Austin Superintendent

The 2026-2027 school year is just over one month away, and that means Back-to -School season is in full swing. Check out our School Supply message at https://app.smore.com/n/p2ued for more information. 🅰️

2026-2027 School Supply Lists 2026-2027 School Supply Lists

What a great morning at the 4th of July Parade in Austin!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this weekend’s events such special community traditions. It was great seeing neighbors, organizations, businesses, families/caregivers, students, and community members come together to celebrate all that makes Austin special

A special thank you to our students and staff members who represented Austin Public Schools with pride. Seeing our Packers show their pride is a great reminder of what makes our schools special: students finding connections, building relationships, and being part of something bigger than themselves.

These moments showcase what makes our community special: people coming together, supporting one another, and celebrating the place we call home. 🅰️

Lydia Masara will serve as the Senior Student School Board Representative for the 2026-2027 school year, marking her second year on the School Board.

As founder of the African Student Association and an active participant in Speech and Debate, Orchestra, DECA, National Honor Society, and Tennis, Lydia has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service. She is passionate about ensuring student voices are heard and represented in conversations that impact the educational experience of all students.

We appreciate Lydia's continued commitment to serving her peers and look forward to the perspective, experience, and leadership she brings to the School Board during the coming year. 🅰️ Minnesota School Boards Association

Please join us in welcoming Sam Vortherms as Austin High School's newest Student School Board Representative!

An active participant in band, choir, speech, drama, student council, jazz band, Austinaires, and community theater, Sam brings a strong commitment to student leadership and service. As Student School Board Representative, Sam hopes to strengthen communication between students and the School Board, ensure student voices are heard, and help keep students informed about important issues and decisions.

We look forward to the perspective, leadership, and enthusiasm Sam will bring to the Board. Congratulations, Sam!🅰️ Minnesota School Boards Association

Austin Public Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of Michelle Niska as the new EL and Curriculum Coordinator.

Ms. Niska, who has worked in education for nearly 28 years, holds a BS degree in Elementary Education and English as a Second Language from Minnesota State University and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education. In addition to her extensive classroom and coordinator experience, she has also worked as an English Language Program Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Niska to Austin Public Schools,” said Dr. Katie Baskin, Executive Director of Academics and Administrative Services. “Her extensive experience in multilingual instruction, as well as English language department leadership, and her proven commitment to improving student outcomes make her a valuable addition to our team. Her passion for collaborative work and improving family engagement align perfectly with our priorities. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on teaching and learning across the system.”

Ms. Niska’s passion for communication, professional development, and building relationships has defined her career in education, and her extensive background in developing and coordinating EL programming shines through. “I am honored to join Austin Public Schools,” said Ms. Niska, “and I am so excited to learn, lead, and grow along with [the staff]. Together, we will build on our strengths and create opportunities for every student to succeed.” 🅰️