- Call to Order – By School Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez George at 6:00 p.m. All present
- Agenda Approval – Agenda and Table File approved (https://northfieldschools.org/wpcontent/uploads/2024.03.11-Board-Packet-1.pdf )
- Public Comment –
Michelle Martin, teacher – Urged the board to move forward on the “Reimagine” option for the high school, particularly the academic tower. She believes it is smart to move forward now, because the community is ready, and costs will go up in the future. She asked that the referendum question be split into 3 parts, keeping the largest portion under $100 million so that people on a fixed income have a financial option. She pledged support whatever board decides, and will work to pass levy.
- Announcements and Recognitions – Dr. Hillmann
MSBA & Administrators Day at Capitol next Monday 3/18.
Jazz Band student Nathan Hoekstra (8th grade) composed a piece which was premiered last week by the jazz ensemble. Kelly Graber won 5th place at state wrestling meet, and was the first girl from Northfield to do this. Jake Geiger received the Herb Brooks award at the state hockey tournament; this award represents the values of Mr. Brooks. The high school’s mock trial team competed at state. Rock & Roll Revival played to a full house last week, Dr. Hillman encouraged others to attend.
- Items for Discussion and Reports
a. Proposed 2024-25 Debt Service Fund Budget – Director of Finance Val Mertesdorf presented the 2024-2025 Debt Service Fund Budget. The board will be asked to adopt the budget at the May 28, 2024 board meeting. There are currently five outstanding bonds (see https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2024.03.11-Board-Packet-1.pdf).
No questions
b. Proposed 2024-25 Internal Service Fund Budget – Director of Finance Mertesdorf will present the 2024-2025 Internal Service Fund Budget. The board will be asked to adopt the budget at the May 28, 2024 board meeting. Ms. Mertesdorf described this fund, which pays for health and dental coverage and is separate from the general fund. This will be the first time in 18 years that premiums for dental coverage will increase. Overall, this is a stable fund. There will also be a 7% increase in health insurance premiums this year. There has been a slight increase in insurance claims, including a number of large claims. She predicts that the larger claims will probably
continue.
Questions: Ben Miller: How do we predict future premium costs? Ms. Mertesdorf: We look at a 3-year projection, including past claims, and analytics to find the probable trajectory of high claimants. We also project administrative fees and enrollment. Rates are set annually.
c. Northfield High School Referendum Plan Discussion. The board reviewed its March 5 work session and discussed what referendum options will be placed on the November 2024 ballot, the ballot question structure, and the proposed bond term.
Ms. Gonzalez George publicly acknowledged board members’ work and time over the last many months. On Tuesday at the work session, she voiced support for sending the referendum to voters. Four board members support the Reimagine option. Tonight she is asking members to present their opinions about the Reimagination plan, and to arrive at consensus on what is sent to voters. This consensus will not align with every community member’s opinion, but she believes the board can reach a consensus that will represent the community. Each board member will be asked to give their comments.
Amy Goerwitz: About 7 years ago this conversation began, and two years ago it began in earnest. Ideally she would like a new high school, but this option is too expensive. This community supports education and has supported building projects in the past. This is a once in 30- or 50-year opportunity. She would like to see 2 questions on ballot: (1) Reimagine, including academic and athletic facilities; (2) Geothermal option, with a 25–30-year bond, depending on interest rates.
Corey Butler: He believes that the community’s pride in education has been lost by the high school facility, especially the lack of respect shown by the lack of physical access (barriers). He made a very strong statement about problems with the current facility. Reimagine plan does address these concerns. He wants to see 3 questions on the ballot: (1) $95.8 million academic facility; (2) field house; (3) geothermal option, with a 30-year bond.
Mr. Miller reflected on the school board’s oath of office, and the state constitution’s approach to education. The board must provide an adequate environment for education. Supports
Reimagine with (1) academic building; (2) field house; (3) geothermal system, which will reduce operating costs & save energy. He also supports a 30-year bond. He believes that if we wait costs will only rise, and sees this option as a vision for the future.
