Northfield Public Schools, School Board Meeting
October 28, 2024
- Call to Order – Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez George called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members present except Amy Goerwitz.
- Agenda Approval/Table File – Agenda & table file approved as presented. (See
https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/Regular-Meeting-Table-File-10.28.2024.pdf ) - Public Comment – none
- Announcements and Recognitions –
- Sesquicentennial minute by Dr. Hillmann, on the Weitz Center/Central High School building. Old building burned in 1908; the community passed referendum to rebuild in 1910. This was Northfield’s first “modern” high school.
- Items for Discussion and Reports
- Summary of Public Hearing Regarding the 2023-24 World’s Best Workforce and Achievement & Integration Results. Director of Instructional Services Hope Langston gave a summary of the earlier public hearing.
- Questions: Ben Miller: On 3rd grade reading, any idea how the new curriculum is working? Ms. Langston: Very few teachers were trained by the time of this assessment, so it is too early to tell. Mr. Miller: For the new system (CACR) will the same assessment measures be used? Ms. Langston: We are meeting next week to discuss whether to keep all measures, use new measures, or a combination. Jenny Nelson: Where does staff input come in? Ms. Langston: Staff input is ongoing, including assessment of starting points and fine-tuning use of resources. We are listening to teachers to see what’s working for students and what needs to be adjusted. Ms. Nelson: What percentage of the graduation rate are continuing special education students? Ms. Langston: Will find that information. Continuing students can also include ALC students, special ed. students, and others. Dr. Hillmann: What are “unknown” students? Ms. Langston: Some students are new arrivals in the U.S. & need more time. If a student moves and doesn’t leave a
school forwarding address, this counts against our graduation rate. Jeff Quinnell: What is a “racially isolated district”? Ms. Langston: We use the MDE definition, because we border a “racially isolated district” (Faribault) we are eligible for funding for achievement and integration funding (MDE). Dr. Hillmann: This involves enrollment of a protected class of 20% in Faribault. Northfield adjoins that district. A consortium of 4 districts participates in this program. Corey Butler: We are measured against other districts on a chart of the chart top 35 districts, but we are the 7th largest district. What do we learn from that? Ms. Langston: The new curriculum is working, and we should be patient and stay the course with it. Ms. Gonzalez George: What kinds of interventions are done by family navigators working on improved attendance? Is this a budget issue? Ms. Langston: Family navigators are partially funded by and employees of HCI. They can do things district employees can’t (such as transport students, work with families). Our new district employee will offer direct family support.
- Questions: Ben Miller: On 3rd grade reading, any idea how the new curriculum is working? Ms. Langston: Very few teachers were trained by the time of this assessment, so it is too early to tell. Mr. Miller: For the new system (CACR) will the same assessment measures be used? Ms. Langston: We are meeting next week to discuss whether to keep all measures, use new measures, or a combination. Jenny Nelson: Where does staff input come in? Ms. Langston: Staff input is ongoing, including assessment of starting points and fine-tuning use of resources. We are listening to teachers to see what’s working for students and what needs to be adjusted. Ms. Nelson: What percentage of the graduation rate are continuing special education students? Ms. Langston: Will find that information. Continuing students can also include ALC students, special ed. students, and others. Dr. Hillmann: What are “unknown” students? Ms. Langston: Some students are new arrivals in the U.S. & need more time. If a student moves and doesn’t leave a
- Spring Creek Elementary School Improvement Showcase. Spring Creek Interim Principal Tania Will sees strategic plan as both principal and teacher (36 years). She noted the increase in reading & math skills. 97% of families attended family engagement conferences at beginning of this school year. Bridges math curriculum pilot & adoption have also been very positive. Focus areas for this year: (1) Bridges math implementation K-5; (2) professional development of
teachers, especially READ act training, bridges math curriculum; (3) multi-tiered system of support, to provide student support for all academic areas & social-emotional learning.- Questions: Jenny Nelson: In Focus area 3, leadership teams using data, where is the data from? Ms. Will: We are using a system that integrates data on students. Ms. Nelson: How do you implement family engagement? Ms. Will: We make family appointments within a given time frame, and we are very excited that 97% came. We offered families in-person conference, or remote or phone if necessary. Rob Hardy: What about subject areas that aren’t tested? Gym, art, music? Ms. Will: Those are called “specials”; students look forward to them – these subjects get kids involved. Before this year she had not gone into those classrooms. It is powerful for kids to be involved in art and music programs, with a large breadth of exposure; phy ed kids learn what they can do physically. Mr. Butler: What has been most surprising/joyful in these 3 months? What about remainder of year? Ms. Will: People – the students. The person in this role knows 80% of students & staff. Also working with developing teachers, talking with students. Surprising and odd things come your way as principal, and provide variety in the day. Remainder of year will work on maintaining systems, supporting teachers & students & families.
- Fall 2024 Bond Referendum. Dr. Hillmann reported on the final bond referendum update. Since last meeting there were 2 high school tours; 29 people attended first, 20 people second. Special tour on Oct. 21st of Carleton geothermal system, 14 attended. They have also tabled at colleges, done a presentation for UUAW, and have a couple more events upcoming. They are working with KYMN radio, and have a column in Northfield News. At least 92 events have been held since March 21. Our goal is an informed electorate. Tax calculator has been used by about 420 (396 residential, 2 agricultural).
- Summary of Public Hearing Regarding the 2023-24 World’s Best Workforce and Achievement & Integration Results. Director of Instructional Services Hope Langston gave a summary of the earlier public hearing.
- Committee Reports
- Board member Corey Butler on Community Education Advisory Committee and Finance
- Committee: no additional comments (see https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2024.10.28-Board-Packet.pdf )
- Board member Ben Miller on District Youth Council: The DYC held candidate forum; youth are engaged.
- Board member Corey Butler on Community Education Advisory Committee and Finance
- Consent Agenda – approved unanimously ( https://northfieldschools.org/wp-
content/uploads/2024.10.28-Board-Packet.pdf )- Minutes
- Gift Agreement
- Personnel Items
- Items for Individual Action – approved unanimously
- Policy Committee Recommendations. 207, 509, 512, 513 (See https://northfieldschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2024.10.28-Board-Packet.pdf )
- Discussion on policies – none
- Items for Information – none
- Future Meetings
a. 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
c. Monday, December 9, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom - Adjournment at 6:55 p.m.
By Connie Martin, Observer, League of Women Voters
