INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 659
Monday, September 22, 2025 ~ 6:00 p.m. ~ Regular Board Meeting
Northfield District Office Boardroom
Public entrance for school board meetings is Door #2 located on the north side of the Northfield School District Office on 2nd Street West. Regular meetings are open to the public and streamed live.
Board Members: Claudia Gonzalez-George, Chair, Maggie Epstein, Corey Butler, Vice-Chair, Amy Goerwitz, Clerk, Jenny Nelson, Jeff Quinnell, Ben Miller, Treasurer
Superintendent: Matthew Hillmann
AGENDA
1. Call to Order: Claudia Gonzalez-George called the meeting to order. All members present with the exception of Maggie Epstein.
2. Agenda Approval/Table File: Dr. Hillman updated some additional items found within the table file (see file on district website). These items were added to the agenda, and motion passed.
3. Public Comment:
Karen Mader (Be Smart for Kids) – She was invited to Dr. HIllmann’s office this week to discuss gun violence. She shared that students are initiating action, but she is here to make sure that adults are also responding. There are student plays about gun violence performed Monday, October 6 throughout the state and she invited board members to attend.
CC Linstroth (Age Friendly Northfield) – Shared about the collaboration with Community Education through pickle ball and other activities. She commented on the beautiful gym facility with a walking track and the conversations that will still be needed to make it a community gym.
Carla Johnson (50 North) – She shared reference to previous meetings with various stakeholders in the community to discuss the partnership of a fieldhouse for the community. She also shared documentation that referenced the community aspect of the proposed fieldhouse and comments Dr. Hillmann made prior to the election. She wants to ensure that the community will have access to the new gymnasium.
Andreas Thurnheer – Asked whether the bike lanes are connected to the school buildings and also shared concerns with the size of the high school proposal and excess areas that will cause increased need for heating and cooling, problems with possible condensation, and asked for improved design considerations.
4. Announcements and Recognitions – none
5. Items for Discussion and Reports
a. District Youth Council (DYC) Update: DYC co-chair Atticus Mayer, high school senior, updated the board about their plans for the 2025-2026 school year. (See board packet for slides)
Questions and comments: Amy Goerwitz commented on how impressed she was on all their accomplishments. They were helpful in connecting the board to the students and she’s looking forward to seeing what they do this year. Corey Butler echoed Amy’s comments and observed that students were really engaged last year. He asked Atticus what he hopes to accomplish this year. Atticus would like all students to know what DYC is and know what they are doing. Jenny Nelson asked what methods they use to exchange information with the student body. Atticus shared that they used forums in the past to collect information and feedback from students. They also plan to set up a table during lunch to share more information about DYC. Amy also welcomed aboard Emily Culver, who was present.
b. Northfield High School Continuous Improvement Showcase: Northfield High School Principal Chris Dibble provided the board with an overview of the high school’s successes and highlights in 2024-2025 and the focus areas for the 2025-2026 school year. These included attendance and school connectedness, credit attainment, and college and career readiness. Rico Bohren was also present for questions. (See board packet for slides)
Questions and comments: Amy welcomed Chris to the high school. Amy’s first question was how many students participate in the different options of AP, PSEO, College in the schools, etc. Chris shared that they are well attended. Her second question related to how the mentorship for absent students works. Chris explained that it’s generally the first hour teacher and they are given 1-2 students to build a relationship. Amy asked Rico about the discipline side of absent students. Rico explained that they work with families to establish a plan and layer support. Jeff Quinnell reflected on his own experiences at NHS and asked what do you think you can do to improve and what is going well? Chris responded that there is a lot of support in this community. Students do not opt out of MCA tests like they do in other districts. He also acknowledged the new English/Math curriculum efforts. Corey welcomed Chris and thanked him. He asked Rico what he is most proud of from last year. Rico said Covid was hard and the culture change in both students and teachers was three years of hard work. Ben Miller thanked Rico and previous principals for their work on budget reductions last year. He asked how college readiness planning has changed. Chris said that although there was a reduction in staff, they have a timeline and are well-prepared to carry it out. There were many positive shout outs to staff stepping up to fill holes and take on more responsibilities. Chris recognized the amazing community support. Jenny also welcomed Chris and talked about interventions and asked what other types exist. Rico shared about Flex and Super Flex time options. Chris shared how Northfield is different and similar to other school districts he’s worked in. One thing that really stands out is the Flex period as a great resource. Jenny also asked about the cell phone intervention, reflecting on the round table that she attended with students, teachers, parents, etc. She remembered a student who shared concerns about the enforcement of the policy. She asked how enforcement is going. Rico responded that continued communication with the adults in the building is needed. Staff appreciate his daily reminder for all students to put away their phones and earbuds at the beginning of every day. Jenny also asked about the career curriculum that is shared during Raider Time. Rico said he’d have to get more information. Dr. Hillmann shared the history of how this time was used and named. Jenny also asked how often PSEO is reviewed with students. Chris shared that the information is provided, but that these programs are run by the colleges. Rico said the goal is to present to students at least twice per year. Claudia closed with thanking them for their time and leadership.
