Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
Absent: Kari Nelson & Mike Berthelsen
Announcements: National Merit results for Northfield High School – 3 semi-finalists, and 11 commended students. A reception in their honor, and in honor of the teachers who inspired them, will be held at 6:30 in the High School cafeteria on November 23. (The School Board meeting for that evening will begin at 7:30 instead of 7:00.)
Athletic success is enjoyed by the girl’s volleyball team, the boy’s soccer team, and the football team this season.
The Board heard the annual report from Simon Tyler, ARTech director. The students’ scores in reading, science and math showed improvement compared to 2008, but in Special Education Math, they did not meet the standard, and so the school did not attain AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) on the No Child Left Behind legislation. More effort will be addressed to making math stronger. The school had its authorization from the Northfield Public Schools renewed last spring for 3 years.
Members of the Early Childhood Professional Learning Communities reported greater synchronization of their efforts resulting from their PLC sessions. They have new materials to help pre-schoolers develop vocabulary, motor skills, and kindergarten readiness.
Superintendent Richardson presented the Improvement Plans for Greenvale School and the District required when AYP was not achieved. The plans involve more staff development, more monitoring of individual progress, and more evidence-based strategies for improving student results. The PLC process is seen as a significant aspect of this effort.
The Board approved unanimously a resolution authorizing the sale of General Obligation Bonds if and when the interest rate drop would result in savings of $1.2 million. The resolution renews a decision they made two years ago.
Community Services will present its audit report to the Board in November. The recession economy has resulted in unexpected losses, but the budget revisions to be submitted are intended to compensate for this.
The Companeros program is under review, and the public is invited to learn about and respond to some ideas the Review Committee has generated. There are 3 or 4 options to consider. These sessions (including one conducted in Spanish) will be held in November. The Committee will consider public input before making its recommendation to the Board.
