Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
All members were present.
Announcements included thanks to St. Olaf for hosting 300 students from the Northfield Middle School for a science experience, and recognition of 2 National Merit semi-finalists and 6 commended students from the high school.
Marnie Thompson and several students presented a report on the PRIMEtime Fellows group at Northfield High School, which recently won an award from Lt. Governor Carol Molnau and the Minnesota Alliance With Youth. These students were selected for a community service fellowship and volunteered with the after-school Youth PLUS program, the Middle School Youth Center, and the Summer PLUS program. They provided help for younger students with academic work and recreation, and contributed more than 3000 hours of service. They received staff training and kept journals about their work. They attended weekly sessions to reflect on their progress. The award was made to only 6 groups in the state, in recognition of youth civic engagement, service, exemplary leadership and academic achievement. The group has a strong collaborative relationship with the Key. The Board expressed pride in the work of the group, and commended them for their efforts.
Artech’s Annual Report was presented by Director Simon Tyler. The Northfield District is the sponsor of this charter school, and the sponsorship agreement is up for renewal.
School board members will attend a work session on November 3 to consider space needs.
The Board approved an agreement with Schools for Energy Efficiency that is expected to reduce annual energy costs by 10% or more, while generating awareness by students and staff of ways to conserve energy both at school and at home. Hager and Hargis opposed this measure, but it passed.
AP World History students in Sam Wold’s course obtained permission from the Board to travel to Egypt during spring break.