Northfield Public Schools, School Board Meeting
October 14, 2024
- Call to Order – Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez George called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members present except Ben Miller.
- Land Acknowledgement Statement read by District Youth Council Member Ally Matthews.
- Agenda Approval/Table File – Agenda & table file approved unanimously (see
https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/10.14.2024-Regular-Meeting-Table-File-1.pdf ) - Public Comment – none
- Announcements and Recognitions –
Chair Gonzalez George read a statement about the district’s observation of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Dr. Matthew Hillmann shared the Community School Report, including all three elementary schools, celebrating its 10th year of programming.
Congratulated grounds crew member Travis Pasch, who received an educational facilities award of excellence, recognizing an outstanding facilities worker who is not in management. Given by the southern chapter of MASM (educational facilities professionals). - Items for Discussion and Reports
a. Instructional Services Report: MCA and Attendance Overview – Director of Instructional Services Hope Langston reported on the district’s Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) results, and Instructional and Systems Coach Carrie Duba provided an overview of the district’s three year state-funded attendance pilot. The district is working on performance gaps with FRP (Free & Reduced Lunch Program) & Hispanic students. Carrie Duba: In this attendance pilot project, they identify chronically absent students and the impact on grades and student engagement.
Almost 14% of students are chronically absent. Mental health concerns are also an issue for absenteeism, so they are partnering with Fernbrook school-based mental health providers for clinical support.
Questions: Corey Butler: Asked about percentages of students listed. He also asked how long does implementation of a new curriculum take historically? Ms. Langston: There was no implementation dip with the most recent pre-COVID curriculum. She doesn’t know if this new curriculum (Bridges) will have an immediate impact, and expects to see impact in year 2, if not in year 1. They are already seeing basic skills improvement. Mr. Butler: These scores are 1 data point; they have 9 months to collect more data and improve. What is SBMH? Ms. Duba: School Based Mental Health. Rob Hardy: Now that all students can get a free lunch, what does “FRP”
mean? Director of Finance Valori Mertesdorf: The application process for Free & Reduced can either be direct (filling out form), or if they qualify for Medicaid or other government assistance, they are automatically qualified for FRP. The district gets a list of those students. During COVID no one was filling out paperwork, but Medicaid increased the number of students eligible (direct certification process). Numbers increased, high school is now at 30% FRP, formerly at 15%. Amy Goerwitz: Do you ever look at the same cohort year to year, instead of by grade level? Ms. Langston: We have that cohort data, but have been cautioned about using it because it doesn’t
reflect an accurate comparison. Ms. Goerwitz: What is the percentage of FRP across district? Ms. Langston: 30 or 31% Ms. Goerwitz: How would it work to compare with other more similar districts? Ms. Langston: We have done comparisons with demographic peers pre-COVID, and would need to reboot the process. There are other variables, such as English Learners, special needs students, etc. Dr. Hillmann: He looks to this data for success or what we need to work on within district. What districts would we be comparing ourselves to, or should we be using a deep data dive? Ms. Goerwitz: What about a child that doesn’t want to go to school – what happens
in that situation? Ms. Duba: Our team works with that student in a problem solving process. We want comfort & safety in school. Jenny Nelson: Asked Dr. Hillmann whether other districts are comparing to the state data as we are? Ms. Langston answered: The public file on MDE website allows us to look at other schools, many don’t know it exists. We use it every year for context.
Dr. Hillmann: There is a variety of ways school districts use data. Some don’t do comparisons; they believe there is too much emphasis on comparison. We do more analysis; it is our test even with its flaws and provides a valuable piece of information about our system. Ms. Langston: The reason we started using it was actually due to parent feedback. It allows us to see the scope of proficiency throughout state, and provides full picture. Ms. Nelson: Why would a student not be testing? Ms. Langston: Sometimes because of absence, and some parents choose not to have student take test. Ms. Nelson: What is the “gap” in attendance pilot? (see slide
https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2024.10.14-Board-Packet-1.pdf ) Ms. Langston: The attendance liaison allows us to fill the gap that isn’t reached by school counselor & other staff. Ms. Nelson: What do you mean by “parent engagement”? Ms. Duba: We held a family dinner & learned that families were looking for support. We are giving them resources. Jeff Quinnell: For a historical perspective, this is a very academic town, and education is a priority. What is the line between cutting edge vs. bleeding edge – what is working? If we compare between districts, what is our demographic academically? What are the other districts that we can learn from? Ms. Langston: Rankings are interesting. The group Carleton put together [in a previous research project] had fewer students of color, we now have 24%
students of color. This shift in demographics makes us a richer school district. We want to find peers that are demographically similar. Mr. Quinnell: Wayzata, Edina, Minnetonka who used to be our peers, are all demographically changing. Ms. Langston: Our goal is 80% proficiency. Our system can help 20% (as opposed to 40%). Dr. Hillmann: 80% is an aspirational goal. But when the focus is only on numbers, we can lose sight of individual students. Not every student achieves on the same timeline or in the same way. Ms. Gonzalez George: What is “TNTP”? Ms. Duba: It used to be new teacher project, now just the acronym TNTP, a 3-year pilot. Dr. Hillmann: This project will probably change definitions around attendance. It is better to make
changes as we go, to fix things sooner rather than later. We are trying to be consistent.
b. Special Services FTE Request – Director of Special Services Sara Pratt requested 1.0 FTE additional licensed special education resource teacher at Spring Creek Elementary, due to increased number of students, and increased need in social/emotional/behavioral services. Anticipated hire date 11/1/2024. There has been an unprecedented increase between Aug, 1 & now, with 16 new students with IEPs. There have also been an additional 60 students over the last few years, so we couldn’t shift any more staff. And there has also been an increase in the
level of need with safety and social-emotional needs.
