My wife got it too. >> Oh no. >> Same thing. Wonderful. All right. >> Good evening everybody. Go ahead and call our regular school board meeting to order and start with
roll call >> here. >> Here >> young >> here. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and for all representatives are here. that adjustment. Can I get a motion to approve >> requested the approval of a tax
abatement request? It's a lot of requests from Bigalow and London Construction for construction at 1317 18th Street with um our executive director of finance and operations.
>> Good afternoon Bay rest of the board and Dr. Paige. I'm here to read this application in front of you today from Big Low and Lenning Construction at the project address of 1317 18th Street Northeast, Austin, Minnesota 55912.
Estimated project valuation is $400,000 400. >> Is there a motion to approve I didn't location last Friday is a wonderful spot. >> Any other discussion?
>> All those in favor? Don't at this month's offers educ continue to strengthen our curriculum. So students encounter a broader view of history and develop the ability for the women's history project research. They're projects respect and careful research, strong storytelling
about the impact women have had throughout history. Experiences competing long-distance winter expeditions and our message also encouraged students toing students through meaningful academic work and across our activities and arts
program students continue to represent Austin well. Uh they also packed their dance team finished seventh in high kick and ninth in jazz and state and coach Kayla Ser was named the section one doubleA high kick coach of the year and uh senior Brent D finished his backer
career with another outstanding performance at the state league coming within a fraction of a second of a second straight state title 100 the relay team our Austin right now is completing volunteer hours which require for eligibility. So the
next step is to ensure that we have earlier. It continues to open doors for many students particularly our first generation college students and I want to recognize that this partnership also we had recently with our Native American
parent advisory committee. Uh their leadership and guidance strengthen our district and help ensure Native American students and families feel respected, represented, and connected. Their voice helps us continue to improve curriculum, cultural programming, and student
belongics to community partnerships. You see the everyday work of our schools have At the same time, the strong school system doesn't focus on today. We also look ahead. We celebrate student success, but we also plan carefully for
what is coming. The ideas of the planning work and the board have been reviewing over the past couple weeks and strong organizations need adjustments for small issues become larger ones. That is the work underway in the Austin public schools. And over
the past several weeks, the board has reviewed updated financial information through our f finance committee, through our board meetings. Those conversations have focused on enrollment trends and state funding. But those trends that we continue to work through two
factors in the school district and across the state and in also the state's compensatory funding formula uh which is accounts for almost $3 million. We shared uh earlier this winter just about the compensatory funding change and
those numbers are still not districts and we'll continue to monitor them. Austin Public Schools has a strong track record of adapting while keeping students at the center of our work. Our mission remains the same, preparing students to make a difference in the world. And that's what we'll do. By
making thoughtful adjustments now, we are protecting our strong schools for our students and a stable future for the Austin public schools. year 2028. So those must automatically reduce special
education cross subsidy aid to make up the difference. So this places school districts at risk of losing essential state aid to fund federally mandated service services. Um undo
subsidy was 100% funded. Does that sound right? And then there's a graph like this now because now it's only about 50% funded. And so then if um
this cut would be an 11 to 13% if this $250 million in savings is not found. to avoid widening the cross subsidy gap. Any reduction will simply shift additional unreimbured special education
costs onto schools district's general funds directly eroding per pupil formula increases and putting added pressure on classroom resources. Um the other one is compensatory funding
holdless. um the shift to direct certification following universal universal meals. Many districts saw districts harmless for fiscal year 2026. districts receive funding based on the
higher of their fiscal year 2024 pupil counts or their current fiscal year 2026 counts to prevent sudden revenue losses. Um and they said that 271
school districts are negatively affected significantly negatively affected. Um and so the ask was extended compensator revenue whole far harmless beyond fiscal year 2026 to prevent funding clips and
protect classroom resources. This will allow a compensatory task force to finalize the recommendations. And Senator Dornick said to tell you thank you for your um email to him
even though he doesn't have any answers. Um, funding for safe and supportive schools. School safety today goes far beyond locked doors. Districts need flexible, reliable funding to address facility security upgrades, cyber
security protections, student mental health supports, and school resource officers aligned with best best practices and community expectations. Um, They said that the safe school levy has not been increased in over a decade.
