Superintendent

Travis Okerlund, Superintendent

320-845-2171

My name is Travis Okerlund and I am honored to serve the Albany Area School District and the communities of Albany, Avon, Farming, St. Anthony, and St. Martin. I am exceedingly proud of our work to nurture the academic and social growth of our 1,800 students. We have an experienced, highly-skilled staff dedicated to helping every child reach their potential, and we are fortunate to have a school board, parents, and community that provide our schools with outstanding support.

The Albany Area School District has a long, rich history. Inspired by that past, I eagerly look forward to what tomorrow will bring for our students, staff, and community. Purple Pride!

ISD 745 Mission: Albany Area Schools cultivates and nurtures engaged critical thinkers who are lifelong learners.

Albany Area Schools Strategic Plan

Albany Area Schools

LEGENDARY SUCCESS | STRONG COMMUNITY | RICH TRADITION

The Albany Area School District lies in the heart of Central Minnesota, along the major artery Interstate 94, and serves the communities of Albany, Avon, Farming, St. Anthony, and St. Martin. The district features an Early Learning Center (opening Fall of 2024 for grades E-K), two elementary schools (grades E-5 and 1-5), a middle school (grades 6-8), and a high school (grades 9 - 12). Approximately 290 teachers and support staff serve more than 1,800 students.

Our schools and communities are nestled among hills, lakes, and prairie. We live in a stunningly beautiful area, and we benefit from being in close proximity to the city of St. Cloud (15 miles to the east) and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul (80 miles to the east). We also benefit from our close proximity to several private and public colleges, notably St. John’s University, the College of St. Benedict, St. Cloud State University, and St. Cloud Technical and Community College.

We are extremely proud of our school district. Here’s why!

Small Class Sizes: The average class size in elementary grades K-5 is 22. The average class size in the middle school and high school is 26.
A Modern, Demanding Curriculum: The Albany Area school district has an ongoing curriculum review process to ensure a well-designed and well-delivered curriculum, one that will prepare our students for future success. Over forty college credits are available through our high school course offerings. The district uses both block classes and half-block classes to meet the needs of middle school and high school students.
Many Student Opportunities: Our elementary and secondary schools offer a variety of opportunities through clubs and organizations. Currently, over 80% of our high school students participate in fine arts, academic, and/or athletic extracurricular activities.
Experienced Staff: Our highly skilled teaching professionals and support staff provide an environment of trust, respect, and security. Together, we work hard to provide our students with the best education available.
Community Support: The Albany Area School District has a long tradition of exceptionally strong community support. In August 2015 and August 2022 voters approved building bond referendums, both of which were greatly supported by local businesses.

Lifelong Learning Opportunities: The Albany Area Community Education program offers a variety of adult and youth opportunities. Kids Company, a school-age childcare program, serves over 250 students in PreK-5. Our Early Childhood program serves children from birth to age 5 and their families and provides support, information, and resources to assist parents in raising well-rounded, healthy children who are prepared for kindergarten. Albany Area Community Education also offers free one-on-one help with English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship, reading, math, computer skills, GED, college preparation, and job skills training through the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program.
Community Partnerships: The school district awards over $70,000 in scholarships annually to the AHS graduating class on behalf of local civic organizations, businesses, and individuals. The district also collaborates with the College of Saint Benedict, Saint John’s University, and St. Cloud State University in the areas of student teaching, internships, recreation, and activities involving cultural awareness and diversity. The school district is fortunate to have strong community support and cooperation with our local businesses, churches, CAPS, PTOs, Women of Today, Lions Clubs, Jaycees, Albany Area Education Foundation, Chambers of Commerce, and the Albany Area Booster Club.

Here at Albany Area Schools, we keep a tight focus on academics, athletics, arts, and activities, celebrating both individual achievement and teamwork. As Albany Area Huskies, we take pride in pulling together!

Yearly Notifications

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Albany Area Schools does not discriminate 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 in its education programs or activities, and it is required not to discriminate in such a manner. The requirement not to discriminate in its education program or activity extends to admission and employment.

The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Superintendent of Schools

Address: District Office
30 Forest Ave
Albany, MN 56307

Email: TitleIX@district745.org
Phone Number: (320)-845-2171

Questions relating solely to Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator(s), the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education, or both.

Relevant Policies:

Policy 413: HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE

Policy 522: TITLE IX SEX NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY, GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE AND PROCESS

Lead-in-Water Annual Notification

Albany Area Schools is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment for
employees and students. The District maintains a lead-in-water management plan that was
developed to reduce the potential for exposure to lead in water and to comply with Minnesota
State Stature 121A.335.

Minnesota State Statute 121A.335 requires public school buildings serving pre-kindergarten and
kindergarten through grade 12 to establish a plan to accurately and efficiently test for lead in
potable water sources every five years. In addition to testing, the District has also implemented
water management practices as well.

Our water testing is completed by a third-party vendor, utilizing an accredited laboratory and
was last completed in 2022 therefore, testing is required again in 2027.