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Picture at top: Over 70 community members attended the district's inaugural Juneteenth celebration.

Dear Northfield School District Families:

This family update begins with some difficult news: Noel Stratmoen has submitted a letter temporarily resigning from the school board for health reasons. Minnesota law allows for this temporary resignation option and it is similar to a medical leave of absence that someone would take in the workplace.

The district is developing the process to appoint a replacement. The person who replaces him would serve until Noel can return to the board or through the end of his term in December.

Noel was first elected to the board in 1980 and I understand he is currently the longest serving school board member in Minnesota. Noel is an exemplary public servant — a legend in our community and the state. Please hold him and his wife, Lois, in your hearts as he continues to recover.

Sincerely,

Matt

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Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.

Superintendent

mhillmann@northfieldschools.org | 507-663-0629

The district held its inaugural Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19.

• Over 70 people attended. Mama Sheila's House of Soul catered the event. The food was delicious, and there was great conversation among community members.

• NHS 2024 graduate Patricia Owusu and Black Parent Advisory Committee member Kimesha Winn gave opening remarks. Dr. Yolanda Williams, a lecturer at the University of Minnesota, was the keynote speaker. Her lecture, titled Black Americana, focused on Black Americans contributions to American music.

• The event was funded through generous donations from Neuger, the Northfield Racial and Ethnic Equity Coalition, and Northfield Promise.

The City of Northfield is inviting the public to meet the two finalists for Chief of Police:

• Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m. (note corrected time, previous version indicated 5 to 7 pm)
• Location: The Grand Event Center.
• More details are available here.