Anyone who types www.albertlea.k12.mn.us into their web browser today will get a surprise — the Albert Lea School District has a brand new website that is meant to be user-friendly.

Jim Quiram, director of technology for the district, said administration felt the old website was more effective for staff, and their new goal is to have a site that’s a communication parents, students and community members.

“We created a site that’s more inviting and user-friendly,” Quiram said.

One of the new features is a consistency from page to page, so that the same navigation bars are on each page. That can make browsing through the site easier for newcomers, and Quiram said it’s more aesthetically pleasing.

Superintendent Mike Funk agreed that the website looks cleaner and more modern. He said one of his goals for the district has been to improve communication and the website, along with text-message alerts and a new cable-access channel, is aimed at communicating in a different, more efficient, way.

“It’s a good way to show prospective students and families positive things that are occuring in the district,” Funk said.

Quiram also said that prospective businesses and parents look at the local school website while considering whether Albert Lea will be the best fit, and he said the website shows the well-kept grounds of the schools with photos.

“We wanted to be able to give the impression of what Albert Lea is like,” Quiram said. “The bottom line is we want to be able to show that Albert Lea schools are first-rate.”

Quiram worked with other district employees while building the site, one of which was Angie Barker, attendance secretary at Albert Lea High School. Barker said the new website is much easier to use.

“This site is going to be great for the public,” Barker said. “Information will be easy to access.”

Barker said the district’s goal is to make the site for the public, because in the past the site was used more by teachers and employees.

“We want a communication tool to the public, not just a piece of technology,” Quiram said.

While the site will still have access for teachers, it’s meant to look inviting for people who want to find out more information about the district. The site will also include a calendar for each school building and a district calendar, through Google Calendar.