INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.
659 REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Monday, February 9, 2026 ~ 6:00 p.m.
Northfield District Office Boardroom
AGENDA
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Ms. Gonzales-George. Board members Ben Miller, Maggie Epstein and Jenny Nelson were not in attendance.
2. Agenda Approval/Table File: Approved by the board.
3. Public Comment: Nick Gerhardt spoke. He is a worker at games (many sports). He is requesting a raise for all game workers.
4. Announcements and Recognitions: The Hand in Hand preschool and Early Childhood Family program will hold their open house on Thursday February 26th. On January 21st. the staff at GVP held a very successful event called The All School Read. Alpine skiers and Nordic skiers were congratulated on qualifying for further competitions. The Minnesota Department of Education formally recognized the Northfield Middle School in two different categories. They were recognized for Academic Performance and Making Significant Strides in Closing Achievement Gaps. A large honor for the Northfield Middle School. One of 4 schools in the state of Minnesota to receive both awards. Dr. Hillmann congratulated the staff, the hard work of the students and support from the community in receiving these high honors.
5. Items for Discussion and Reports
a. Prairie Creek Community School and Arcadia Charter School Annual Reports:
Simon Tyler, Director of Prairie Creek Community School and Laura Stelter, Director of Arcadia Charter School presented their annual reports. See the link for their powerpoints in the Board Packet . Mr. Tyler shared their mission statement. He feels the values and pillars are very strong but they also look to the future. He shared standardized test scores (MCAS) from 2022-2025. The school consistently performs above the state averages. He also listed additional tools for evaluation which were more experiential including the “Habits of Mind”. Mr Tyler also shared a slide revealing the schools fund balance which revealed a steady fund balance and they project 3-5 years out in hopes of maintaining that balance. Future plans include continuing their Arts Residency, a Community Garden, the READ Act Implementation and strategic planning. He lastly highlighted the schools connection to nature and environment stewardship. An area that has a lot of energy and involves collaborations with St. Olaf, community gardens, green school network and Wold Ridge ELC.
Questions/Comments from the board: Mr. Butler asked to hear something successful during the current cycle and maybe an area of attention. Mr. Tyler shared that community connections were a successful area. They are also invested in a St. Thomas program where individuals were able to obtain degrees and then be hired by the school.
Mr. Quinell asked about the pros and cons of the location of the school. Mr. Tyler said that the location allows students from Farmington, Hampton, and other small towns in the area to access a smaller school experience. He also said it helped connect more families to the community of Northfield and many times these students then enroll in the Northfield Middle School. Ms. Goerwitz commented on any issues in enrollment that Mr. Tyler might be aware of and how that might be addressed. The school has over a hundred students on a waitlist at the school. Other issues that may affect the fund balance could be affected by state mandates, the cost of health insurance and building maintenance. Ms. Goerwitz also asked if the option of a later start would impact the charter school. Mr. Tyler said he looks forward to hearing more about this topic.
Laura Stelter, Director of Arcadia Charter School, presented the school’s annual report. She also shared the mission written by Rebecca McCammon. The school has always been involved in Restorative Practices and the Arts for the past few years. See link to the power point in the board packet Board Packet. Students have both foundational course work as well as project based learning opportunities. Ms. Stelter shared that she has not suspended a student in this present year. Student achievement data was shared. MCA data showed a lower percentage in math but they continue to work towards improving those scores in a variety of ways. They are also implementing MTSS this year. She also shared goals on comprehensive achievement and civic readiness. They currently have 9 PSEO students. Average daily membership is around 113 students. Financially it is reported that they are on track with a solid fund balance (40.77%).
Questions from the Board: Ms Goerwitz asked what percentage of the students have IEP’s. She said it is around 44%.
b. Prairie Creek and Arcadia Site Visits: Dr. Hillman and Daryl Kehler made site visits. Tools used for the site visits and reports are found in the board packet (see link above). Mr. Butler asked about the process for reviewing the recertification. Dr. Hillmann explained that it is a rigorous and robust process. Mr. Kahler explained more about the process. Prairie Creek Community School will be up for beginning the next renewal process later this spring.
c. Indigenous (American Indian) Parent Meeting, Service Update, and Vote of Concurrence: Daryl Kehler presented on the American Indian Program (AIPAC) Update. This is an annual process. He shared the mission, the plan (action steps and measurable outcomes). See link to Power point in the Board Packet. Data is based on 7 students. For the upcoming goals, some of the goals will be measured by more formative assessments.
