Observer Report: Northfield School Board Meeting, 2.23.26

Northfield Public Schools, Regular School Board Meeting

February 23, 2026

Meeting Video Recording

Regular Board Meeting

1. Call to Order for the Regular Board Meeting by Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez-George at 6:00 pm. All board members present.
   
   
2. Agenda Approval/Table File approved unanimously (see Board Packet and Table File).

3. Public Comment: No members of the public shared comments.
   
   
4. Announcements and Recognitions: Dr. Hillmann shared…
   1. Event on Feb. 27 from 4-5:30 pm with Dr. Anton Truer, author of Everything you Wanted to Know about Indians but Were Afraid to Ask. Free and open to the public.
   2. Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival, March 6-8, 13-14. Might be some tickets left, but very few!
   3. Now til March 27—Northfield Arts Guild will feature all-student art show. Imagination Celebration on March 7. Encourage all to stop by!
   4. Feb. 23-27: Public Schools Week! Celebrate public education in shaping kids, community, and future!
5. Items for Discussion and Reports
   • District Youth Counsel Update: Student Pledge Against Gun Violence: Student Atticus, DYC co-chair, shared slidedeck from the board packet (pages 6-12). Shared a story about how surprised he was that his room where he presented the pledge, a room full of freshmen, were immediately ready to sign the pledge. Shared that some of the pledges were unfortunately lost in making their way back to DYC.
     • Board member Maggie Epstein asked: thoughts about encouraging students to sign again even if they signed it this year? Atticus: While won’t be here next year, is thinking that they might change things up next year.
     • Board member Ben Miller thanked DYC for their leadership on this. Asked if anything surprised him? Atticus: reiterated his surprise with the freshman Raider Time class. Assumed there would be reluctance, apprehension, but was surprised that he didn’t see much of that at all. Saw that more with seniors, which he as disappointed by.
     • Board member Amy Goerwitz loved how they put the signed papers up by cafeteria. Visually striking—good job! Encouraged DYC for yearly process to make sure you pinpoint who will take that on, brief them, hand over materials, choose date for next year this year, and ensure that things are in motion for next year. Atticus: definitely some juniors who are interested and that they are in good place.
     • Board member Corey Butler asked if there is a way for students to still formally or informally sign? Atticus: There is not, but could give if they are asked.
     • Hillmann shared how proud he was of Atticus’ leadership, growth, and persistence in starting something new. A lot of folks are feeling helpful in face of gun violence, but DYC did something! Appreciate thoughtful way of DYC implementing this, with focus not just on individuals but also the partnering with gun safety in conjunction with Northfield’s Trap Team. This will be a positive force multiplier for years to come!
     • Butler: any feedback from other districts? Atticus: not yet, but have received attention from within the community and students at the colleges to work together and contribute with each other. Might take time to be seen.
     • [Note: There were eight members in the audience from Moms Demand Action who were in audience to support Atticus. Most left after the presentation].
   • Proposed 2026-2027 Debt Service Fund Budget: Director of Finance Val Mertesdorf presented the slides from the board packet (pages 13-22). Typically, fund is stable, but 25-26 revised and 26-27 proposed are significantly higher due to the “Reimagining Northfield HS” referendum. NPS uses a pooled fund for investment, then the end of the year will look at it. State will recalibrate every 3 years to make sure that the fund balance isn’t getting too high; if it is, will change the levy to give some money back to taxpayers.
     • Miller: interest on revenue side, less than 1%, and that leads to fund balance growing some over time? Could we be in similar situation to middle school where we paid it off early? Mertesdorf: No, they refunded twice to save over $4 million. Miller: Could we see something similar with these bonds? And the state’s calculations are done every three years? Mertesdorf: clarified that the state calculates every year based on a three year average.
     • Goerwitz thanked for clearly laid out presentation. How does debt excess credit works? Mertesdorf: 105% is in the state statute; uncertain of rationale since been around for years. Some instances of individual tax payers asking for abatement, but absolutely a cushion to make sure payments are made on time. MN Credit Enhancement Program—have to pay debts by certain day for more stable credit rating. Excess is way to “give it back” in measured terms. A little behind, but taxpayers can get it back eventually. Levies are a five-year process for calculating from start to finish.
     • Goerwitz: Is there a line item in budget for this? Mertesdorf said yes, it’s part of levy calculations but she showed the board the subtotal.
     • Goerwitz: Can’t do crypto or junk bonds. Where did we get our investment number? Mertesdorf: District has an investment policy, and state also restricts investment. District’s investments are largely in long-term CDs and a few longer-term investments.
   • Proposed 2026-2027 Internal Service Fund Budget: Mertesdorf switched gears to present the slides from board packet (pages 23-31). A few additional points:
     • One of the better financial stewardship stories—transitioned from co-op to self-insured had built fund balance exponentially in three years beyond projections.
