Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
All members present.
Announcements included:
• congratulations to Roger Jenni and students for the summer band concert.
• a grant of $246,000 from the Minnesota Office of Justice and federal stimulus funds to support free out-of-school programming.
• Title 5 funds of about $40,000 awarded to Northfield Schools for portable computer labs.
• a good start to school year at Middle School, thanks to the WEB program which has 8th graders welcoming 6th graders, and the Link program at the High School which welcomes 9th graders.
• Sibley PTO gifts, plus some grant money, plus donated labor from the Men of Northfield service group = new playground equipment installed at Sibley.
Superintendent Richardson presented an “Annual Report” about the state of the District, identifying several “celebrations” and “challenges”.
Among the Celebrations:
• an improved curriculum review cycle
• an exemplary staff development plan
• dramatic improvement in Latino graduation rate
• improved elementary spaces and security
• significant savings on service contracts and remodeling costs
Among the Challenges:
• increasing responsibilities for sponsorship of charter schools
• class size and program choice concerns
• H1N1 response plans
• complex process of accounting for stimulus funds
• teacher contract negotiations
• boundary changes to balance Sibley & Bridgewater enrollments
• No Child Left Behind concerns
• funding problems, including 23% of this year’s state funding being delayed until next year.
A 4-year contract with Benjamin Bus was approved.
Chairperson Kari Nelson noted that applications for appointment to fill the vacancy on the Board are due tomorrow. A Board sub-committee (Berthelsen, Nelson, & Statmoen), will review applications, and recommend a person for appointment at the September 28th Board meeting. An appointment will be approved at the October 12th meeting.
