Lisa Bethke

The board meeting agenda included several discussion items such as the Educators at Sea program, a recap of the District Youth Council, an update on the Northfield High School Reimagine Project, the Ice Arena lease, potential later school start times, and recommendations from the Policy Committee. Individual action items covered the renewal of a contract with Prairie Creek Community School, the bid for the Reimagine project, a resolution regarding the leave of absence for tenured staff, and the establishment of dates for filing affidavits of candidacy.

The board discussed potential changes to school start times, specifically focusing on the research behind 8:30 a.m. or later start times for high school students. The meeting addressed transportation expenditure data compared to peer districts, the financial implications of different bus routing tiers, and potential cost-neutral strategies for restructuring district schedules. Additionally, the board considered the impact of future funding from the school trust lands on district finances and established a process for cataloging ongoing discussions regarding this project.

The Board discussed a demographic study report and the contract renewal for Prairie Creek Community School. Action items included the approval of the revised 2025-26 Community Education Fund budget, approval of the 2026-27 budgets for all funds, and the adoption of a resolution for the termination and non-renewal of a probationary teaching contract. The meeting also featured updates on ongoing construction projects, student enrollment reports, the superintendent search, later school start times, and upcoming graduation dates.

The board discussed several operational and educational matters, including a presentation on the proposed 2026-2027 General Fund Budget and a discussion regarding later school start times. Decisions were made to maintain the current block 'N' as the official image for the Northfield Raiders and to approve the renewal of an expiring operating levy. The board also approved budget restorations, resolutions for the termination and non-renewal of probationary licensed staff, and the proposed placement of tenured staff on unrequested leave. Additionally, changes to policy regarding the disposition of obsolete equipment were approved, and updates were provided on the construction project, the superintendent search, and upcoming graduation ceremonies.

The board conducted interviews for the district superintendent position. Following the interviews and a review of reference checks and stakeholder input, the board identified a finalist and approved the offer of an employment contract, contingent upon successful contract negotiations and a criminal background check. Additionally, the board received an update on the contract negotiations process and reviewed the remaining steps for the hiring process.