The Project – “Reimagine Northfield High School”
The Northfield School Board and administration studied several options for the high school, ranging from entirely new facility through doing nothing at all. They also sought community feedback through polling, tabling at community events, and open meetings. Because the current building would need extensive renovation to make it safe and useable, but polling indicates that the community will not support the expense of an entirely new facility, the Board has opted for a compromise, combining some new construction and some renovation.
One of the primary reasons for this project is safety: the current facility has 40 exits, too many to monitor for safety purposes. Much of the current facility is not accessible to students with disabilities. In addition, many of the current classrooms, labs, athletic facilities and performing arts facilities are outdated and too small for current enrollment. The heating and cooling systems are outdated and not functioning well; it has become almost impossible to find replacement parts for aging HVAC systems.
For a detailed description of Reimagine Northfield High School, use this link: https://northfieldschools.org/reimagine/
Project Cost
There will be three questions on the ballot in November, each with its separate cost:
- Question 1 includes a multi-story classroom addition, demolition of some of the wings of the current high school, and renovation of the rest.
- Cost for Question 1: $95.38 million
- If Question 1 passes, Question 2 will add a gymnasium (new construction), for indoor physical education and community recreation access.
- Cost for Question 2: $18.725 million
- If Questions 1 and 2 both pass, Question 3 will include installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system, which will be far more cost-effective than the current system.
- Cost for Question 3: $6.975 million
- Cost to taxpayers will be added into their property taxes. You can find specifics at the same link (https://northfieldschools.org/reimagine/ ). You will also find a tax impact calculator and tables. The length of the bond will be determined at the time of sale, but will be no longer than 30 years.
Project Timeline
A formal timeline will not be established until after a bond passes the election. Here is a likely scenario if it does pass:
- 12-16 months of planning time.
- Bids in early 2026.
- New construction beginning summer 2026.
- Removal of the D, H, M, and S wings after new construction is complete.
- Renovation of the existing portions of the school would take place in the summers, likely beginning in 2026.
- Completion of all projects in 2028 or 2029.
Students would continue to attend school in the existing building while new construction is happening. This is called phasing and is common in projects like this one. Phasing was done on a smaller scale at Spring Creek and Bridgewater when those buildings got additions and renovations.
To Learn More
Tours of the high school and information sessions will continue to take place through the summer months:
- June, Date/time TBD, virtual session on Zoom
- June 10, 12:00 noon, Northfield Lion’s Club meeting, Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes
- June 15, 9-11 a.m., NHS presentation, tour, Q&A; enter at Door 10, meet at Media Center
- June 20, 5-8 p.m., Third Thursdays Riverwalk Market Fair, Division Street between 4th and 5th Streets
- July, Date/time TBD, virtual session on Zoom
- July 8, 3-5 p.m., NHS presentation, tour, Q&A; enter at Door 10, meet at Media Center
- July 9, 7 p.m., Castle Rock Township meeting, Castle Rock Town Hall
- July 10, 4 p.m., Bridgewater Township Meeting, Bridgewater Town Hall
- July 18, 5-8 p.m., Third Thursdays Riverwalk Market Fair, Division Street between 4th and 5th Streets
- July 25, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Northfield Crazy Daze, Downtown Northfield
- July 27, 9-11 a.m., NHS presentation, tour, Q&A; enter at Door 10, meet at Media Center
- July 29, 7 p.m., Greenvale Park Township meeting, Greenvale Park Town Hall
- August TBD, NHS presentation, tour, Q&A; enter at Door 10, meet at Media Center
- August 14, 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Chamber State of the District, for Chamber of Commerce members and guests; Ruth’s on Stafford
- August 14, 6-7 p.m., FiftyNorth, 1651 Jefferson Parkway
- August 15, 5-8 p.m., Third Thursdays Riverwalk Market Fair, Division Street between 4th and 5th Streets
- September, October, November dates available online
In addition, the district is happy to answer questions or set up a tour of the facility. Contact Anita Aase at (507) 663-0629 or aaase@northfieldschools.org to schedule a presentation for your group.
