Northfield Public Schools, School Board Meeting
August 11, 2025
- Call to Order by Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez-George at 6:00 pm. All board members present.
- Agenda Approval/Table File approved unanimously (see Board Packet and Table File)
- Public Comment
- A community member shared an update on their work in gun violence, including connecting with Emily Culver with the Mayor’s Youth Council and the coach of the Skeet Team in order to get youth buy-in. Another initiative would be to connect with PTO presidents and meet with Dr. Hillman.
- Another community member spoke on behalf of Moms Demand Action. Shared concerns about armed contract workers who may have been on Northfield Public Schools campus and encouraged district to review contract with subcontractors to potentially recoup costs due to breech of contract.
- Announcements and Recognitions
- Today welcomed 141 of 208 kindergarten to Bridges to Kindergarten program, a free program held at each elementary school to help ease transition to school and kindergarten. Dr. Hillman thanks teachers and school staff.
- Dr. Hillman highlighted “Trek through Time,” KYMN podcast series, featured Ray Coudret and Shari Setchell to discuss the 30th anniversary of Rock N Roll Revival and the Northfield Historical Society’s exhibit on Rock N Roll Revival. Dr. Hillman encouraged people to listen to podcast and visit the Historical society.
- Items for Discussion and Reports
- Summary of Superintendent’s Performance Appraisal: Gonzalez-George reviewed many parts of the written appraisal, including Dr. Hillman’s exemplary rating of 4.9 out of 5.0. She highlighted Dr. Hillman’s tremendous community engagement and communication efforts around the “Reimagine Northfield High School” bond referendum where all three questions were successfully passed. She also shared his work on financial management and transparency during the reduction proposal budgeting process.
- Consent Agenda approved unanimously without discussion.
- Minutes
- Gift Agreements
- Fiscal Year Organization Actions
- Policy 704
- Financial Reports
- Overnight Field Trip Request
- Personnel Items
- Items for Individual Action
- Procedure for spending advertising and sponsorship revenue at NPS (page 36 of agenda)
Dr. Hillman reiterated that the board received a detailed presentation at the July meeting about this topic. The policy would state that where the money comes in is where the money will be allocated to in the budgeting process.
Board member Amy Goerwitz asked about updates from discussion at previous meeting and invited Lance Reisetter with LMR Media to speak. He shared that in mentioning the possibility of naming rights of Memorial Field and other locations that there is excitement in community about bidding for the opportunity!
Board member Ben Miller asked about this procedure which is attached to policy 809. Will it live as an appendix to the policy? [observer note: Miller was incredibly difficult to hear in the livestream.] Budget Director Valori Mertesdorf shared that it would be hyperlinked on the website underneath the policy.
Motion passed unanimously.
- Digital Video Scoreboard Purchase at Memorial Field (presentation from LMR Media at July 2025 Board meeting begins on page 38 of the agenda):
Mertesdorf shared that the cost will be reimbursed to the general fund through money received from sponsorships and advertising over the course of no more than 5 years and it would be documented in a separate fund category. Dr. Hillman shared that this is also in response to reduction budgeting process feedback to find new revenue streams.
Goerwitz inquired about what happens to old scoreboard? Would there be functionality on the back of score board to welcome people as they arrive? Reisetter said that there is no plan for the old scoreboard but it is in discussion. Scoreboard is at least 20-25 years old so don’t know if it can be used elsewhere. Message board on backsid–still looking into it so no answers on cost or design.
Miller asked question about the lifespan of the scoreboard they are going to purchase. Reisetter shared more info on the scoreboard, including the ability to do software updates and observations from other communities who also use this scoreboard.
Miller asked Mertesdorf to clarify the budget payoff on the graph that was shared in the board packet as Mertesdorf had said it would be paid off in 5 years but the graph shows 7 years. Mertesdorf reiterated that payoff is a conservative estimate. What’s not included in the model is the money already collected through advertising services. Mertesdorf is confident it will be five or less years (by 2030-31 school year). Miller asked whether there has been an updated quote? Reisetter said they had not but are hoping to get an updated quote soon. Miller reiterated that he’s asking questions to be cognizant of financial budgeting exercise they just went in through in the spring, and to recognize that this is an investment. Mertesdorf said that if the quote were drastically different they would return to the board to discuss.
Goerwitz asked whether the new scoreboard is covered under current insurance? Mertesdorf said it would go under property casualty’s overall valuation. They would update the insurance company with new added value.
Motion passed unanimously.
- Policy Committee Recommendations (page 53 of agenda)
Dr. Hillman reminded people they looked at this last month. Motion passed unanimously.
- Procedure for spending advertising and sponsorship revenue at NPS (page 36 of agenda)
- Items for Information
- Construction Update No. 13 (page 137 of agenda)
Dr. Hillman will let report stand, but starting in September there will be more substantial updates. They will bring core planning group back together for new renderings, staff presentations, and to share with larger community. For instance, NHS parent teacher conferences are happening earlier so could happen there.
- Staff Breakfast Program:
Aug 26, 7 AM will provide welcome back breakfast. Board welcome to attend.
- 2025-26 e-Learning Day Plan (page 138 of agenda)
Dr. Hillman reviewed the plan (largely same as previous year) and will share with parents in the next update. Also reiterated that the district will NOT doing a practice e-learning day this year.
- Construction Update No. 13 (page 137 of agenda)
- Future Meetings
- Monday, August 25, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO
Boardroom
- Monday, September 8, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO
Boardroom
- Monday, September 22, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO
Boardroom
10. Adjournment at 6:32 PM.
Submitted by Alyssa Melby, Observer, League of Women Voters