It's $36 per pupil. So the ask was to increase safe schools funding to reflect inflation and rising security costs so districts can maintain safe, secure, and
supportive learning environments. And the other one I'd like to touch on is the statewide school district employee health insurance program. Um proposed legislation mandates that all districts transition to a state-run
insurance pool. The bill requires districts to cover all employees who work 14 hours or more, 95% of single premiums, and 85% of family premiums. with the highest value plans. This
transition eliminates easily elected school boards of their decision making authority and the competitive bidding process that currently allows districts to tailor benefits to their specific budgets and communities. If districts
are mandated into a state-run program and no guaranteed long-term state funding, the bill could create significant financial risk. Without ongoing funding, school districts may need to divert general fund dollars from
classroom instruction and student services. So the ask was ensure any statewide insurance reform includes guaranteed long-term state funding to fully cover increased district costs and include management in decision making
decisions discussions providing a balanced governance structure that gives school management equal representation. >> So that was the You're welcome. Anybody else have
this year I had a lot more invites to participate at places and I really appreciate that. It's not to get to all of them, but it has been so nice to be in the buildings and um it just affirms
the good work that we know is happening is it's great. It is great. So, and I still kind there and they are the most delightful human beings there are. >> From afar
I'd like to just thank Carol for all the hard work that you've done. um you know your apex committee the events you've gone to the capital I mean knowledge is power and you are accumulating a lot of knowledge so I really appreciate that
and that legislative session mass it's always changing um so I really give you a lot of credit for your comfort zone it's not easy the capital being around
people that you don't know But that's part of being a board member and you're doing a great job. I really admire you for that. >> Since the students are gone, I'll just take a couple of minutes and I um I wanted to go over to Ellis a couple weeks, Saturdays ago, and we went to the
um the AHS theater production of Peter Bang. Last year I went to uh Lion King. I didn't think there could ever be anything as good as that, but this was real close. Great sets, great costumeing, the acting was good, the
singing was good. Even the um Native American advisory group talked the other day about how the the group respectfully portrayed the indigenous people by wearing spam t-shirts. So, it was really and the lighting was good,
too. I don't know everything that's going on over there, but it was a good it was a good good picture. And then uh last Saturday I had a little time on my hands. So I went over to Rochester to the city center and watch two-way boys basketball.
And having been a small school um teacher and coach, I know that when a team goes the sections from a small school, it's basically with the last person leaving town, shut off the lights because everybody from Goodie was there,
everybody from uh Triton was there, etc., etc. the place was rocking and um then I got home about 4:30 and I thought, you know, how about do a trifecta? So, I went to high school. I told you we were kid and uh our boys
were in the se the 3A section semi-finals playing uh the um the Devils from Steuart and uh and it was a really good first half. But the thing that struck me was I
I I went to Austin High School and I remember when they had that um that that wall that used to be you slide it back. People actually would go up to the auditorium and watch the basketball game because it was overflowing. People were walking into that gym Saturday night at
7 ticket paying customers. That's the crowd that you were talking about and the rocks for section sports. Uh so it was really a great venue. Uh it was a great game. lots going on uh to better things
Thursday night as Joy Joy mentioned, but uh really a wonderful evening for not only the the players and the coaches, but uh the the community. It's a great great facility. So, I'm going forward and hats off to Katie for and then the
student section was awesome. A lot of times they'll be wearing red that Oh, no. They were wearing their professional SW jerseys, the Timberwolves, the Wild, the Twins, uh the Buffalo Bills, uh the Golden State Warriors. Thank goodness
nobody was wearing a Yankee jersey, but it was pretty it was pretty cool. So, the kids were having fun. The kids are respectful. Katie didn't go over there and uh and be a school mom. She just sat there and watched the game and was a great experience. So, uh, good luck Thursday night and good luck to the
spring sports teams. And I also wanted to say that the lighting was good, but I hear he's not that good. But they did talk about a couple of things. Number one, uh, Kim Potter, I believe, this is her last year as a director and, uh, member of the
Austin Theater Department. And, uh, and then I believe there's a young man by the name of Ryan Flanders. He's public schools for a while. That's good to see. So, the more we do, the more expand, more opportunities we get kids, the better.
>> How are you, Katie? >> Thank you. I'm gonna give a quick uh shout out to for the awesome public foundation is classic. discussion. >> Um,
I don't usually do this, but is there is there a mechanism and just talk for a minute? I'd like to just uh talk uh for just um a minute on Her is that acceptable.
>> So we would not approve the calendar as part of the consent agenda. We would have a separate conversation about that. >> I just want >> I mean if you just want to talk about it, we just talk about it. >> Okay. So you wouldn't pull it out.
>> Oh yeah. I I just I didn't want I didn't want to get to the point where we we vacated subject and I'm manag as I mentioned u at the last study session. Um I know we have a lot of insert I think
12.5 we have 17 student contact days and understand that uh um that uh person professional development days are very significant. However, I do also believe that student contact days are
significant and uh just doing a little bit of looking on around from u I've discovered that we we're about three three days three and a half days below the state average of the statement for Minnesota for student contact days.