Questions: Ms. Nelson: Were these all kindergarten students? Ms. Pratt: No. Mr. Butler: What was the hiring pool? Ms. Pratt: It was challenging, there were not many. Mr. Butler: Would you anticipate this is for 1-year or continuing? Ms. Pratt: Looking at projections winter & spring, she thinks it might be long term but is unsure. Mr. Butler: Would it be beneficial to approve tonight?
Ms. Pratt: If you’re willing to consider this tonight that would be great. This item was moved to items for individual action later tonight.
c. Superintendent’s State of the District Overview – Dr. Hillmann: Has made this presentation to Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and other groups. He discussed strategic plan, including the process of implementing and developing. The entire community is involved in educating children. Presented & discussed many areas of district (see slides at https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2024.10.14-Board-Packet-1.pdf ) On the NPS website, go to the strategic plan online; individual benchmarks and the progress on each one are available.
Questions: Ms. Goerwitz: Thanked Dr. Hillmann for his leadership over last 8 years. How would you summarize in one word? MH: Forward. For two words, What’s next?
d. Policy Committee Recommendations – Dr. Hillmann presented policy committee’s
recommended updates to policies 207, 509, 512 and 513. (Item for individual action at next board meeting.) All recommendations are driven by legislative changes. They are also making each policy relate to the strategic plan in purpose statement at beginning of policy.
Questions: Mr. Hardy: On 512, the purpose statement should be consistent with Section II.C.1 (add “media” to text). Mr. Butler: How often does the district hold a lottery? Dr. Hillmann: We have never held a lottery. Mr. Butler: If a student has a preference of a building but no space is available, do you send to different place? Dr. Hillmann: Yes, and once enrolled in a school they will remain there. Sibling preference is also considered. Class size is the primary concern. Ms. Nelson: Asked for clarification on 509.III.C, resident or nonresident students. Dr. Hillmann: This change was driven by the legislature. Will look at this to make it consistent. This part addresses nonresident preschool students who want to remain in the district for kindergarten. Will make change to clarify. Ms. Goerwitz: In 509, do we ever say we are at capacity for teachers? Dr. Hillmann: There are very few instances where we can deny open enrollment. You can delay the decision to evaluate, but it is not good to deny. Students open enroll to the district; if they have an IEP they might go to special ed services. If they don’t have opening, we must figure out how to provide those services. Ms. Pratt works directly with them and would work with their resident district on financial and transportation concerns. Mr. Hardy: At the end of each policy is a cross reference, do you have to do that? Dr. Hillmann: The MSBA team has their attorney validate every policy. Districts start with a model policy. Will make sure that is reflected in final copy.
e. Fall 2024 Bond Referendum – Dr. Hillmann. Not many changes in how many people are using the property tax calculator. There has been good attendance on high school tours, but low attendance at Q & A sessions. They will have another one on Oct. 27, and a tour tomorrow night. Up to 80+ events now. In first month of school there were three air conditioning failures at high school. The current systems are not functioning well. For second quarter activity space, we held an annual scheduling event, for youth sports using space in winter. There are 75 available hours to be scheduled, and 105 hours requested – there are simply not enough hours to accommodate. They will also move community ed classes (such as boxing) to different locations. Next week on 10/21 from 4-6 p.m. there will be a tour of Carleton’s geothermal system, with discussion about their energy savings & efficiency and how it could work for the
high school if passed. They project 25% utility savings.
Questions: Mr. Butler: What does that percentage of geothermal savings mean in terms of real dollars? Dr. Hillmann: Close to $100,000/year at 25%. It depends on the weather in a year. Utilities are paid from the general fund. - Consent Agenda – See https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2024.10.14-Board-Packet1.pdf . Approved unanimously
a. Minutes
b. Gift Agreements
c. Overnight Field Trip
d. Financial Report
e. Personnel Items - Items for Individual Action
a. Resolution of School Board Supporting FORM A Application to MSHSL Foundation – Director of Student Activities John Mahal requested approval of resolution supporting the district’s application to the Minnesota State High School League Foundation for a FORM A grant to offset student activity fees. Approved unanimously on roll call vote.
b. Resolution of School Board Supporting FORM B Application to MSHSL Foundation – Director of Student Activities John Mahal requested approval of resolution supporting the district’s application to the Minnesota State High School League Foundation for a FORM B grant, to provide seminars/training opportunities or support for specific school functions for students/faculty members/officials and others involved in athletic and fine arts programs.
Approved unanimously on roll call vote.
c. Amended Land Purchase Agreement – The buyer of the district’s Gleason Road property is requesting to extend the dates of contingencies and closing on this property purchase agreement, approved by the board on June 10, 2024. Request is to approve an amendment to the purchase agreement extending the dates of contingencies and closing to June 1, 2025.
Approved unanimously.
D. Request for 1.0 FTE increase for Special Services as presented earlier in meeting (Item 6.b).
Approved unanimously on roll call vote. - Items for Information
a. Enrollment Report – Presented by Dr. Hillmann. No questions
b. National School Lunch Week – Oct. 14-18. Thanked all child nutrition staff in our district.
c. National School Bus Safety Week – Oct. 21-25. Thanked Benjamin Bus and drivers for their support and partnership.
d. Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Presentation and Public Hearing – Hope Langston, Director of Instructional Services, will summarize the 2024-2025 Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Plan at the public hearing at 5:15 p.m. on Monday October 28 (preceding the regular school board meeting at 6:00). - Future Meetings
a. Monday, October 28, 2024, 5:15 p.m., Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Presentation and Public Hearing, Northfield DO Boardroom
b. Monday, October 28, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
c. Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
d. Monday, November 25, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom - Adjournment 8:20 p.m.
By Connie Martin, Observer, League of Women Voters
