Annual Notifications

The purpose of this policy is to recognize the need for alternative education programs for some school district students.

Under controlled conditions and for limited purposes, Austin Public Schools sanctions the presence and use of animals in schools and classrooms. Please review policy 535 for further information.

Austin Public Schools may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve various areas, including student performance, communication, and decision-making.

Analyzing Data
We may use AI to understand performance better and provide tailored support.

Improving Communication
AI may help us manage routine questions through our website, email, social media, and newsletters. This may let staff focus on more complex tasks while maintaining efficient and discreet communication.

Updating Curriculum
AI may generate and offer insights that help us keep our teaching materials current and effective.

Sharing Information
We are exploring AI to distribute and generate educational content more efficiently through newsletters, social media, and other platforms.

Supporting Decisions
AI could improve our ability to make informed resource allocation and strategy decisions.

Involving the Community
We may host community sessions to update you on our progress with AI.

During the past school year and continuing into the 2023-2024 school year, the following asbestos management plan activities have been or currently being completed.  These activities are pursuant to the Environmental Protection Agency 40 CFR Part 763- “Asbestos Containing Materials in Schools; Final Rule and Notice.”

• One (1) Semi-Annual Periodic Surveillance Inspection
• One (1) Third-Year Re-Inspection
• Flooring and Pipe Insulation Abatement Projects as necessary– District-Wide
• Immediate response items from the Semi-Annual Periodic Surveillance Inspections
• Notification of Asbestos Locations for Short-Term Workers (Electricians, Plumbers, etc.)
• Training of District Personnel

Licensed asbestos abatement contractors completed any removal or repair work.  Most likely, for the next school year, we will be removing floor tile.  Austin Public Schools has contracted with the Institute for Environmental Assessment to provide environmental consulting services.

The complete updated Asbestos Management Plan for Austin Public Schools is available in the Buildings and Grounds office or in the Administrative Office at each of the school facilities.  The Management Plan is available for review, without cost or restriction, during normal working hours.  Copies are available for a fee of $.10 per page.

Any questions concerning this notice or an explanation of our Asbestos Management Plan may be directed to the Director of Facility Services at 507-460-1928. 

Regular school attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunities for important communications between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability. For detailed information, see the “Student Attendance” policy.

The school district is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Acts of bullying, in any form, by either an individual student or a group of students, are prohibited on school district property, at school-related functions or activities, on school transportation, and by misuse of technology. For detailed information, see the school district’s “Bullying Prohibition” policy.

Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. The school district’s general student behavior rules are in effect for all students on school buses, including nonpublic and charter school students. The school district will not provide transportation for students whose transportation privileges have been revoked.

The school district is committed to transporting students in a safe and orderly manner. To accomplish this, student riders are expected to follow school district rules for waiting at a school bus stop and for riding on a school bus. Please review more complete transportation details here and district policy.

Austin Public Schools has teamed with the Austin Police Department to use canine drug dogs at various times during the school year. This is a proactive effort to promote a safe and drug-free environment in all schools. We hope never to find any contraband and that our efforts at prevention will discourage prohibited items from coming onto campus.

The search will be used to detect potential drugs in school buildings and on school grounds, including parking lots. When the search is on school grounds, any school building that is on said grounds may be limit movement within the building of staff and students. We expect this process to cause a minimal distraction to the learning environment as instruction will continue.

If the presence of drugs is detected the school will conduct the investigation and issue any consequences in accordance with the school boards’ policies and procedures. Please review the policy for more detailed information.

The school district recognizes that students and employees have the right to express themselves on school property. This protection includes distributing non-school-sponsored material, subject to school district regulations and procedures, at a reasonable time and place and in a reasonable manner. For detailed information, see the complete “Distribution of Materials on School District Property by Non-School Persons” policy.

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe and healthy environment in the school district in order to promote the physical, social, and psychological well-being of its students. To that end, the school district will seek a criminal history background check for applicants who receive an offer of employment with the school district and on all individuals, except enrolled student volunteers, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to the school district, regardless of whether any compensation is paid, or such other background checks as provided by this policy. The school district may also elect to do background checks of other volunteers, independent contractors and student employees in the school district. For more information review the policy here.

Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state, federal, and local funds at no charge to a student. Students expected to provide their own pencils, pens, paper, erasers, notebooks, and other personal items. Students may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including (not an inclusive list):

• Admission fees or charges for extracurricular activities, where attendance is optional and where the admission fees or charges a student must pay to attend or participate in an extracurricular activity are the same for all students, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in a public or a home school.
• Cost for materials for a class project that exceeds minimum requirements and is kept by the student.
• Security deposits for the return of materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.
• Items of personal use or products that a student has an option to purchase such as student publications, class rings, annuals, and graduation announcements.
• Field trips considered supplementary to the district’s educational program.
• Admission fees or costs to attend or participate in optional extracurricular activities and programs.
• Voluntarily purchased student health and accident insurance.
• Use of musical instruments owned or rented by the school district.
• A school district-sponsored driver or motorcycle education training course.
• Transportation to and from school for students living within two miles of school.
• Transportation of students to and from optional extracurricular activities or post-secondary instruction conducted at locations other than school.
• Technology

Students will be charged for technology, textbooks, workbooks, and library books that are lost or destroyed. The school district may waive a required fee or deposit if the student and parent/guardian are unable to pay.

Peanuts, peanut products prohibited in classrooms

Creating safe and supportive learning environments is a top priority in Austin Public Schools; foods with peanuts and tree nuts cannot be brought into classrooms. There are many students with life-threatening food allergies, and exposure to a peanut or tree nut product puts many students at risk of anaphylaxis. We need your help to keep everyone safe. Cafeterias have peanut-free tables in every school cafeteria to provide a safe dining experience.

• Do not send snacks that contain peanuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, or walnuts.
• Please read labels carefully to make sure that products are peanut- and nut-free. Products with labels that read “May contain traces of peanuts/nuts” or “Manufactured in a plant that processes peanuts/nut products” are not allowed in classrooms.

Foods that cannot be in classrooms

• Peanuts

• Tree nuts: almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, etc. For a list visit: Food Allergy Research
• Peanut butter or any nut butters
• Nut milk – almond milk,
• Nutella
• Pesto or nut-based spreads

* SunButter, a product made with sunflower seeds, is a safe substitute for peanut butter! 

Peanut- and tree-nut-free snack & lunch ideas!

• Fruits & vegetables: canned or fresh

• Fresh fruit: apples, bananas, peaches, pears, grapes, etc.

• Chopped fruit: watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, etc.
• Fruit cups: applesauce, pears, peaches, oranges, etc.
• Dried fruit: raisins, dried apricots, etc.
• Fresh vegetables: sliced cucumbers, carrots, sugar snap peas, sliced red pepper, grape tomatoes, etc.
• Cheese: string cheese, cheese slices, etc.
• Yogurt cup
• 100% fruit juice boxes

If you have further questions, please contact your school’s health office. You can view the Austin Student Student Wellness Policy 533 here.

Allergies & Medical Conditions

If your student needs special diet accommodations, please contact:

• Tanner Lange, Food & Nutrition Director, at 507-460-1921 or by email or

• Shaylie Meyer, RN/Licensed School Nurse, Supervisor of Health Services, at 507-460-1915 or by email.

More resources:

• Special Diet Request Form

Students must meet all course credit requirements and graduation standards, as established by the state and the school board, in order to graduate from Austin Public Schools. See policy for complete details.

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment, violence, and bullying on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, or disability.

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff that is free from hazing. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the school district and are prohibited at all times.

Austin Public Schools has an indoor air quality management plan that outlines specific policies and procedures used in district to address indoor air quality issues.  The District Health and Safety Committee chaired by the Director of Facility Services (507-460-1928) and Institute for Environmental Assessment, the district’s health and safety consultant, review the plan annually.  Any questions concerning indoor air quality or would like to use the EPA’s Tools for Schools checklists, please contact the Director of Facility Services.

Minnesota Statute 121A.335 requires public school buildings serving kindergarten through grade 12 to test for lead in water every 5 years. This statute also requires school districts to make the results of the testing available to the public for review and to notify parents of the availability of the information.  Notification may be accomplished by publishing a statement in the “Back to School” newsletter or publication that is available to staff, student, parents and the public. 

Austin Public Schools is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment for employees and students. The district has developed a lead in water management plan and testing program that complies with Minnesota Statute 121A.335, as well as recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Lead Contamination Control Act (LCCA) of 1988 and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). 

For more information on Austin Public Schools lead reduction and testing program, please contact the Director of Facility Services at 507-460-1928.

The purpose of this policy is to provide for a safe and healthy educational environment by enforcing the school district’s policies against contraband.

Vehicles on Campus

• Patrols and Inspections
  • School officials may conduct routine patrols of student parking lots and other school district locations and routine inspections of the exteriors of the motor vehicles of students. Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.
• A search of the Interior of a Student’s Motor Vehicle
  • The interior of a student’s motor vehicle, including the glove and trunk compartments, in a school district location, may be searched when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of the law and/or school policy or rule. The search will be reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness. Such searches may be conducted without notice, without consent, and without a search warrant. A student will be subject to loss of parking privileges and to discipline if the student refuses to open a locked motor vehicle or its compartments under the student’s control upon a school official’s request.