     • Shared a few possible reasons for enrollment decline: fewer staff, other options people have, and a reaction from recent budget decisions.
     • Dental fund balance is one where they might need to increase premiums.
     • Health fund—11% increase in premiums, new NEA agreement has increase of 10% of district contribution each year. Declining enrollment means there might be other financial options than before.
     • Rx rebates can vary widely based on who is enrolled in the plan.
     • BCBS administrative fee has increased dramatically, in part due to “stop loss” insurance. Last 2-3 years, stop loss has exceeded what we paid for insurance premiums, but not great for renewal. Initial contract with BCBS had second year of no cap for premium, but came back with 13-15%.
     • Hard work done on fund will have exceeded goal to stabilize.
       • Epstein: good to see fund balances in good place. What’s the process for switching insurers? Mertesdorf: partners with One Digital as third party administrator. Required by statute to go out to bid every two years through HITAA. Every two years One Digital will solicit the bids. Medica and BCBS normally bid, sometimes a few others. Benefits Advisory committee reviews bids (one rep from each bargaining unit), compare all sections of bids, and discuss as a group. HITAA allows One Digital to go back to negotiate with insurers if needed through second submittal. One Digital does compilation and analysis.
       • Miller: asked to go back to Health Funds slide. Remind what CMM and HRA? Mertesdorf: Two health care plans—CMM is highest plan where most things are covered or 80/20 split. HRA is where district is contributing to HRA plan but higher premiums for employees. Miller: These are total monthly premiums…what does district pay? Mertesdorf: Average ~75% district contribution. Miller: Since 2021, almost 100% increase in premiums. This is a macroeconomic problem of health care, coupled with declining enrollment. This is what district has to wrap arms around. We want staff to have good health care.
       • Goerwitz: thank again for all work! It is eye opening to see increase in costs from last 5 years. Happy that we as a district can still provide 75% of the costs of healthcare. Partly because of Val’s good stewardship!
   • Board Renewal of Operating Levy: Hillmann reshared notes from Feb. 9 meeting in board packet (page 32). Board using statutory authority would provide fiscal stability. 87 of 90 operating levies passed in MN between 2016-2024, and would save money, staff time, and other resources if it did not go to vote. Only a few statutory requirements, one of which is public meeting (March 19, 6-8 pm, in DO Gymnasium); would plan to do breakout rooms then reconvene for large group public statement. Board will vote on April 27. By talking at every meeting, sharing in media, will give chance to public to weigh in and communicate with their elected officials. Key part—if as a board you decide not to use statutory authority—school officials need to know to begin process for a vote in 2026. Mertesdorf added that the reason to do this immediately is because there are only two years where this is an option. Hillmann shared that they have tried to standardize going to voters on an even year election.
     • Butler thanked for continued communication and bringing numbers to the board. If they didn’t move forward, what would the cost be? Mertesdorf: unsure, but two years ago was around $40-45,000. Pay to county, lawyer, mailings, etc. Wouldn’t be shocked if $50K or more, plus staff time.
     • Goerwitz: beyond KYMN—how are we getting the word out to the public who are not part of the school? Hillmann: Making part of public board packet, Northfield News, LWVNCF observer notes, but will continue to make sure that there are as many people know as possible. May include a postcard in the near future. Goerwitz: appreciated this, but wondered if there was an ad to be paid for in NN.
     • Board Member Jeff Quinnell looked up number of levies that didn’t pass in Northfield, and none haven’t passed. Hillmann clarified that of total election questions, most have passed. Since 2016, 7 ballot questions—6 passed, one did not.  Quinnell: would like to see people vote, but probably a no brainer. Northfielders pass levies.
     • Board Member Jenny Nelson asked Mertesdorf: How much was county fee for last ballot referendum? Mertesdorf said she would looked into and get back.
6. Consent Agenda approved unanimously without discussion.
   • Minutes
   • Gift Agreements
   • Overnight Field Trip Requests
   • Financial reports
   • Personnel Items
     • Gonzalez-George took a moment to recognize Hillmann’s resignation and thank him for his leadership!
7. Items for Individual Action
   • Approval of Bid for NCEC ABE Renovation
   • Hillmann asked Mertesdorf and Director of Community Education Erin Bailey to discuss how much less the bids came in than budgeted for. Mertesdorf reminded that this is a grant project. Had initially budgeted for $300,000-$350,000. Bid came in low and allows for other uses for the project. Also hopes that this means that bids are competitive right now (and bodes well for imminent bids for the high school). Bailey shared 9 bids, and 12-15 contractors did walk-through. Bailey said Wold was budgeting $350,000.
     • Butler: grant is up to $500,000? What will rest of money be used for? Is the 150,000 earmarked? Bailey: furniture is a large budgeted expense—currently heavy, cumbersome, not flexible. $80,000 is there for a full reset of furniture. Could now look at food area for microwave and fridge, possible tech. Some of the money used for other areas of NCEC: storage for GUH, modest pieces for early childhood screening in order to meet grant requirements.
