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ENG Budget Reductions Update

March 5, 2025

ENG Budget Reductions Update March 5, 2025
ENG BudgetReductions UpdateMarch 5, 2025

Priority Based Budget Reductions Update | March 5, 2025

⏰ Reading time: two minutes, 18 seconds

en Español

💭 Superintendent's Message 💭 Superintendent's Message

Superintendent Matt Hillmann
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Dear Northfield School District Families:


This message includes information about $6 million in recommended priority-based budget reductions for the 2025-26 school year. We have previously shared information about the budget reductions and the process for developing the recommendations in family updates 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and this special update from Jan. 28.


I wish we weren’t sending this message. Budget reductions are difficult because every program we have is valued by someone in the district. We would prefer not to make these reductions, but they are the responsible course of action to maintain the district’s strong financial position. A strong financial position is vital for the long-term success of the school district.


Again, please know that we would prefer not to make these reductions, but they are necessary. We will move forward together.


As always, please contact me with any questions or feedback.


Sincerely,


Matt


--
Matt Hillmann

mhillmann@northfieldschools.org

Why are we making budget reductions? Why are we making budget reductions?

As a reminder, the reasons for these reductions include:


  • Ongoing, incremental declining enrollment due to lower birth rates and lack of available housing.

  • Inflationary impacts on district costs and lack of corresponding state funding.

  • Unfunded or underfunded state and federal mandates.

  • You can read more significant details about the reasons for the budget reductions and the process used to identify recommended reductions here.

A graph with two lines: one showing the per pupil allowance received by the Northfield School District each year since 2003 and one showing the allowance per pupil unit, had the allowance increased by the rate of inflation since 2003.

The graph above shows the per pupil allowance for FY25 and the per pupil allowance, had the allowance increased by the rate of inflation each year since 2003.

This graph shows the enrollment history and projected enrollment of the Northfield School District.

The graph above shows the enrollment history and projected enrollment of the Northfield School District.

How were the recommendations developed? How were the recommendations developed?

Members of the priority-based budget reduction teams listen to a presentation.
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  • More than 80 people were part of the priority-based budget reductions teams. This included parents, staff, community members without children, high school students, and administrators. All those who completed an interest form were included.

  • Five budget teams met three times and created initial reduction packages.

  • Administrators adjusted the plan to ensure alignment with other budget team proposals and reduce unintended districtwide consequences.

What are the recommended budget reductions? What are the recommended budget reductions?

View the recommended budget reductions here

Learn More Learn More

We are compiling a frequently asked questions document to provide additional context to the reductions. We will continue adding to it throughout the process. This will be posted in this document and on the district website when completed.

Join the Legislative Action Committee Join the Legislative Action Committee

A significant reason for school district budget reductions, in Northfield and across Minnesota is the lack of education funding keeping pace with inflation. Our district's legislative action committee meets on the second and fourth Saturdays via Zoom at 9 am. We discuss state education legislation and teach nonpartisan advocacy skills. You can join this team by emailing Kelly Spillman-Kramer at kspillmankramer@northfieldschools.org.

What's Next? What's Next?

The next phase of the priority-based budget reduction process is community feedback. As previously shared, a community meeting for public input will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Note that this date is a change from what was previously communicated. Here are the details:


  • Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Note the date and location change)

  • Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm

  • Location: Northfield Middle School auditorium

  • You can view the agenda here


You can also provide feedback to the board via email using the board@northfieldschools.org email address.


The board will formally consider the recommended reductions at its April 14 regular meeting and act on the final budget reductions at its April 28 regular meeting.


Event Information

Community Meeting/Public Input

You can view the agenda here

When?

Thursday, Apr 3, 2025, 06:00 PM

Where?

Northfield Middle School, Division Street South, Northfield, MN, USA

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🪧 February 24, 2025 board update 🪧 February 24, 2025 board update

  • Board packets, table files, and meeting videos are located on our website.
  • You can listen to Superintendent Hillmann’s update on KYMN radio.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann reviews February 24 School Board meeting, 2-25-25

Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann reviews February 24 School Board meeting, 2-25-25

Northfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann talks about the February 24 School Board meeting.

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Non-Discrimination Statement

The Northfield School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in employment. You can learn more at: https://northfieldschools.org/about/departments/human-resources/ under the Title IX tab.

Minnesota ISD #659 - Northfield Public Schools

Minnesota ISD #659 - Northfield Public Schools

Northfield Public Schools is the district providing elementary, middle school, high school and community education to the Northfield, Minnesota area.

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