Austin Public Schools provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, age, religion, color, national origin, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or disability.  Inquiries about ADA, Section 504, Title VI, or Title IX may be directed to the Superintendent's office at 507-460-1900 or 401 3rd Ave NW, Austin, MN, 55912.

The school district will give notice to teachers and other appropriate school district staff before students with a history of violent behavior are placed in their classrooms. Prior to giving this notice, district officials will inform the student’s parent or guardian that the notice will be given. The student’s parents/guardians have the right to review and challenge their child’s records, including the data documenting the history of violent behavior. For more information review board policy.

The purpose of this policy is to encourage and facilitate involvement by parents/guardians/caregivers of students participating in Title I educational programs and student experiences.

If a parent requests it, the school district will provide information regarding the professional qualifications of his/her child’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, the following:

1. whether the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
2. whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional licensing status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
3. the baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree;
4. whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition, the school district will provide parents with information as to the level of achievement of their child in each of the state academic assessments. The school district will provide notice to parents if their child has been assigned to, or taught for four or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who is not highly qualified.

MN schools are required to inform parents/guardians and school employees that they may request to be notified prior to pesticide application on school property.  Pesticides include chemicals which are used to control insects, weeds, rodents or other pests as defined by the law (M.S.121A.30, Subd.9).  To be notified about pesticide applications or any other questions you have regarding the District’s pest management practices, please contact the Director of Facility Services at 507-460-1928.

Records of application of weed control chemicals and pesticide treatments are maintained in the Buildings & Grounds Office.

The school board recognizes the need to display an appropriate United States flag and to provide instruction to students in the proper etiquette, display, and respect of the flag. The purpose of this policy is to provide for the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and instruction in school to help further that end.

According to Minnesota Statute 123B.571, school districts that receive health and safety revenue to conduct radon testing must conduct the testing. Reports are available for review at the District Office.

The purpose of this policy is to identify the status of religion as it pertains to the programs of the school district.

This day refers to a school day where instead of coming to a school, teachers and students communicate online or set up prior learning expectations, and the students continue their learning from home.

Teachers can opt to do this from off-campus or their classroom. For more information see policy for complete details.

You can also visit our Remote Learning Days site.

An American Indian student or staff member may use tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, and cedar to conduct individual or group smudging in a public school. The building or site administrator determines the process for conducting smudging. Smudging must be conducted under the direct supervision of an appropriate staff member, as determined by the building or site administrator. See Policy 419.  

Austin Public Schools uses Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) as another outlet for parent and community communication to:

• Share news, announcements, reminders, and issues related to the school community.
• Engage parents in responsible and respectful conversations about our school district

Austin Public Schools has sole authority to control the content of posts and information distributed through its social media accounts, including Facebook. 

Austin Public Schools welcomes parents, students, residents, staff, and community members to engage with and discuss the information posted on Facebook. Austin Public Schools does not intend to create a forum for public discussion of topics or information unrelated to the District and its operations.

While the District does not have an obligation to monitor this discussion at all times, it will remove comments that contain the following:

• Comments that are unrelated to the purpose of the page or post
• Spam
• Offensive or inflammatory language
• Inappropriate remarks and profanity
• Personal attacks
• Posts that contain personal information about a student or staff member
• Promotional or sales-related posts or comments
• Links to other pages that contain malware, viruses, scams, criminal content, pornography, or other unacceptable content
• Language or content that targets any specific race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or veteran status
• Language or content that incites violence
• Language or content related to activities illegal for minors, such as alcohol or smoking
• Violations of the Terms of Use for the platform used

Austin Public Schools staff are not responsible for user-generated content. The opinions expressed in user-generated content do not necessarily reflect those of District staff. Participants are expected to treat each other with respect.

Followers should not expect responses to every question or comment posted. Further, complaints should be submitted to the District through the procedures in District policies.

The District reserves the right to close the forum and remove the ability for users to comment or post on District social media.

For more information, please refer to policy 428.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that students are aware of and comply with the school district’s expectations for student conduct. Such compliance will enhance the school district’s ability to maintain discipline and ensure that there is no interference with the educational process. The school district will take appropriate disciplinary action when students fail to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct established by this policy.

The purpose of policy 513 is to provide guidance to professional staff, parents, and students regarding student promotion and retention.

Student records are classified as public, private, or confidential. State and federal laws protect student records from unauthorized inspection or use and provide parents/guardians and eligible students with certain rights. For the purposes of student records, an “eligible” student is one who is 18 or older or who is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education. Please see complete copy of the school district’s “Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records” policy (Part 1, Part 2).

Occasionally, the school district utilizes surveys to obtain student opinions and information about students. The purpose of this policy is to establish the parameters of information that may be sought in student surveys.