     • Goerwitz: Getting full amount, some money already assigned to other areas, how much does that leave to other things? Bailey: Will have to circle MDE about other enhancements. Some things weren’t written in original grant, so need to double check on further enhancements:  Goerwitz said she mentioned that adults might be excited to move out of a kindergartner’s space!
   • Motion passed unanimously after discussion.
   • Contract with MSBA for Superintendent Search Services:
   • Barb Dorn from MSBA presented virtually (full proposal pages 56-98, slide deck shared pages 99-106). Emphasized transparency of their work, public engagement (including a student friendly survey, with option to take the survey during HS or MS class; possible end of search options like Q&A, etc.), that they work on behalf of the school board, and that their pool is larger and diverse because all are able to apply and their applications all seen by the board. MSBA takes on administrative tasks to try not to burden staff. Reiterated that it will be the board who does the negotiations with selected applicant and also how MSBA has deep knowledge of MN (like the fact that MN does not have license reciprocity, and work with candidates to offer information on how to obtain MN School Superintendent license). Shared that Amy Jordan would be search lead (read profile in the table file, pages 7-11)
     • Gonzalez-George said that she was able to connect with three other school board chairs. Had glowing reviews, reiterating transparency and ultimate decision lying with the board. Question on survey: how long is it (# of questions, time takes to complete)? Dorn: survey is completely anonymous, do not have to complete entire survey (some respondents only want to answer quantitative questions), and only four qualitative, open-ended questions, so up to each person to answer what they want. Average is around 10 minutes. Gonzalez-George: Then that info is used to build profile for the board? Dorn: would encourage board to shape the profile and not wait for stakeholder replies; run survey parallel with opening the search. Then the report is used to discern where alignment (or not) with their criteria, to offer direct comparison with sectors (board, staff, community), and to craft interview questions.
     • Miller: What does the search team look like and can board request certain members? For a national search, how many placements in MN have been from out-of-state? Dorn: search team is based on availability and geography. Typically do not have requests for that, but could certainly send Amy names. # of out-of-state candidates – lots, but not always successful. No out-of-state hires this year due to strong MN candidates (who have leg up on tiered licensing, education finance, legislature, etc.), but do have some strong people in current pools. Out-of-state normally have a reason to seek out work in MN.
     • Nelson: Regarding survey, how do you send that out to the public? Dorn: they will put together communication blurb and work with NPS communications team to distribute through their normal channels and media partners. Some districts will include cultural liaisons to share by trusted school officials, yet info is coming from the district. Nelson: Results are summarized—what does that mean? Dorn: look at Wayzata’s report on their website for example. Analysis of quantitative questions with breakdown by stakeholder group and themes from open-ended questions, typically 3-8 themes. And if enough students will break that out at end. Nelson: If board member requested to read raw data, could they? Dorn: Yes, but if requested by one, would share with all board members. Data will be a lot and possibly overwhelming. Could be subject to a FOIA data request, then cost of redaction would be on the district.
     • Epstein: What will interviews look like from every aspect? Dorn: typically round 1 with full board alone (60-75 minutes, all in-person unless virtual request). Some districts with subcommittee policy can meet privately if their policy states as such; consult legal counsel. Final round—may invite others to be involved in the process. Could have interview committees (common pre-pandemic)—staff, parents, board. Could invite people to have input on the board’s interview with them on strengths and areas of growth for candidates. Could have meet and greet or Q&A (with caution; no open mic, but could have MSBA vet questions). Would recommend against livestream (If person interviewing at the end of the day watches those prior, they have an advantage). If interviewing as a board, it MUST be an open meeting and meet those requirements.
     • Goerwitz: MSBA does 30 searches a year. Average # of applicants for search? Dorn: it has changed! Pre-pandemic, 20-30 apps, but half weren’t qualified. Post-pandemic, when searches began again, very few (5-10). Now enough has normalized (18-30 people), and close to 90% are qualified. Pool for Northfield will probably be 20-25 qualified applicants, potentially more. Applicants say they look for vocation, pay, and integrity. Northfield will be a strong pull.
     • Goerwitz: But MSBA still has 10-15 new searches to start. What will happen if they get someone who applies for 5 of the searches? Do you discuss that between searches? Do you then counsel person to try and fit them in the right place? Dorn: Do sometimes see people applying for many positions. Don’t counsel them directly as already have 700+ profiles in their database. But will give feedback to anyone who reaches out directly for feedback. MSBA can tell difference between people who want A job versus THIS job, and will prioritize the latter. MSBA doesn’t see conflict of interest—regularly looking at applicants in every search, but not recruiting people heavily and its prerogative of applicant to apply. Try not to have interviews on same night for similar districts if possible.
     • Quinnell and Butler had no questions.
     • Nelson: Within vetting process, says that they align applicant’s background. What does that mean? Dorn: Certain expectations that exist in some districts but not in others. For instance, some might want experience in a place with high academic performance. Some are more interested in working in rural or high career-tech programs. Sense of “fit” with who fits some districts, but also recognize that some haven’t had that opportunity.
     • Nelson: During vacancy announcement, use some job opportunity sites. Do you also use MDE site, Mnschooljobs? Dorn: No, cannot use that as a search firm; only can use if a school district. On EdPost: NPS could post it on there, though. Nelson: What about frontline education site? Dorn: Wants to be sure that people don’t apply through there; need to apply through MSBA’s application system.
     • Goerwitz: Mention two-sided color paper announcement—do you actually print? Dorn: Yes, normally now 3 pages (to include strategic plan graphic). But vast majority will see online. Goerwitz: seems so 20^th century! Have you ever had a failed search? Dorn: no, but don’t know how you would define “failed.” Have had some not find an appropriate candidate by second round, but that’s an opportunity to pivot, and also opportunities for board to pause or change process at various times as new info comes to light. Also, could also find an interim superintendent if needed. MSBA will never invoice until a district gets a superintendent. Never want a board to settle!
     • Goerwitz: Also say that you will reach out to high-quality candidates. Is that on an individual level or mass emails? Dorn: National scale—individual. In state of MN, it is more mass mailings, word-of-mouth, “soft recruiting.” People know already that Northfield is open! Why do we do that? Ethical responsibility to members of MSBA, would be hard to explain poaching from one member to another. Relies on potential applicants to reach out. Sometimes sitting superintendent can act as an ambassador and cheerleader during search; will decide what Hillmann’s role is planning .
     • Gonzalez-George (to Goerwitz): Do you feel like there’s enough information to take a vote?
     • Goerwitz: one question to ask: Internal candidates–is there any process? Dorn: Must go through exact same process. But district’s are not required to do an external process. Can do an internal process first if there is an heir-apparent. Recommend that internal candidates be cautious of who to share their application status with and also suggest that board do not write any letters of recommendations for internal candidates.
     • Butler: Thank you for thoroughness! Appreciate the way MSBA empowers the board. The board knows that Gonzalez-George, Kelly Spillman-Cramer (NPS Executive Assistant), and he met with MSBA last week, and have full confidence.
     • Motion passed unanimously.
     • Gonzalez-George reiterated that they will connect soon.
   • 2026-2027 Operating Capital and Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Budget
     • Motion passed unanimously with no discussion, minus one tongue-in-cheek request from Butler to have the Chair read out the numbers again!
   • Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Ten Year and Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
     • Motion passed unanimously with no discussion.
   • • Policy Committee Recommendations: Motion passed unanimously with no discussion.
8. Items for Information
   • Construction Update No. 23: Hillmann let the report stand.
     • Nelson: Bid documents issued Feb. 23. Who are those released to?
     • Hillmann published today, but Knudson has system for publishing. Mertesdorf: RFP going into the newspaper, also posted on the district website. Hillmann: Also on file with many other construction sites.
     • Nelson: States that bid opens March 26. When is closing date? Mertesdorf clarified that they are due on March 26. Hillmann: process is open now. Then the open process is after that.
     • Goerwitz: How are we making sure that the information is getting out to local vendors and vendors of color who are interested? Hillmann: know that Knudson Construction is reaching out to contractors within a certain radius.
9. Future Meetings
   • Monday, March 2, 2026, 6:00 p.m., District Committee Meetings, Northfield DO Gymnasium
   • Monday, March 9, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
   • Thursday, March 19, 2026, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Operating Levy Renewal Public Hearing, Northfield DO Gymnasium
   • Thursday, April 2, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Board Work Session, Northfield DO Boardroom (Topic: Later School Start Times)
   • Monday, April 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Special Board Meeting to approve the bids for the NHS Reimagine project, Northfield DO Boardroom
   • Monday, April 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, Northfield DO Boardroom
10. Closed Session: Labor Negotiations Strategy (This meeting will be closed as permitted by Minnesota Statute 13D.03 to discuss labor negotiations.). At this time, 8:23 pm, the public was asked to leave the meeting. The meeting would be officially adjourned following the closed session.

Submitted by Alyssa Melby, Observer, League of Women Voters Northfield Cannon Falls