prices. It usually increases them.

Material costs, labor availability, interest rates, and supply chains also continue to shift. These factors affect school construction projects across Minnesota. The longer a project is delayed, the greater the risk of changes that can increase costs or extend timelines.

In practical terms, if voters approve of a project:

• 2026 vote: major construction begins around Summer 2028
• 2027 vote: major construction begins around Summer 2029, with an estimated cost increase of 4 to 7 percent
• 2028 vote: major construction begins around Summer 2030, with an estimated cumulative cost increase of 8 to 14 percent

A simple way to look at it is this: waiting does not reduce the need. It reduces how much can be completed for the same dollars.

Each year of delay has a real impact. Students and staff wait longer for needed updates, the same work costs more, and the district has greater exposure to external factors that can affect project delivery.

What Happens Next

The Minnesota Department of Education will review the district’s submission and provide feedback as part of the required process. If the Board chooses to move forward with a bond question for voters, the next major steps would be to authorize a referendum by late June and early August, followed by a potential vote on November 3, 2026.

For now, the Board will continue to review information, consider community feedback, and discuss the district’s facility needs before making any final decision.

Facility planning is about more than buildings. It is about ensuring students learn in safe, well-maintained spaces and that staff have the environment they need to do their work effectively. It is also about making responsible decisions before aging systems create larger problems, higher costs, and greater disruption.

The Board values keeping community members informed throughout this process. Austin Public Schools will continue sharing updates so residents can understand the proposed projects, review information as it becomes available, and follow the process moving forward.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent