Building A Bright Future for Austin Public Schools
At Austin Public Schools, we prepare students to make a difference in the world. Each day, more than 750 teachers and staff members support over 5,300 students through teaching, mentoring, and moments that matter.
Our Progress
Our strategic plan is working. We're making smart choices, using resources wisely, and seeing real results. Our students, staff, and programs are consistently recognized for success. Thanks to a voter-approved operating levy in 2022, we're preserving electives and keeping extracurriculars strong. We're thankful to our community for their support.
Our challenges
Now, we are planning for the future of our facilities. Our schools are outdated and no longer meet today’s safety, accessibility, or learning needs. After three years of study and community input, we’re ready to move forward.
OUR PLAN
On Tuesday, November 4, voters in the Austin Public School District will consider a two-question, $66.7 million bond referendum. Question One requests $54.7 million for major repairs and renovations of eight school buildings. Question Two requests $12 million to renovate and expand the Bud Higgins Pool at Ellis Middle School.
The district will be sharing more information about the referendum through this dedicated website, AccelerateAustin.org, and other communications channels. Please stay connected.
Our Process: A Long-Term Vision Coming to Life
In 2022, the Austin Public Schools created a long-term strategic plan to help guide our goals, decisions and how we use resources. That same year, voters approved an operating levy that helped stabilize the budget and preserve classroom sizes and student programs.
Between 2023 and 2025, the district conducted facility assessments and gathered community and staff feedback to identify critical building needs. These efforts revealed that many school buildings require major repairs.
Our challenges
Austin High School
Built over 100 years ago, Austin High School is the oldest school in the district and requires the most repairs and upgrades to ensure it is safe, accessible, and future-ready. If the referendum passes, this building would receive the largest share of funding to support updates such as a new boiler, upgrades to electrical and HVAC systems, ADA-compliant restrooms and locker rooms, and a modern fire alarm system.
Austin High School includes the Area Learning Center and the Austin Online Academy.
Elementary Schools
Our four elementary schools were all built between 1937 and 1958, and all would receive significant investments as part of the referendum. They are showing their age with old mechanical systems, worn-out restrooms, cracked sidewalks, and other infrastructure challenges.
Ellis Middle School
Ellis Middle School needs new mechanical equipment, repairs to pavement and exterior walls, and improved locker rooms to meet ADA standards. The Bud Higgins Pool, built in the early 1970s, has moisture damage, rust, and a diving well that’s too shallow to meet current standards.
Woodson Community Learning Center
As the hub of early childhood programming in our district, Woodson Community Learning Center requires major updates such as window replacements, ADA improvements, new fire alarms, and pavement repairs.
The PLAN
Investing in Our Future
Austin Public Schools has proposed a $66.7 million investment plan to improve our aging school buildings, making them safer, more accessible, and ready to support learning in the decades to come.
Mechanical Systems
New heating, cooling, and electrical systems will improve indoor air quality, help our buildings run more efficiently, cost less to maintain, and be easier to repair. These updates will also help save on energy costs.
Accessibility & Safety
The proposed project will bring our buildings up to code with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards to ensure they are accessible for everyone. New, more secure entrances and fire alarm systems will help protect students and staff in the event of an emergency.
Healthy Learning Environment
Improved air circulation and air filters will improve learning spaces.
Classroom Updates
Classrooms need updated cabinets and storage, new doors with safer locks and stronger glass, new windows, and repairs to damaged ceilings. Some spaces will be repurposed into classrooms to support students better. School interiors would also receive new paint and flooring.
Exterior Improvements
Replacing outer doors and fixing pavement, curbs, walls, and bricks will help keep the outside of our buildings strong.
Pool Repairs
Expanding the diving well and replacing the roof, air handling unit, pool equipment, deck, and walls at the Bud Higgins Pool (Ellis Middle School) will ensure the pool is safe and meets current standards.
Voting
Early voting will begin on Friday, September 19. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Please stay tuned for more information on voting as the election nears.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
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Question One requests $54.7 million for major repairs and renovations of the district’s school buildings, including mechanical system upgrades, safer entrances, accessibility updates, bathroom repairs, and classroom renovations.
Question Two requests $12 million to renovate and expand the Bud Higgins Pool at Ellis Middle School.
For a median home valued at $200,000, the monthly property tax increase would be $16 per month starting in 2026 ($13 for Question One and $3 for Question Two). To determine your specific tax impact, use the tax calculator here.
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If Question One fails: Limited maintenance funding would force the district to delay major building upgrades, risking costly emergency repairs.
If Question Two fails: Without funding, the Bud Higgins Pool at Ellis Middle School may close, ending swim lessons for students and threatening the future of the district’s swim and dive team.
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A study showed that investing in our current buildings would cost much less than building new ones. Additionally, a capacity study found that our current buildings have enough room for students now and into the future. The Austin School Board reviewed the costs and capacity study and agreed that it makes more sense to renovate the buildings rather than replace them.
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To reduce the impact of a bond referendum on owners of farmland, Minnesota’s Ag2School tax credit offers a 70% tax credit to all agricultural property except the house, garage, and one acre surrounding the agricultural homestead. This is not a tax deduction – it is an automatic dollar-for-dollar credit, with no application required.
Through the Ag2School tax credit, the State of Minnesota will pay about $8.6 million (or 13%) of the project, if approved by voters.
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In the weeks to come, the district will be sharing more information about the referendum on this website, AccelerateAustin.org, and through various communications channels. Ultimately, voters have the final say on this plan, and we want to ensure residents have the resources they need to make an informed decision.