And I just only reason I'm talking tonight is so that the public is aware or they hear that they didn't get to hear in the study session and that is hopefully as we work through that. I hope uh I hope we can in the future add some student contact data
because I I think that that is part of our um our acceleration is getting students in the classroom u as much as possible. I my personal feeling in America we we we're really not serious about education. If we were,
we'd be in school 25 days a year. But, you know, it's like the healthcare, that's a great idea, but the cost is exorbitant. And uh and uh so I mean, I really read trainings and mandatory training up
and we just find a little question where we can ask some student contact. I I just think it's beneficial for on a number of levels. That's all I ask. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Great. I have a motion in a
second. Yes. Carol and Dan. Yeah. Discussion. All those in favor? >> Anybody opposed? Motion passes for tonight's consent agenda. Right. Next, we get to hear from our
activities director, Katie Carter, on the request for the approval of a new AHS club, the student organization of Latinos. So, for chair, Dr. B school. Thank you for having me tonight. As Dr. Dubet said, um
we are here to seek approval for a new um club for Austin High School. better. Um, just a little bit of background, a group of students are interested in starting a new club, the purpose of our culture clubs. So, with
this one, we also have the Austin African Student Association and the Asian Student club was able to maintain membership throughout the full two semesters. So they joined on the application process second semester last year. They finished
it with first semester this year and then here we are today asking for approval. Um they currently have 46 members um active members in their club. So they have well met the 20 uh members that is required to maintain. Um let's
see for the pilot group they've gone above and beyond their expectations. Even as a nonofficial club, they're still very involved in the creation of culture week. Um those are pretty much organized by our three culture groups. We will be having our second annual
culture week the first week of April. So more details to come on that, but they are busy planning. Mr. Schmidt and I had our first planning meeting with them and they are organized and ready to go and um have some great things in store for us. They this
Their main things, like I said, was culture group. They've gone to the public library a couple of times and they read in Spanish to kids at the library. And then, you know, without being official group in a fundraising account, they They'll taste each other the different
cuisines. Um, let's see. As our student landscapes change from year to year, it's important that we provide those diverse opportunities for our students to ensure that all students feel safe and welcome at Austin High School. And so I'm asking the board for
approval um of the student organization of Latinos to be added to the Austin High School's official list of activity offerings. Do you guys have any questions? >> No questions. But I did want to comment
about going to the library and reading. I thought that was really >> nice. Yeah, I think the library staff loved it, the kids loved it, and whether they know Spanish or not, they're being introduced to a different language, either, you know, just hearing it or for those that um want to learn. And they do
speak a lot of their Spanish in their their after school club, too. So, it's just another way for them to utilize their native language and stay current and make sure they're using it. >> Yeah. >> Great. Is there a motion to approve the
student organization of Latino soul as a new AHS club? Second by further discussion. >> All right. All those in favor? >> I. Anybody oppose? Motion passes. Now
you're good to go. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. All right. The next agenda item is our gold book overview with our executive director of special services, Dr. W. That's always a good
so members of the board, thanks for having me tonight. Um, I'm just thrilled to be here and talking about global. even started talking about this project early in the year as I've gotten to push the button. >> Push the button on
the face. >> Sure. Gotcha. >> All right. Thank you. Um anyway, excited to be here as we work through this beginning stage of exploring and now moving toward implementation. So,
a little bit about it. I will uh focus on our desired daily experience of students knowing that we have teachers and staff that work with me in a way that benefits all students teacher progress and and most importantly
tool for staff. Um knowing that staff have the resources and materials they need in their classroom. Um and last having adequate training training for various aspects of their job. So critically important as we think about desired daily experience um
support our students, our families and our staff. I would like to talk about gold books tonight. So, Gold Book is a web-based platform and it ground us a little bit in the overview of uh kind of why we got here and how we
got here. As we think about special education and special educators, um we know that there are absolutely increasing demands on paperwork and compliance and some of those things that always don't look like they're student and front facing. Um so, we have to
think about how how we um consider those things as we think about the attention that we need in those compliance based things, but most importantly how that turns over into instruction. So, uh we know that over the last several years,
we've had some um not not a very targeted um staff development plan or professional development for our special educators specifically on special education. They put a lot of staff development and things with the general education, but those specific skill
areas that are required to stay in compliance with special education and need good academic instruction has not been a very coordinated set of events for several years. So, we need to look at that. We also know that when we don't pay attention to the compliance
oriented things and the instruction together, we can kind of lose sight of that instructional focus and we need to get back to that. So our independent outcomes are that we have increased student achievement through consistent standards aligned
development and progress monitoring. We know we need to always continue to look at staff workload and make sure that we're streamlining our processes um using centralized process and paperless platforms whenever possible. And
finally, an intended outcome is just as I talked about instructional practices by aligning IEPs with high quality data driven instruction. So, with that said, knowing we need some staff development and knowing that we have these intended outcomes, um we're
looking at the implementation of a product called goal book. It will be a districtwide um early childhood through age 22 in special education. So, it encompasses all grade levels and all levels of service. Um, it's a platform
that really focuses on instructional planning, um, goal development and progress monitoring. It's evidence-based, researchbased, um, focuses on instructional sequence to support educators in these three things. Meaningful, data driven present levels
of performance, which if you know anything about IEPs, present levels is a foundation of that. It helps us create measurable standards aligned IEP goals. And lastly, um focuses on the design and implementation of specially designed instruction which is a requirement of
special education and is grounded in the universal design principles. Um this platform emphasizes professional learning capacity building and ensures that teacher un teachers understand and the whole process leads to good
instructional decision making not just focused on the compliance parts of special education. So in looking at gold book um there are five things that really will benefit us. So we believe that with the
implementation and utilization of gold book we can reduce redundancy errors and and some time spent on clerical tasks that'll never go completely away in special education. But if we can reduce that and make that more efficient that's positive. We need to make sure that we're improving consistency and
compliance across programs disciplines and a age levels. Like I said, it's birth to 22 because you can imagine in special education as as students and families move through the system and across um you know service delivery models as they age and as case managers
change, we can get some inconsistent practices that make it difficult for students and families to understand the process and benefit from it. Um we believe Goldbook will support evidence-based practices through a systematic district-wide approach.
We're integrating some AI tools that are built right into a book that will make it more efficient in planning and instruction. Uh it we do instruct better instructional quality and it repositions compliance as a support for instruction rather than a competing unit.
So the process we use to get here is um uh to several steps and we've been we've been really studying this all year. Um I have used bull book in a former district successfully and felt I mean truly uh for me having been in special education
for a long time book is the absolutely the most powerful tool I've come across that holds all these things together and gets it into one place in space that really works from E to age 22 and across all disciplines and all areas of special education. Typically in a product like
this you don't find something this comprehensive. Um so started with an executive cabinet overview. I went to my leadership team. Um we did some meetings with the vendor where they demonstrated the product so that my my leadership felt comfortable and confident that this
was the space we wanted to be in. Um then of course um with Dr. Baskin, Corey and Amy Busen and I met with the vendor also to make sure that we were um coordinating with teaching and learning on the the standards side of it. um Corey with the information system and
then Amy with um the technology side making sure all those things were compatible and we could we could do all that without any conflicts. Um I shared this with the staff development uh the staff development piece with the instructional leadership team. I worked
with Melissa the finance specialist in my department to make sure we were budget aligned shared with CACR and then lastly sharing you and my dates both here because I was supposed to be here last time but I had a personal so I forgot to change that. Sorry.
Uh we have a tended implementation plan here. So I'm working through this um kind of as we speak. But knowing um that one of one of the key things and I think some of the resistance if there was any and questions that people had was if
it's comprehensive we know we have to have a high quality uh implementation plan so that we make sure people are trained they're comfortable actually um uh have the skills to use the use the platform. So we'll start off uh in the fall with a half a day training in book.
Um we'll we'll build professional development sessions into our PD days across the year. So, at this point, we're planning on four um sessions across PD. It won't be the whole day, but probably a two-hour session four times throughout the year. So, we just continue to build on skills and work
throughout the year. Um we'll have some PLC focused uh times with full book and um we'll do a three-year phase implementation. Um, in the research that Goldbook has done, they've really found that it's best to chunk this into a
three-year. We'll get to determine as a district kind of what the three years look like, but we'll start with the basics of it and then continue to add on that over the course of three years. And lastly, we'll we'll start with an early adopter cohort yet this spring. So, I've
got about I think when I looked at it last about 18 staff that are interested in becoming early adopters and that will be um that will include a little probably a 90minute training where they'll get the initial overview basics.
We'll do a little bit of followup so that we expect those early adopters to actually jump into implementation which will be really beneficial in helping me understand what their questions are as we plan for staff development next year. we've got some people and then those folks can share it with their colleagues
and also become champions for the for the platform and make sure that we're we're really prepared. In addition to that, all users that will use it next year will also get access. So, we'll do a formalized early adopter process, but everyone will have early access here
right away so they can start to get in there and dabble in it before the training next year. So, I feel like we've got a good implementation plan laid out. >> Um, That's it. So, like I said, I'm I'm excited. Um, it's just critically important that we
move ahead with something like this that that really helps streamline the process and allows for instructional focus. And I think it'll be a good support for staff as they kind of struggle with some of these things that continue to take our time away from instruction and put
it back where where it belongs. So, questions, comments? Yeah, thanks Dr. for your presentation. Uh I was originally going to ask you if you would you would maybe looked at different platforms other than a role
book but to me like you uh use this in your previous employment. Did you go through your previous job threeear inflammation phase inflammation plan? So, I got through two years there and then um I left and went to another
district. But I will tell you that um after the third year there and they needed to renew their contract um they were in some budget cuts in that district and they talked about doing away with this and staff pushed back hard and said no, it's a tool that we rely on and we want to keep it and they
ended up um continuing with the product. So, and I have vetted other products along the way. I didn't I didn't this year um just because I you know I'm confident that this is what we need but you know always always looking at other options. >> Sure.
>> Um I talked earlier about professional development days. Yeah. and you talked about that in your last slide. And then uh I got a feeling if I heard you that sometimes uh special ed teachers need specific specialized
PD days as opposed to so you work those into your >> Yes. >> for next fall particularly. >> One of the things we wanted to be careful of is not having special education have to do extra because of this. So we've found a way to find a
balance of, you know, what they're doing with the rest of the staff and then what we need specifically for special education. I feel like we've got a good plan. >> Okay. Well, good luck. Thanks. >> What took so long? >> Thank you so much for sharing that.
>> Yeah, sounds great. >> Excited to hear about how things get started. >> I'm anxious to give a report. >> All right. Um the next two agenda items are related to each other. So um I'm just going to introduce the first one at
this point. Uh the next is our an overview of a request for the approval of a resolution adopting the fiscal year 27 long facilities maintenance 10-year plan. This is an action item. I'm actually going to
have Dr. >> Thank you, Ch. Um just a couple things uh on these next few items before we begin tonight. I just want to clarify what the board is considering and what it's not. Uh just to to go back in time a little bit. In November, our community chose not to move forward with the
broader bond referendum. Uh that proposal included investments to strengthen security, improve the air quality, and address aging infrastructure and reconfigure some key learning spaces to better support student success and well-being. And we respect that community decision. Uh
tonight's action note is different. U Minnesota law provides school boards the specific authority to address long-term maintenance um and health and safety needs. The legislature created this authority for practical reasons. Public buildings require ongoing upkeep. Roofs
fail, boilers wear out, and fire alarms must meet code. Accessibility requirements must be met. And if the district had to run a referendum, every time a major system reached the end of its useful life, buildings would deteriorate and costs would increase. This authority exists to prevent that in
qualifying areas. The projects under consideration are limited to maintenance and safety here. one of our items and they include updating or replacing air handling systems at Danfield, Neblin, Southgate, and Ellis Middle School, the high school and this annex building and
to repair and repave parking lots and sidewalks that impact accessibility at Banfield, Woodson, Ellis Middle School, and the high school. To be clear, there's no new construction, no additions, no expansion. The Minnesota Department of Health is clear that
indoor air quality affects students health, attendance, and concentration. Maintaining safe and functional buildings is not an optional. It is a basic responsibility for operating public schools and delaying these projects will eliminate that won't
eliminate that need. It will likely increase cost and risk including risk to student health, attendance, and performance. So, our responsibility is twofold. One is to protect students and staff. Two, protect taxpayer investment. And tonight is about fulfilling those
responsibilities with the authority provided by state law. Thank you, Dr. Case, for that introduction. So, we're going to have well, as Dr. Dubet said, we are going to go through tonight these both these um
items together. So, I'm going to have Michael Hart from PTMA come up here and go through the slide deck. Right now, and then we'll we'll come back and talk through the long-term facility maintenance 10-year revised plan as a part of this U facilities maintenance. Now, we have to submit a 10-year um LTFM
plan. So, we'll be asking for that approval on that resolution. So, we can submit that and then there'll be a couple there'll be one more resolution he'll walk you through. So, I will turn this over to Michael Hart right now. Good evening, Chair Bay, members of the board, Dr. Paige. Happy to be here
tonight. So, I'm going to kind of wrap up. We've had several conversations now this winter about a path forward to further the goals that Dr. Page has outlined in terms of keeping safe facilities. And so, when we go, we haven't talked about the terminology as
much, but rather the the broader uh picture of what we're doing here. So we're going to get into a little bit of terminology which is really the the only new information that you're seeing tonight uh compared to what we had talked about in the past. So there are three parts to the resolution in terms
of approval of a bond financing related to these projects. Part one is what we call general obligation facility maintenance bonds and that that is the part of the bond issue that will fund the indoor air quality projects. um that component is set not to exceed
$19.2 million that is uh with the addition of financing costs and some some room for cushion above the 18.9. Uh so that is a maximum it is a a limitation not that we're necessarily going to borrow that at all that's being
approved tonight. The second piece is what we call capital facilities funds. The this is for the bathroom remodeling and the electrical service at this building that has been identified. And then the third part is called tax abatement bonds which is specifically
for the parking lot projects and amount not to exceed $140,000. On the screen you also see each of the statutes that we're relying on. Um, and you know, as was described, these are all things that the school board can take action on, but are limited in terms
of project scope to those specific elements. When we talk about this and look at it, the the next slide here is uh one that you have seen several times now, but this shows your current outstanding bond uh debt for the school district and what
those payments look like. And then if we go one forward, um, in yellow, we have layered on top of that the debt service structure or the payment structure over a 20-year period of time for the new bonds related to uh the indoor air quality and
the tax abatement parts. So there's just two of the three parts shown here. The reason you don't see the capital facilities is that with the issuance of those bonds, we are not increasing revenue and that that part of the bond issue does not have a tax impact um outline.
