Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
All members were present.
Announcements:
- Hannah Puczko was congratulated for being elected President of the National Association of Community Education.
- The Fine Arts Booster Club has been launched, with cooperation from KYMN and the Northfield News.
- Companeros feedback sessions went well.
- Many concerts and events illustrate great student performances.
- Kari Nelson noted with appreciation the special efforts of the custodial staff in coping with the snow (and the sand tracked into the buildings).
The tax levy presentation showed an increase of 1.6 %. Local property taxes account for 30% of the $48,102,586 in total revenue for the District. Direct instruction is 71% of the General Fund expenditure. Public comment followed – I was the only speaker, and I commended the District for responsible management, the teachers for their cooperation in tight budget times, and the public for its support of the levy. (I spoke as an individual, not as a representative of the League.) The Board certified the final tax levy unanimously.
Site Improvement plans for Community Services and for the High School were presented. Community Services highlights included efforts at Viking Terrace and at Greenvale Place to cultivate family connections with the schools to improve child health and school performance. Youth service learning projects, the summer PLUS program, and a partnership with the Healthy Community Initiative also figure in the report.
The High School is working on improving student reading skills, achievement, and school climate. Special Education students exceeded the goals set for reading, and in terms of school climate there were fewer referrals for discipline, and a strong sense of respect among students and teachers. It was interesting to note that over the past 4 years, 24.5% of 9th graders failed one or more courses, but that at the end of the 1st quarter of this year, the number was down to 7.8%. The 9th grade Academy process, and the PLC efforts are credited with that improvement.
A marketing survey of families who sent students into Northfield from other districts indicates they did so mainly for its academic reputation, quality of instruction, and curriculum options. Families who sent their students into other districts from Northfield said they looked for positive school climate and class size considerations. These questions deserve further attention.
Also noted -
- Ann Hehr, 5th Grade teacher and Media Specialist at Sibley, and Mick Hamilton, science teacher at the Middle School, were selected as Exceptional Teachers by the TIES consortium for their use of technology.
- Noel Stratmoen will be honored at a MN School Boards Association luncheon on January 14th for 30 years of service.
- Sibley’s PTO-sponsored Walk-a-Thon generated $10,171 for the purchase of 7 SmartBoards for Sibley classrooms.