On July 16, 2022, the United States transitioned to the new three-digit dialing code 988 to reach crisis support. The change is part of a nationwide effort to transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the Lifeline) to a phone number people can more easily remember and access in times of crisis. The shift also includes an online chat feature and a new texting option.

The new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline code will serve as a universal entry point, so people can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help regardless of where they live. Anyone can dial or text 988 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to reach crisis support or to use an online chat feature to connect with crisis support. People can dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one needing crisis support.

Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing. This site provides information that will help parents/guardians make informed decisions that benefit their children, schools, and communities.

The school district does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. The school district does not discriminate in such a manner in its implementing regulations. The school district is committed to maintaining an education and work environment that is free from discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment.

• Except as provided elsewhere under Title IX or its regulations, no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by the school district.
• The school district prohibits sex-based discrimination or sexual harassment that occurs within its education programs and activities. The school district shall promptly respond in a manner that is prompt and effective.
• Except as provided therein, Title IX and its regulations apply to all sex discrimination occurring under a school district’s education program or activity in the United States. For the purpose of this paragraph, conduct that occurs under the school district’s education program or activity includes but is not limited to conduct that is subject to the school district’s disciplinary authority. The school district has an obligation to address a sex-based hostile environment under its education program or activity, even when some conduct alleged to be contributing to the hostile environment occurred outside the school district’s education program or activity or outside the United States.
• The school district has adopted, published, and implemented grievance procedures consistent with the requirements of 34 Code of Federal Regulations, section 106.45, and if applicable section 106.46, that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints made by students, employees, or other individuals who are participating or attempting to participate in the school district’s education program or activity, or by the Title IX Coordinator, alleging any action that would be prohibited by Title IX or its regulations.
• The school district’s obligation to comply with Title IX and its regulations is not obviated or alleviated by the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 United States Code, section 1232g, or its implementing regulations, 34 Code of Federal Regulations, part 99, or any state law or local law. The obligation to comply is not obviated or alleviated by any rule or regulation of any organization, club, athletic or other league, or association which would render any applicant or student ineligible to participate or limit the eligibility or participation of any applicant or student, on the basis of sex, in any education program or activity operated by the school district and which receives Federal financial assistance.
• The school district has an obligation to address a sex-based hostile environment under its education program or activity, even when some conduct alleged to be contributing to the hostile environment occurred outside the school district’s education program or activity or outside the United States.
• Nothing in Title IX or its regulations may be read in derogation of any legal right of a parent, guardian, or other authorized legal representative to act on behalf of a complainant, respondent, or other person, subject to Paragraph F of this section, including but not limited to making a complaint through the school district’s grievance procedures for complaints of sex discrimination.
• In the limited circumstances in which Title IX or its regulations permits different treatment or separation on the basis of sex, the school district must not carry out such different treatment or separation in a manner that discriminates on the basis of sex by subjecting a person to more than de minimis harm, except as permitted by 20 United States Code, section 1681(a)(1) through (9) and the corresponding regulations sections 106.12 through 106.15, 20 United States Code, section 1686 and its corresponding regulation section 106.32(b)(1), or section 106.41(b). Adopting a policy or engaging in a practice that prevents a person from participating in an education program or activity consistent with the person’s gender identity subjects a person to more than de minimis harm on the basis of sex.
• Any student, parent, or guardian having questions regarding the application of Title IX and its regulations and/or this policy and grievance process should discuss them with the Title IX Coordinator. The school district’s Title IX Coordinator(s) is/are:
  
  Sue Stark
  Director of Human Resources
  Title IX Coordinator/Human Rights Officer
  401 3^rd Avenue NW, Austin, MN 55912
  5007-460-1902
  sue.stark@austin.k12.mn.us
  
  Inquiries about Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator(s), the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both.
• To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to
  
  Sue Stark
  Director of Human Resources
  401 3^rd Avenue NW, Austin, MN 55912
  Title IX Coordinator/Human Rights Officer
  5007-460-1902
  sue.stark@austin.k12.mn.us
  
  or
  
  https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/district-resources/report-a-concern
• The effective date of this policy is August 1, 2024, and applies to alleged violations of this policy occurring on or after August 1, 2024.

Governor Tim Walz signed into Minnesota law the omnibus Health and Human Services bill, which expanded the definition of smoking to encompass an "activated electronic delivery device." To reflect these statutory changes please review Policy 419.

The purpose of this policy is to assure a safe school environment for students, staff, and the public.

The purpose of this policy is to set forth methods that promote student wellness, prevent and reduce childhood obesity, and assure that school meals and other food and beverages sold and otherwise made available on the school campus during the school day are consistent with applicable minimum local, state,  and federal standards.