So when we talk about the tax impact, the next slide shows what we're expecting there. And these numbers are in alignment with what you have seen for that level 20-year debt service structure and the tax increase of $89 per year for a $200,000 home.
We have it split out. The bulk of that is related to indoor air quality projects with a small component being to the abatement bonds for the parking lots. We're showing there are a range of different property values and property classifications um for different
property owners in the school district. When we talk about the capital facilities bonds, we discussed here in recent work sessions about the paying off a current bond issue and issuing a new one. Um and so we're showing here uh the the tradeoff of what
that looks like and that the district will be in a similar position after uh that action is taken related to that shoot. So in terms of timeline, we talked uh a lot in the last couple of work sessions
about the construction timeline. And just a reminder that's not shown on this screen, but a reminder for everyone, I think it's important to understand why now in terms of this discussion and not uh wait or uh go back to the drawing board for a longer period of time. And
the key reason for why now related to this discussion has to do with the fact that costs continue to escalate and the problems continue to get bigger. And if we wait very many months longer from where we sit today because we will miss another construction season. And so, uh,
based upon the work that we've done with your construction partners at ISG, by the board taking action tonight, you'll be able to go out through the design process and construction bidding process that you're required to go through by law and start a lot of this work in the
summer of 2027. So, we're not talking about construction yet this year because there are significant time allocation to design and especially with mechanical equipment and things, it takes time for that that um those pieces of equipment to show up. And so, we're talking about
construction in 2027 and then our job uh as your financial advisor is to help you make sure the funding is in place. So, the key thing that is happening tonight is that the board is approving the submission of the longer facility maintenance plan as Mr. selected first stated as well as the approval of the
capital facilities bonds, the abandonment bonds so that you can move forward with the design of these projects with the assurance that you have a funding tool to pay for them as as we go forward. And so that's what you're seeing happening in March and in April. We will
submit these plans to the state in March. So the capital facilities and the long-term facility maintenance require submitt to MD. The abatement bonds require a public hearing. And so that public hearing will be called for and set at your next regular school board meeting on April 13th. Um which you are
seeing there. Once we have all of those parts done on the 13th, we'll ask the school board to take action to move forward with what I expect to be just the first part of financing. So, uh, and we'll bring back more detail about that at a future point in time about how and
why we would potentially do this in more than one part. Okay. And then, uh, the first part of the financing. So, you're going to start spending money as a school district on design should you proceed forward with this. Um, in the first part of that, we would expect to be in the bond market selling this
summer so that the funds are available as you go through the summer, fall, and next winter and through the initial part of construction season being calendar year 2027. So, as you look at the resolutions you have tonight, there's two action items.
The first action item is similar to what the school board does every summer related to your long-term facility maintenance plan. this past summer you approved the plan. So we are doing a revision to the plan for fiscal year 2027 is what that first action item is.
And then the second action item does a a number of things all with one resolution that has been drawn up by the legal council for the school district at Dorsy. It uh has the intent to to sell all three types of those bonds in an amount. There's a public notice required
for all three and a uh that will be sent to the paper and then there's also a call for a public hearing that will be held at the schoolboard meeting on April 13th. The other piece that uh this does is allows for the reimbursement of any
project expense before the the bond funds are available which is an important part of staying in compliance with IRS rules and regulations. So I'm happy that's the last part of the presentation to take any questions now or as you consider the resolutions here
this evening. >> I have a question. I'm I'm very somewhat clear about the $19 million in terms of the uh long-term maintenance bonds, but Todd, at one point earlier uh in our
conversation, you informed us that uh you had been able to garner roughly $3 million. Is that >> Yes. >> Can you talk about that in relation to this? >> Yes. So, um, we have assigned funding
set aside right now for about $3 million for our facilities. However, when we are looking into one of our bonds that we currently have now that is relates to the MFA center that we're sitting in right now, there's some things that we want to pay that off so that that bond is paid off. So, we're going to take
that $3 million assigned funds and pay that bond off and reissue this capital facility bond because it's it allows us to have more flexibility into those projects. So it just helps us clear up the fail center and then it also helps us with some um funding sources.
