ENG 2024-25 Family Update No. 10
Oct. 31, 2024
Dear Northfield School District Families:
On Nov. 5, Northfield School District voters will decide the future of the Northfield High School facility. The school board and district staff have organized more than 90 educational events to ensure the community is well-informed about the bond referendum. The Reimagine NHS proposal aims to prepare students for lifelong success by developing critical thinkers who are curious and ready to engage in our society.
The multi-story addition and strategic demolition of the D, H, M, and S wings will enhance security by reducing the number of exits (currently 40). It will improve accessibility and the classroom experience for students with disabilities, and will prioritize flexible classroom and science laboratory designs with new furniture to promote hands-on and discussion-based learning that prepares students for their post-high school pathways.
Over 60% of the existing building will be retained and updated, including vocational (V wing) shops. This extensive renovation supports the district's focus on agriculture and technical skills for workforce readiness. Significant improvements to the auditorium and art classrooms will enhance the student experience, consistent with the community's commitment to the arts.
The proposed projects can positively impact students' physical and mental health. This includes a new HVAC system to replace end-of-life equipment and provide more consistent temperatures, larger windows with greater access to natural light, and an expanded gymnasium that promotes physical fitness and recreation.
Enhancements that benefit student learning also uplift teachers and staff. By modernizing our high school to foster engaging instruction, ensuring consistent temperatures, having larger windows for natural light, and strengthening security, we can retain and attract exceptional educators who inspire our students to reach their full potential.
The expanded gymnasium, including a walking track, will provide greater access to popular recreational activities like pickleball and host youth sports tournaments. The new family and consumer science classrooms can also benefit the community through enrichment activities, including more cooking classes.
Improvements to the high school building will enhance both financial and environmental sustainability. Replacing walls with a current R-value of 1.9 will significantly boost energy efficiency, complemented by geothermal upgrades. Architects estimate a 60% reduction in energy consumption and at least a 25% decrease in utility costs, savings that will be immediately realized and positively impact the general fund budget — the same fund we use to pay staff salaries and benefits.
The district has worked hard to provide the facts you need to make an informed decision. Now it's your choice for our future. For more details on the referendum, visit northfieldschools.org/reimagine or call my office at (507) 663-0629.
Sincerely,
Matt
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Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent
mhillmann@northfieldschools.org | 507-663-0629
The MSBA Rising Star Award recognizes a first-term school board member who has demonstrated a commitment to professional and leadership development.
On Nov. 5, Northfield School District voters will elect four school board members from the following candidates (listed in alphabetical order):
Corey Butler (incumbent, current vice chair)
Tristan Cox
Maggie Epstein
Amy Goerwitz (incumbent, current clerk)
Claudia Gonzalez-George (incumbent, current chair)
Iris Lee
Andreas Thurnheer
There are non-partisan election resources to help voters get to know the candidates:
The great suffragist Susan B. Anthony said: “Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.” You can learn where your polling place is at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
We must also acknowledge that it has been a contentious election. Some of us will be pleased with the results of the election and some of us will not. That is reality.
Whatever the outcome, we must remember these three things:
We are all human beings, deserving of respect and dignity.
Our children are watching and listening. What we say and do matters.
The physical and social/emotional well-being of every student is our top priority.
Regardless of the election's outcome, I expect our school community to act with respect. Our students may have questions, and the staff will do their best to address them as objectively as possible. As adults, it is our responsibility to model what it means to be part of a democratic republic for our children. Thank you in advance for your participation in the election and your support of our American democracy.
While we don’t want to think about it quite yet, winter will arrive in Minnesota in the near future. While last year’s winter was mild and caused no school cancellations, Minnesota winter weather has been known to disrupt our schedule. Some key items:
You can learn more about what goes into decisions to close school, start late, or dismiss early here.
The first full-day closure due to weather is a true “snow day.”
The district uses e-Learning days for the second and subsequent full-day closures. You can read the e-Learning plan here.
- You can read more about the district’s response to weather related disruptions here.
Benjamin Bus will be sending out alternate stop bus cards to affected families the week of November 4. They will only send alternate bus stop cards to families that would experience changes if alternate routes were utilized. Alternate routes are used when winter weather conditions make it unsafe to pick up students on a rural gravel road and the nearest paved roads are passable.
The cards will include approximate stop times based on a normal school start time but may vary slightly depending on weather/road conditions.
Benjamin Bus will communicate the use of alternate stops to families on individual routes via Skylert. As always, if families have questions once they receive their cards they can contact Benjamin Bus.
