Northfield Public Schools Independent School District 659

The meeting included updates on the Northfield Forward Committee, an overnight field trip request, and several personnel items. Discussion also covered updated contract language with MSBA regarding superintendent search services. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed presentation and discussion regarding the District Youth Council's (DYC) implementation of the student pledge against gun violence, including historical context, student response metrics (565 signatures, approximately 45% of the student body), and proposed future improvements to the process. The board also heard a presentation regarding the proposed 2026-2027 debt service fund budget, which is slated for adoption in May.

The regular board meeting commenced with logistical notes regarding adherence to social distancing guidelines. Public comment submissions were read, one expressing strong support for 100% remote instruction with specific considerations for critical workers and students needing in-person care, while opposing hybrid models. The second comment expressed gratitude to staff and the board for tireless work amid the pandemic. Announcements included the groundbreaking for a new kid-designed playground resulting from a collaboration with Kaboom. The main discussion focused on the elementary schools' Continuous Improvement Plan for 2020-2021, presented collaboratively by the elementary principals. Key discussions included reviewing learnings from the previous spring's distance learning, noting significant disparities in student engagement (43% of students of color showing limited/partial engagement vs. 16% of white students) and assessment results (e.g., 43% of students of color reading at grade level vs. 75% of white students). New goals were established for 2020-2021, including improving fluent reading by 5% using the Dibbles assessment, achieving 90% student identification of 30 random numbers (K-math), and 85% scoring 80 or above on Everyday Math unit assessments. A major focus is the students' social-emotional health, tracked using the SABERS screener, with a goal to decrease the percentage of students marked as at-risk from Fall to Spring. Employee engagement goals emphasize conducting 'rounding conversations' with 100% of staff by the third quarter.

The meeting included the introduction of the new superintendent, Dr. Matt Hillman. Agenda items added included additional personnel items, contracts, changes, additions, a sketch of the proposed Middle School driveway change, and an article from the Minnesota School Boards Association regarding long-term facilities maintenance planning. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a discussion and report from the High School and Middle School principals regarding the registration and scheduling process. Key challenges discussed involved the student-driven schedule at the high school versus the more fixed elective structure at the middle school, FTE allotment fluctuations based on enrollment (including Saint Dominics student counts), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) coverage, and the balancing act required to set class sizes and structure specialized programs like the 9th Grade Academy while optimizing staff maintenance.

The meeting included administrative actions such as several appointments, changes in assignment, and retirements/recognitions, which were presented via the table file. An additional item involved a resolution supporting a Form B1 application to the Minnesota State High School League Foundation, which was inserted into the agenda before the appointment of the temporary board replacement. The board also received annual reports from Simon Tyler, Executive Director of Prairie Creek Charter School, who detailed the school's mission, focus on outdoor learning (Wild Wednesday), renewed partnerships (e.g., nature art residency with Carlton College, environmental club supported by Saint Olaf College), and the construction of a new hoop house. Tyler also discussed academic performance metrics showing performance above state levels in science, math, and reading on MCAS assessments, noted an emphasis on whole-child well-being, and outlined future strategic plan implementation guided by equity considerations, including a dance residency focused on social justice issues. Financial health remains strong, with a fund balance currently at 43.1 percent, although a decrease is forecasted.

The meeting addressed adding several items to the agenda, including personnel appointments and recommended 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school year calendars for review. Following a public comment period, the board received a detailed report from Greenvale Park, Bridgewater, and Sibley on their Physical Education Professional Learning Community (PLC) efforts. This PLC focused on improving student physical fitness across key areas measured by the Presidential Fitness Test, specifically addressing deficiencies in pull-ups and flexibility through targeted instruction, practice, and parent communication. Board members expressed appreciation for the comprehensive approach, noting the integration of core academic concepts like main idea into PE, and the use of the standardized Presidential Fitness Test as a guide for essential learning.