>> We talked about that. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thanks. >> So guess we'll just start with the first first item on the agenda. Um, is there a motion to approve
uh the resolution adopting our fiscal year 27 long facilities maintenance 10ear plan? >> Motion. >> Further discussion. All those in favor? >> Anybody opposed? Motion passes.
just go right into the next one. All right. Um, can I get a motion to approve preliminary resolution relating to general obligation facilities maintenance, capital facilities, and tax
abatement bonds? >> Motion by CC, second by Dan. Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Anybody opposed? Motion passes.
>> Thank you, Michael, for coming again and sharing your wisdom. I just wanted to thank you too, Michael, for all of the time you spent in answering our million and a half question this for all the study sessions
and facilities committee meeting and finance committee meetings. We appreciate it. >> Our next agenda item is the request approvals of our donations for this month with executive director finance and operating.
>> Thank you, chair person, members of the board. Next page, it is my honor to be in front of you tonight um to read off these donations. We have reviewed them. They are within school board policy 706. So I will read these off. Austin Rotary
Club $100 adapted bowling VFW $400. IJ Holden, American Legion, $500. IG Holden, American Legion, $1,000. Austin High School Robotics, Cargill
Inc., $200. ALC Austin Wrestling Booster Club, $4,199.86. Community Education Math Club View, $300. Austin High School robotics Eagles Club $3,000 Austin High School
Choir Lions Club New Lions $2,500 Austin High School athletics village cool $100 Austin High School Orchestra Blue Line Club $3,57.94
boys hockey Austin area arts $150 Austin High School drama Eagles Club $750. IG Holton Alice Orchestra Mental Health Awareness $1,000. Yon Blue
mental health awareness $1,000. Power of pink. Mental health awareness $1,000. Peer power partners. Again, as always, thank you to these organizations for their donations. >> Approve this month's by second by further discussion.
>> That's a really impressive list of donations. >> Awesome list. Is it mental health awareness organization organization, right? Like who knows?
Um the the donor the mental health awareness donor does anybody know. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Must be anonymous. >> In favor.
They motion passes. All right. Uh our next is our board goals update with that page. >> Yes. Thank you uh chair bay, members of the board. U this is the um school board checkin on our goals. If you recall, we had uh set uh four check-in times
throughout the year on specific questions from the school board. And so um what those were just to draw your memory with that was all school board members would complete phase three and phase four training together by March 2026 which would that occurred at the
MSBA leadership conference. And then uh what we're doing tonight another specific action was that the the board would hold quarterly governance check-ins during a study session. We moved it to this one uh because our agenda was long uh last time focused on uh just experiential and targeted
learning related to governance, accountability, and communication. So, it's kind of an open floor here. Uh we just wanted to check in um with board members um with the goals that were set on uh your governance work uh through our quarterly updates.
Do you have any specific thoughts about where things are at? >> I enjoy our professional development as a team. Anybody else? I thought I wanted that was that was less worth
number one topic number two. So I I got the one at the convention center. >> Does everybody feel like we're getting enough um updates? weekly. >> We all know what's happening.
>> All right, that might actually just be a nice segue into our next um anybody else have any comments on our dates before I jump into the next >> I usually I don't know what to say here.
>> I would I would just say if you um if you are looking for more information about something that you feel like you're not getting from Dr. engage in our quarterly updates on goal progression. Feel free to us.
That's what I'd say. >> I guess my feeling the goal. >> Yeah. >> We're interested as a doctor. He's given us all kinds of information, heads up and stuff like that. >> Is there anything?
