Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
All members were present.
Public comment: Ann McGovern spoke in opposition to the proposed collaboration with the YMCA, citing lack of space on the high school grounds, competition with local businesses, and adequate facilities elsewhere to meet the educational needs of students.
Announcements: Dr. Richardson noted that Northfield again received recognition as one of the 100 best communities in the nation for young people. The application for the award was written by students. He also commended high school students for responding to the need for sandbagging help on Friday.
Charlie Black supervised 50 seniors who worked hard to mitigate flooding damage.
The district has filed the 297 page application to be authorized to authorize charter schools. This is a complex procedure, and it may be that statewide, there won't be enough authorizers for the charter schools now in existence. If we lose our authority to authorize, ArtTech and Prairie Creek schools would not have the required sponsorship to continue after July of 2011.
Julie Pritchard commended the technology people who were able to email and text parents about the flood situation promptly.
The Board discussed ways to make the YMCA issue better understood by the public, and to provide more opportunities for public questions and input. They will conduct an open house program on October 7th from 5 to 8 p.m. in the lower cafeteria of the high school.
They approved motions to adopt the 2010 Payable 2011 Proposed Certified Tax Levy, and the Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction & Student achievement. They aslo approved a policy on expense reimbursement.
The Sibley PTO provided a gift of $9,328 to purchase 6 SMART boards for the school.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35
Comments
Jan: Could you provide some additional detail on the issues the School Board Members are discussing/evaluating on the YMCA issue?
Obviously there are some serious ramifications of what the YMCA is proposing, and it would be good to have more info, from your observant POV, of what issues the Board considers to be the most determining factors for them.
Jan, can you also comment as to whether there is any real risk of northfield losing our authority to authorize charters? Thanks!
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