Questions from the Board: Mr. Butler asked about a specific area regarding student’s social-emotional learning. Ms. Goerwitz asked if the surveys were the same or different then other students take. Currently they take the same. She also asked if students self-identify or how the students are identified. She then asked for examples of internal vs. external identifying factors. Dr. Hillmann thanked Mr. Kehler for his work on indigenous students. He highlighted an upcoming speaker, Mr. Anton Treuer who will present to staff and others on February 27th.
d. Financial Forecast Follow Up: Director of Finance Val Mertesdorf and Superintendent Hillmann reported on a statue that impacts renewing the operating levy. The levy is 9 million dollars (13% of the revenue). Renewing it gives the district financial stability. The board has a choice to renew the operating levy OR bring it to a vote from the community. The statue requires a public meeting which will take place on March 19th. The board will review the feedback from the public meeting and then will come back and make a decision. The renewal term will be for another 10 years. No questions were asked at this time from the board.
e. Board Renewal of Operating Levy Timeline Potential Budget Restorations : Ms Mertersdorf reported on the future outlook. When the district is ready to add back any restorations, there are a handful of possible recommendations for the board to consider at a later date. .
f.Proposed 2026-2027 Operating Capital and Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Budget: Ms Mertersdorf presented on the proposed budget and the indoor air quality plans. See presentation in the board packet for details. She highlighted the new playground at Spring Creek Elementary as an example. She then explained Capital and Long Term Facility Maintenance (LTFM). The district wide LED project was completed with the replacement of 14,000 tubes. The net cost to the district after energy rebates was $85,000. Ms. Mertersdorf finished with pictures of the improved pool water.
Questions from the Board: Mr. Quinell asked about feedback on the improved pool water. Ms. Goerwitz asked about fluctuations in the LTFM figures in relation to the Reimaged High School project.
Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Ten Year and Indoor Air Quality Management Plan: Results of the most recent survey are being addressed. Overall the plan stays the same.
g. Policy Committee Recommendations: These items will be presented for action at the next meeting. Find the policies in the board packet Board Packet Included are policies related to the Minnesota Paid Family Leave Act. Other policies affected referred to search policies and items in the student handbook.
Questions from the Board: Mr. Butler asked about an acronym used in the policy. He also asked about consistency with regards to new position titles (i.e.Assistant Principal and Dean of Students). In addition he inquired about employees who are referenced by name and with retirements nearing, how do we make sure those replacements are made. Mr. Quinell asked about using the position instead of the name. Ms. Goerwitz complimented the district regarding improvements in the policies over the years.
6. Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously
a. Minutes
b. Gift Agreements
c. Financial Reports
d. Personnel Items
7. Items for Individual Action
a. Resolution Requiring Administration to Make Recommendations Regarding Programming and Staffing for Next Year – resolution approved.
b. Board Committee Assignments- approved.
c. Policy Committee Recommendations – approved.
8. Items for Information
a. Later School Start Times Work Session Recap: Dr. Hillmann summarized the work session about the research and data. They have collected start times from across the state. Information can be found in the Board Packet . The board also met with Benjamin Bus where much information was shared and questions asked such as how extra curricular activities might be impacted by start and end times. The discussion will continue and precise start and end times will be shared with the bus company for their feedback. What might be the potential cost will also be discussed. Dr. Hillmann explained that the reasons for considering changes includes the data that shows academic improvements, improved mental health among other positive changes for students health and wellbeing with most of the research being done here in Minnesota at the University.
b. Enrollment Report: Feb 2026 the district is 9 students less than projected. A number of students have moved to the online program (grades 4-12), due possibly to the current immigration issues. Ms Goerwitz asked about timelines for shifting to online.
c. Construction Update No. 22 – Dr. Hillmann let the update stand.
9. Future Meetings
a. Monday, February 23, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
b. Monday, March 2, 2026, 6:00 p.m., District Committee Meetings, Northfield DO Gymnasium
c. Monday, March 9, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
d. Thursday, April 2, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Board Work Session, Northfield DO Boardroom (Topic: Later School Start Times)
10. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM
The Northfield School District recognizes that we reside on the homeland of the Wahpekute Tribe of the Dakota Nation.
Notes are taken for the Women’s League of Voters submitted on 2/10/26 by DP.