Is there anything specific that you think you need to be? >> Well, I always been a great believer visiting the schools, but I honestly I don't have time. I mean, I had one time a couple weeks ago and that was really it was fun. But I mean, it's tough to
tough to squeeze that in. But I I think it's important in my opinion that we we get out there and once a month, once a quarter, once a year, just make yourself visible. We usually explain you It was a great experience
>> and I appreciate your invite, but I I honestly don't believe you need to be invited. If you want to go give Dr. Sher a call and say, "I'd like to come over and and see the building and talk to the staff." We're not going over there. We're not mean people. We're positive
individuals, every one of us. We believe in education. We die on the altar. So, we're not going over there to to harm anything. So if you if you feel like you want to go over just kind I understand this idea just walking in the front door
and u and I got to understand that but I mean uh the principal I talked to in the last couple years have all said hey call up and I think it's great we go around Dr. P. But I also think it's great we just go on our own
because for various reasons they're unsaid. I just think they're both beneficial, but I think we need to have a that's why it's important that we made a state of the staff because I think it's important the staff knows if you remember that survey last spring, I
was kind of astounded by the fact that the staff didn't really our numbers were not the 80s and 90s, you know, they're like in the 20s. So, anytime that we can get out there and tell the staff that we believe in them, I know Danny do everything, but uh as long as we can let
the staff know that we believe in them and know what they're doing, it's a difficult job. It's it's super difficult and they need to know we appreciate that. That's all I say. That's something we can do in addition to what Dr.
I appreciate that letter that you wrote about what we just talked about. That transparency was awesome. You wrote that letter to the public about what we're going to do tonight and hopefully you'll write a letter in response what we did tonight and inform them further
on what they have done tonight. But that that communication is key and you're very good at that. Thank you. Um, so Dan, I don't I think we have to
be careful that we don't discount things that come up on this issue about um being in the school. >> What? Oh, sorry. Um, and Dan, you had
mentioned at one point that you thought it would be a great idea at each school. And um, we at that meeting said, "Oh, we're going to talk about it later." And so that was one of the things that always comes up. Our leaders kind of
don't get here. And so it doesn't have to be at this meeting. I I I think a better place for that is a work session. Um but I'd like to see get on session then. So is it something
you're still interested in? Would like to talk about further? >> You guys are probably talking about more. It's not just me. So yeah, absolutely. >> I can't do it by myself. I need you guys to >> Yeah. I I think we need a full discussion and on how the logistics and
if it's something everybody feels like they want to do and we talk more about Don's idea of being much more casual in our approach to going into buildings as we see fit. So, can we put this on an agenda
in that piece at the bottom that we said could be remember I talked about this? I asked if we could have a section at the end of our work sessions where concerns could come up and at MSBA they didn't think
that was an issue but we can look into further what we have to call back. So anyway, I I just think we have to get back to things that we say we're going to get back to. >> That's why I brought that up about the
calendar today because the calendar's going forward. But now hopefully we can plant some seeds for the future and we can get something going in the spring or spring for next fallop school to be proactive.
>> Otherwise, like I'm just gonna sit here for the next agenda item. >> Just us. >> All right. So, the next agenda item is um a report on superintendent goals updates. This is a report on our close
session from January. You Thank you for making this large bond for me. I appreciate that. My aging eye not happy. Okay, I I should do this. All
right. On Monday, January 26th, 2026, uh the Austin school board went into close session for the purpose of conducting the year performance review for superintendent Dr. Joy Page. The board received a progress report regarding
regarding Dr. Page's goals for the 2526 school year. uh in relation to goal number one which is leading a transparent and inclusive communication plan for the referendum to build public understanding and trust in the district's financial strategy. Dr.
page shared significant evidence of exemplary performance including the development and implementation of the Accelerate Austinformational website, a media strategy that spanned social media, print and news media, and over 40
in-person presentations and tours. The board expressed gratitude and praise for Dr. Pa's consistent effectiveness in communicating with stakeholders both internally and externally. Uh Dr. PA's second goal is to strengthen
the internal culture and reinforce effective governance by co-leading board development, clarifying leadership roles, and gathering staff climate feedback. Uh evidence related to this goal included board participation in our professional development, which we just
talked about as a team and um that focuses on governance and public representation. Uh Dr. page is also implemented quarterly governance check-ins that focus on culture accountability, communication alignment, and consistent clarification of the
roles and expectations of the school board. The board appreciated receiving a status update on this goal, expressing appreciation for the development time and focus for the board. In summary, the board noted that Dr. Paige demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of
ethical and professional behavior expected of the superintendency. We look forward to the work yet to come this year as we continue to positively influence the culture and direction of Austin session. Great. Is there a delegation tonight?
She left. She left her. >> I went out that way. That's double check the doors. >> Okay. Maybe next one. All right. Um, reminder of the school board study session scheduled for
Monday, March 23rd at 4 p.m. in the district office conference room. Before we close, just wishing all of you a fun spring break week and the high school band trip to Texas.
>> Here we go. >> You have a birthday on Friday. >> Birthday on Friday. >> 29. >> Is there a motion to adjourn? Second.