INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 659
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Monday, December 8, 2025 ~ 6:00 p.m. ~ Regular Board Meeting
Northfield District Office Boardroom
Meeting Link
AGENDA
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by the board chair, Ms. Gonzales-George at 6 PM. All present with the exception of Jenny Nelson.
2. Agenda Approval/Table File Dr. Hillmann updated the table file. (See table file online)
3. Public Comment: Guidelines were read. There were 2 options for public comment tonight. One for the Truth in Taxation public hearing. No persons were signed up for public comment.
4. Announcements and Recognitions: Two announcements this evening. The Annual Traditions Winter Concert will be Saturday Dec. 13th and Sunday Dec.14th at the Skinner Memorial Chapel on the Carleton campus.. All are invited. The Middle School and High School orchestra concerts are on Monday Dec. 15th at the Middle School. It is free of charge and donations will be accepted for the Northfield food shelf.
5. Items for Discussion and Reports a. Truth in Taxation Presentation for the Payable 2026 Property Tax Levy Followed by Public Comment : Val Mertersdorf presented the information. Twenty Six percent of our general fund revenue is from this levy. See detailed presentation in the Board Packet found online. Some important highlights included:
- School funding is highly regulated by the state.
- Our certified levy is one dollar amount and does not change with any increases in property values.
- Our total levy is spread out over the school district properties.
- The levy fills in the gaps from the underfunding from the state.
- Seventy three percent of our levy is community supported.
- Projected Fund Balance figures were presented and will be updated in the spring.
- Overall all funds remain strong.
Questions from the board included what the safe schools fund covers (Ms. Goerwitz). Mr. Miller complimented the district and the community on supporting the schools and the leadership to keep the budget intact. He also asked specifically about bonds and the impact on any possible predicted increases.
b. 2025-2026 Superintendent Focus Area Update No. 1: Dr. Hilmann addressed the general education work-based learning program ( 26-27 school year) and there are 3 teachers who are getting endorsements in this area. One of his goals is to create more relationships with multiple businesses in the community. Focus area 2 is to address workload issues as they continue to adapt to recent cuts. Dr. Hillmann has been working towards helping staff adapt the work flow and deepening relationships with both St. Olaf and Carleton colleges to assist with resources. Rounding (and intentional sit down conversation) has occurred with over 240 staff members. Work load was the main concern overall. The third focus area deals with developing a cadre of experts on AI, creating staff capacity. Focus area 4 was around enrollment. Many items are in the works with regard to this issue. Dr. Hillmann and 2 other staff are visiting other programs in the state that would differentiate the Northfield Schools from others to help increase enrollment. The final focus area is to connect and lift up the Bipoc community. There will be 3 different task forces/advisory committees addressing inclusive practices and involvement in decision making.
Questions included asking Dr. Hillmann if there was additional detail in his mid year evaluation (Ms. Goerwitz). Mr. Butler asked about opportunities with the staff for coaching through rounding and connecting with teachers. Overall new staff have a feeling of a welcoming spirit. They feel that our students have a high level of respect.
c. Policy Committee Recommendations: Dr. Hilmann updated the board on five policy changes (see board packet). They will be voted on by the board in January. Mr. Butler asked a question regarding one of the policies. Ms. Epstein called attention to a typo in one of the policies.
d. FY2025 Audit Results and Presentation: Luke Greden from CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) See details in the board packet. Highlights included a “clean” audit report for 7 years straight. No compliance issues were noted in the review of the federal program (Child Nutrition Program). General Fund Revenue-$70,381,805. General Fund Expenditures $67,961,634 General Fund- Unassigned Fund Balance is healthy, as is the Food Service Fund Balance. Community Education Fund Balance also shows good results. There was a slight decrease in the district’s enrollment trend, not an uncommon trend across districts in the state according to Mr. Greden. Overall the district special education costs have risen as have costs toward educating general education students.
Questions from the board included Mr. Miller asked what areas similar districts’ challenges were. Smaller districts have issues with compliance challenges due to smaller financial teams and the skills and expertise to provide detailed information. Dr. Hilmann also commented on the training that occurs in the district due to the strategic plan. Mr. Butler asked how which program is chosen for a single audit. Mr. Quinnell inquired about the consolidation of smaller districts and if more are looking into it. Ms. Goerwitz again complimented the financial team for the “clean” results over the number of years. The final draft will be published in January. Both Erin Bailey and Stephanie Stomme were recognized for extreme diligence in budgeting.
6. Consent Agenda- All approved unanimously
a. Minutes
b. Gift Agreements
c. Policy Revisions
d. Overnight Field Trip Request
e. Personnel Items
7. Items for Individual Action a. Certify Final 2025 Payable 2026 Tax Levy
b. 2026-2027 School Year Calendar- approved
Dr. Hillmann shared that they will be putting out a 27-28 calendar shortly for community feedback, due to the fact that the state now allows districts to start before labor day. Mr Butler acknowledged and thanked the individuals on the meet and confer committee including the NEA members.
c. High School FTE Request- motion passed
8. Items for Information
a. Enrollment Report- Dr. Hillmann provided details for the slight decrease this month.
b. Construction Update No. 20
9. Future Meetings
a. Monday, December 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m., Board Work Session, Northfield DO Boardroom (Topic: Later School Start Times) There are planned discussions and events for input forthcoming for the community.
b. Monday, January 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Organizational Board Meeting followed by the Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
c. Monday, January 26, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
d. Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Board Work Session, Northfield DO Boardroom (Topic: Later School Start Times)
10. Adjournment