Jenny Nelson: She originally believed that new construction is more cost-effective than
remodeling, but after the community survey results came out she investigated other options. She believes that Reimagine is not fiscally sound, because it doesn’t address portions of the old building. For example, food preparation would be done in one building, then transferred to the cafeteria in another building. She doesn’t believe they should wait until later to fix design problems. The also should be no wasted spaces. She believes Option 2 is a setup for failure, because it will serve some students but not all. For example, flexible classrooms are needed throughout the facility, but there will be only 4 total flexible spaces, dedicated to languages only. This is not in compliance with MDE recommendations. She also wants to see more spaces for technical education classes, to provide students with more options. The MDE recommends
special education spaces to be 56 square feet per student; this model has only 47; this needs to be addressed. The current special ed space will be torn down, so it won’t be available. Space summary model wasn’t available for the board’s first three work sessions, the board just saw it last week. It causes her to lose trust since they weren’t given space information until last week. She doesn’t believe this model will serve all students, especially at the cost of $100 million, and she will not support Option 2 tonight.
Ms. Gonzalez George asked: What are you suggesting instead? What would it take for you to reach consensus?
Ms. Nelson: She brought up concerns last week, and heard nothing back. She wants to extend the time for discussion.
Ms. Gonzalez George: Can you get to option 2?
Ms. Nelson: If there are serious overhauls to the plan, but then it wouldn’t be Option 2.
Sal Bagley of Wold Architects took questions about the proposed project.
Ms. Nelson: How would the food service work? Ms. Bagley: The kitchen and serving space will connect to new space; they will be contiguous, not detached. This project will allow the kitchen to expand, to be the right size for the number of students. Ms. Nelson doesn’t believe there is enough space for student body, particularly in special education.
Ms. Bagley made note of Ms. Nelson’s concerns.
Ms. Nelson: There are not enough flexible classrooms. Ms. Bagley doesn’t see this plan as being inconsistent. There are many ways to approach flexibility. Flexible space is not required, only suggested by state. Ms. Nelson said these comments only add to her concerns.
Mr. Miller: Have you provided a final design? Ms. Bagley: No, we have looked at what you want and what the MDE requires. This is not a final product, it’s a proxy for goals and budget. Those specifics will come after a successful referendum. Normally stakeholders meet following a successful referendum and create a plan; then the specific design follows that plan. Mr. Miller: What are the enrollment projections?
Dr. Hillmann: There will likely be 6-7 years of decline, due to lower birth rate & lack of housing. Ms. Goerwitz said she served on core team planning for elementary schools, and this process worked well.
Mr. Butler: How many of your company’s plans have been approved by MDE?
Ms. Bagley: 100%. MDE looks at the big picture, not at detail.
Jeff Quinnell: Why are we tearing down wings with good insulation?
Ms. Bagley: They have good insulation but not good structure or energy code.
Ms. Gonzalez George emphasized that they need to wrap up discussion, and her desire to build consensus.
Ms. Nelson said that they are pushing student needs down while trying to get this done. She suggested they pause to consider student needs first. She will not change her opinion; she needs to see an option for future expansion within the design process.
Dr. Hillmann: Some spaces are specialized; most are less so. Individual classroom uses change over time. Past performance indicates future success – the middle school building and Greenvale Park have both used more flexible spaces. The whole
building should be a learning area, including spaces outside of classrooms.
Mr. Miller does believe that students are being considered, especially with the participation of the district youth council. Doing nothing is not what they want. Ms. Nelson said she still can’t vote yes; the financial ask is too large. Ms. Gonzalez George thanked Ms. Nelson for her honesty and said she will keep circling back to her.
Noel Stratmoen: Is it possible to revisit this? His points: (1) Accept that enrollment is declining. (2) Keep the building. (3) Define needs and goals. (4) Price each option accordingly. (5) Follow the survey guidelines. (6) Give the voters at least two options. (7) Decide how far we can go and still stay within the funding guidelines. (8) Tell me what student learning is going to look like in 10 years.
Ms. Gonzalez George: Can you support this Reimagine option? Mr. Stratmoen said he
hasn’t heard the specific language of what they will vote on and can’t make a decision until then.
Jeff Quinnell: Appreciates Mr. Stratmoen’s historical perspective. He believes we are in a chaotic time, with the national election coming up. People are already upset about bike trails and high taxes. As an alumus this project will be a tough sell. This project went from tune up to tear down. There is too much money budgeted for the construction of existing wings. This would create enough square footage for 1700 students, considerably over the district’s projections. He is not for Reimagine. He does support a new field house. He does not support any tear down.
Ms. Gonzalez George said she trusts the consultant and administration. The ballot question will not have specifics. She supports Reimagination and remodeling. Keeping all wings is inefficient for heating, air conditioning and insulation, and she doesn’t want to keep patching up a 30-yearold space. She believes the community will support (1) $90M academic construction, including special ed, accessibility, security; (2) athletic facility; (3) geothermal. This project combines new construction and the use of existing spaces.