c. Reimagine Northfield High School Update and Renderings: Sal Bagley from Wold Architects and Engineers provided an update to the board on the progress of the Reimagine Northfield High School Project. (see slides and video in the board packet)
Questions and comments: Amy welcomed Sal and Josh Cooper from Knutson Construction. The level of detail is impressive. Thank you for all your hard work. Question was directed on materials being used and wondered if there will be enough light in between classrooms. Can you also talk about new materials you have available and their energy efficiency? Can you also talk about the safety of the glass? Sal said we thought about safety, light penetration, efficiency, etc. The feedback they received was to bump up even more natural light. Sal also talked about how light will change throughout the day. Safety has been a huge concern and topic discussed. There is safety as well as security glazing for windows. We sought feedback from first responders. Dr. Hillmann also spoke to the safety and security of the building. They asked how much of an increase would it be to move from safety to security glazing. What is the tradeoff in that cost? Val returned to Amy to answer energy efficiency and she said the whole building works in concert to provide a highly efficient building. They are not currently considering triple pane windows. They are working with energy modelers to work on “bundles” and evaluating upfront and long term costs. How far do we want to go to exceed code? Amy asked about zone a and zone b in the classroom images. Sal explained this reflects the ability to dim and control zones of lighting. Jeff thanked Val for her report. He acknowledged that we have a history of making the building available for rental use and that it’s a community building. He asked about fee structure and making it accessible. Val responded that thought has been given to parking, entrances, and access. Policy is part of the school’s decision. Dr. HIllmann added that Community Ed is going to have a massive impact with this change and that they are involved in the conversation of how this will impact the opening of even further spaces. He said we have just scratched the surface of how it will impact the community. Jeff followed up with a question regarding traffic during events and use of the bus loop. Val responded that the school could decide how to use and open those spaces during events. Claudia asked about sidewalk access in parking lot areas. Val clarified by reviewing images and showing where these sidewalks exist. Claudia also asked about the wood in the music area and whether additional student art could be displayed. Val showed other opportunities for displays in the music hallway. Dr. Hillmann shared that the building materials would be on display during parent teacher conferences. Then they will create a display board to be used at future gatherings.
d. Superintendent Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee Update: Board Chair Gonzalez-George updated the board on the progress of the superintendent evaluation tool. (See board packet.) Claudia recommended that they not use the previous evaluation tool, but use an informal evaluation in December so as not to start something new during the academic year.
Questions and comments: Amy reflected on first wanting to just follow the status quo, but was moved to want a new approach. She shared that an informal conversation was more important than an evaluation. Jeff also shared that the evaluation has become static and he agreed with Claudia and Amy’s comments. Corey agreed with their recommendation. Ben asked about utilizing the workshop that is offered to boards. Claudia said they would be open to that. Jenny also is comfortable moving forward with the recommendation.
Motion will be brought forward.
6. Consent Agenda– approved unanimously without discussion
a. Minutes
b. Gift Agreements
c. Financial Reports – June 2025
d. Overnight Fieldtrip Request
e. Personnel Items
7. Items for Individual Action
a. Policy Committee Recommendations: The board was requested to approve the policy committee’s recommended changes to policies 613, 620, and 707.
Comments: Dr. HIllmann commented that we are required to include a weighted grading system. The purpose of this is to codify and clarify the existing practice.
Motion to approve the policy committee’s recommended changes to policies 613, 620, and 707 as presented. – Approved unanimously.
b. Co-Curricular Adds: District administration requested authorization to hire an additional assistant boys cross country coach permanently.
Comments: Amy was glad to hear so many people were on the team. Jeff saw the team out running around town and it was a lot of kids.
Motion to permanently add an additional assistant boys cross country coach position at a total cost of $4,435, subject to change upon the settlement of the 2025-27 NEA agreement. – Approved unanimously.
c. Proposed 2025 Payable 2026 Preliminary Property Tax Levy: Director of Finance Val Mertesdorf, reviewed the levy certification timelines and analysis of the preliminary levy. (see board packet)
Questions and Comments: Jeff asked if we are asking for the max? Val confirmed that we have always levied at the max.
Motion to certify to County Auditors the 2025 Payable 2026 Preliminary Levy Limitation and Certification at the maximum authority. – Approved unanimously.
d. MSBA Platform Recommendation Resolution: The board is requested to authorize the superintendent to submit a resolution to MSBA for consideration as part of their 2026 legislative platform to request the Minnesota Legislature broaden the definition of operating capital to include essential training that supports the adoption of new, high-quality curriculum materials.
Questions and comments: Dr. Hillmann shared that we do not expect new funds from the federal or state government. We are asking to have more flexibility in how we use our funds. Dr. Hillmann will advocate for MSBA to use this in their platform. If the board approves the resolution, Dr. Hillmann can submit the resolution to MSBA in hopes that they will take action. Amy stated that it was a sensible resolution, but her question is how does this get made into law? Dr. Hillmann clarified that if selected, MSBA will work to draft a bill and go through all the steps. Jenny wanted to clarify that it was free and she was curious since this is the first time we’ve seen this request and how long has MSBA been providing this process. Dr. Hillmann did not know how long, but that it is MSBA’s responsibility to take action on behalf of school boards and has likely been doing this for decades. Corey thanked Dr. Hillmann for taking up this cause.
Motion to authorize the superintendent to submit a resolution to MSBA requesting the Minnesota Legislature broaden the definition of operating capital to encompass essential training that supports the adoption of new, high-quality curriculum materials. – Approved unanimously.
8. Items for Information
a. Retired Educators Luncheon: Board members were invited to attend the district’s annual retired educators luncheon at Ruth’s on Stafford on Friday, Oct. 24.
9. Future Meetings
a. *Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
*Note that Monday, October 13, 2025 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day
b. Monday, October 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
c. Monday, November 10, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
10. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 8:50 PM. – Approved unanimously.
Submitted by Lisa Percy, Observer League of Women Voters
