Superintendent Paige told the Austin Public School District board the district is continuing student-centered initiatives, highlighted recent and upcoming facilities work, and reminded the public about a November 4 referendum that will ask voters two questions including a $54,700,000 request.

Paige said the district launched a superintendent’s student advisory council made up of grades 9–12 students who will meet monthly to discuss issues such as mental health, communications and access. Paige also highlighted a public-art project from the high-school welding program — a 12- to 16-foot metal sculpture called “Millie (the Veil Pond Monster)” — and noted new or updated facilities including Paulson Tennis Courts and a renovated high-school weight room. A ribbon-cutting for the tennis courts was scheduled for 4 p.m. the following day.

On connectivity, Paige said the district is partnering with T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million to provide eligible families with free hotspots and high-speed data for five years and thanked the district’s foundation for supporting digital access. Paige said the technology will help students complete remote-learning assignments during winter-weather remote days.

On the November 4 referendum, Paige said there are two ballot questions: one for $54,700,000 covering HVAC, ADA accessibility, classroom repairs and mechanical upgrades, and a second question focused on renovating the middle school. The superintendent encouraged the public to attend information sessions and school tours and referenced accelerateaustin.org for more details.

Paige closed by praising student leadership and community partnerships and thanked staff and volunteers for their contributions to student programs and events.