Mr. Stratmoen: What is the impact if we table the motion for 2 weeks?
Dr. Hillman: Since we don’t meet in two weeks it would have to be tabled for a month. The administration will do whatever the board wants. However, the timeline was created with early voting in mind. June/July/August is not a good time for educating the community, and early voting starts in September. Voting tonight will allow for review and comment within the new state guidelines. He also wants to begin educating the community in April and May. The fall will be filled with other campaigns. Mr. Stratmoen: There has been a lot of new information tonight. The board
doesn’t usually vote on something the same night they get information. He needs more time to process.
Mr. Butler said he doesn’t think there was new information tonight, but that one board member had questions about the proposal. This has already been postponed two weeks.
Mr. Miller concurs, and said they need ample time to educate the community. Mr. Stratmoen said he needs to see it in writing.
Ms. Gonzalez George assured him it would be in writing.
Ms. Goerwitz said she appreciates Mr. Stratmoen’s concerns, but doesn’t want to lose the last month of educating the community.
d. American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Report. Superintendent Hillmann shared the latest report from the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee
e. Policy Committee Recommendation. Dr. Hillmann presented the policy committee’s
recommendation to sunset Policy 723. This will be an item for individual action at the next board meeting. MH Policy 23 about electronic communication is incorporated elsewhere in the district’s policies.
- Consent Agenda –Approved (see https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2024.03.11-
Board-Packet-1.pdf )
a. Minutes
b. Gift Agreements
c. Financial Reports
c. Grant Application
e. Policy Revision
f. Personnel Items
- Items for Individual Action –
a. Northfield High School Facility Referendum Plan and Election Date.
Motion: Motion to direct the administration to prepare a bond referendum for Nov. 5, 2024 that
includes three questions:
Question 1 – up to $95.8 million to support the “Reimagine Option.”
Question 2 – Up to $18.8 million to support the construction of a field house, contingent on voter approval of the first question
Question 3 – Up to $7 million to support the installation of a geothermal system at Northfield High School, contingent on voter approval of the first and second questions.
The bond term would be up to 30 years.
Mr. Quinnell noted that lengthening the term of a bond increases the total cost.
Dr. Hillmann responded that the district needs to set a bond length to determine tax payments.
Mr. Quinnell asked if the district has ever had a 30-year bond? He believes it was always 20 years.
Mr. Stratmoen asked why the questions are contingent?
Dr. Hillmann said that for example if Question 3 was approved they would have to put geothermal into an old facility. The questions are also in order of importance, to reflect the values of the community. Mr. Stratmoen asked for clarification of Option 1.
Dr. Hillmann: A multi-story addition, demolition of some spaces, renovation of others. When it goes on the ballot it will be summarized.
Mr. Miller: Voters need the first choice to be under $100 million, the community supports that.
Ms. Bagley: If the geothermal was to stand alone, it would need different budget; the high school’s current systems do not support it. If only Question 2 passed it would also require a storm shelter (included in Question 1). Ms. Goerwitz: Can we change “Field
house” to “additional athletic facilities” to make it more general? Ms. Bagley: “Athletic facilities” could be misinterpreted, but “field house” can also mean something else. Mr. Quinnell: Is this field house an expanded gym?
Dr. Hillmann: The bond language is nebulous; it will be the board’s job to explain it to voters.
Mr. Stratmoen: Will we vote on ballot language?
Dr. Hillmann: Yes.
Roll call vote:
Corey Butler – yes
Amy Goerwitz – yes
Ben Miller – yes
Jenny Nelson – no
Jeff Quinnell – no
Noel Stratmoen – yes
Claudia Gonzalez George – yes
The vote was 5 yes, 2 no; motion passed.
Dr. Hillmann thanked the community for its high level of community engagement, including work sessions, surveys, public meetings, and tours. He noted the robust dialog on board, the vigorous debate, and decision process.
- Items for Information
a. Enrollment Report showed 34 students over projections. Class sizes (see chart): reports will
prioritize elementary class sizes and will be shown each month.
b. Board Workshops – Monday March 18, 5-9 pm DO Boardroom
Monday July 22, DO Boardroom
- Future Meetings
a. Monday, March 18, 2024, 5:00 p.m., Board Workshop, Northfield DO Boardroom
b. Monday, April 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
d. Monday April 22, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
e. Monday May 13, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
- Adjournment at 8:22 p.m.
By Connie Martin, Observer, League of Women Voters
