School Board Committees, Councils, and Representatives

The Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Committee is established by Minnesota law to provide parents and community members’ involvement and input in respect to school programs and curricular offerings. Committee consists of parents, community members, staff, teachers, administrators and school board members.

Meetings are held bi-monthly on the second Tuesday of the month from from 4 – 5:30 pm in AHS Conference Room A.

2024-25 Meeting Schedule: September 10, November 12, January 14, March 18, May 13

Board Members: Dan Zielke, Don Leathers, and Carolyn Dube
Administrators: Katie Baskin

Comprehensive Achievement nad Civic Readiness Committee

The Facilities Committee aims to participate in general facilities planning for Austin Public Schools. To maintain the high standards the Austin School Board sets, the committee will focus on ways to enhance available resources to achieve our district's strategic priorities.

Board Members: Bob Hartman, Don Leathers, and Peggy Young
Administrator: Todd Lechtenberg

Facilities Committee

The purpose of the Finance Committee is to ensure fiscal recommendations to the School Board and District Administration align with the strategic priorities of Austin Public Schools.

Board Members: Carol McAlister, Cece Kroc, and Dan Zielke
Administrator: Todd Lechtenberg

Finance Committee

The Personnel Committee meets the Tuesday prior to each regular monthly school board meeting at 1:30 pm to discuss personnel issues.  Additional meetings scheduled as needed.  Also serves as Meet and Confer representatives for meetings taking place two to three times per year.

Board Members: Cece Kroc, Peggy Young, and Carolyn Dube
Administrator: Katie Baskin

The Wellness Committee consists of staff and community members who work to promote healthy practices throughout the district.  Meeting schedule to be determined.

Board Members: Bob Hartman and Carol McAlister
Administrator: Jen Lawhead

Wellness Committee

The Activities Council is a committee of board members, coaches, parents, and students who discuss policy and procedure as well as ways to improve the co-curricular experiences for our students. Meeting schedule to be determined.

Board Members: Carol McAlister, Carolyn Dube, and Peggy Young
Administrator: Katie Carter

The Calendar Council meets annually to establish the calendar for  the upcoming school year.

Board Members: Cece Kroc and Peggy Young
Administrator: Katie Baskin

The Community Education Council holds virtual meetings 4– 5 times throughout school year on Thursdays from 3:30 – 4:30 pm.

Board Members: Cece Kroc and Dan Zielke
Administrator: Jen Lawhead

The purpose of a district security committee is to coordinate, guide, and review procedures that ensure the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors while maintaining an environment that supports learning.

Committee Members:

• Board Member, Dan Zeilke
• Superintendent of School Joey Page
• Executive Director of Finance and Operations, Todd Lechtenberg
  Director of Facilities Services, Joe Adamson
  Director of Technology, Amy Thuesen
• Director of Special Services, Sara Knudsen
• SRO, Brian Blake
• SRO, Jim Lunt
• APA Member, Kane Malo
• APA Member, Blake Henley
• APA Member, Allison Gunderson

District Security Committee

The District Staff Development Advisory Committee provides guidance and oversight to ensure professional learning across Austin Public Schools is aligned with district priorities and best practices. The committee reviews and supports site-level staff development plans, strengthens teacher mentorship programs with a focus on new and underrepresented educators, and makes recommendations for the effective use of staff development funds. In addition, the committee monitors progress, reports outcomes to the school board, and assists with state reporting requirements, helping to ensure staff development efforts are consistent, impactful, and responsive to the needs of educators and students. The committee consists of building representatives, nonteaching staff, parents, and administrators. 

District Staff Development Advisory Committee

The Early Childhood Family Education Council hold meetings 4 – 5 times throughout school year. Exact times/dates and locations are TBD based on parent feedback.   The purpose is to guide programming, learn about and be an advocate for early childhood in the community.

Board Members: Bob Hartman and Carol McAlister
Administrator: Jen Lawhead

The Insurance Committee is an advisory committee to the District Administration and the School Board. The committee reviews the operation of current insurance programs, studies, and recommends changes in coverage, renewal rates, and the HITA bid process.

Board Members: Carol McAlister
Administrator: Todd Lechtenberg

The Special Education Advisory Council meets October thru May on the first Wednesday of the month in the District Office Conference Room. All meetings run from 12:00 – 1:00.

Board Members: Dan Zielke and Don Leathers
Administrator: Sarah Knudsen, Ed.D.

Board Members: Bob Hartman
Administrator: Amy Thuesen

The APS Technology Advisory Team facilitates stakeholder understanding of district technology initiatives, gathers input on the technology plan and its goals, and ensures alignment with community and school contexts.  This team meets four times a year, at 3:30pm, on the first Monday of October, December, February, and April.

Technology Advisory Team

Meets as needed in Austin or in Albert Lea (often via Teams) to review bills, budget and other business.

School Board Representative: Don Leathers

School Board Representative: Cece Kroc

Meet with area business leaders the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 am in the lower level of the Chamber office to discuss community issues.

School Board Representative: Peggy Young

Serve as liaison with Park and Recreation Board.  Meetings held the first Wednesday of each month at 5:15 p.m.  Appointment approved by City Council. 

School Board Representative: Cece Kroc

Meets the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at AHS. 

School Board Representative: Carolyn Dube

Quarterly meetings with area superintendents typically held in the afternoon.  The purpose of the committee it to develop a comprehensive system of collaborative service delivery to improve the ability of families to meet the needs of their children.

School Board Representative: Carolyn Dube

Districts are required to have a designated school board representative who is an authorized voting member of the MSHSL. No meetings to attend.

School Board Representative: Dan Zielke

General membership meetings held approximately 3 times a year in Minneapolis and regional meetings held three times a year in Owatonna.  Meetings include idea sharing, legislative updates and other speakers on important school topics.     

School Board Representatives: Bob Hartman and Don Leathers