Superintendent’s Corner by Mike Funk

We have had a very successful school year, with much positive recognition for the district over the past few weeks.

In addition to having two of our principals recognized for excellence (Jeff Halverson and Steve Kovach), Albert Lea Area Schools was named a Best Place to Work by Work Force Development.

Being recognized as a best place to work in an organization that has 500 employees with numerous bargaining units takes much work. The relationships developed between the units and the district over time have led to work agreements that have benefited our employees and the school district.  Special acknowledgment should be given to the leadership of district bargaining units, and the Albert Lea Area Schools Board for their efforts in making Albert Lea Area Schools a Best Place to Work.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention our graduates. Albert Lea Area Schools graduated 198 students this past week. The numbers behind our graduation are somewhat unique.

The high school had its smallest class in recent memory, with 168 students graduating, while the Area Learning Center graduated its largest class in its 30 years of existence, with 30 students walking across the stage last Thursday night.

Best of luck to all our graduates as they enter a new chapter in their lives.

Mike Funk is the superintendent of Albert Lea Area Schools.