ENG 2025-26 Family Update No. 13
January 13, 2026
Dear Northfield Public Schools Families:
The first school board meeting of the calendar year is called the organizational meeting. At the meeting, the board takes several actions to efficiently conduct district business. It also includes the election of officers. The board officers for 2026 are:
Claudia Gonzalez-George was re-elected as chair.
Corey Butler was re-elected as vice chair.
Maggie Epstein was elected as clerk.
Amy Goerwitz was elected as treasurer.
All were elected by unanimous votes. Congratulations to our newly elected (and re-elected) board officers.
I also want to acknowledge the questions I have received following the tragic situation in Minneapolis last week that resulted in the death of a fellow Minnesotan. I have received inquiries from students, parents, staff, and community members regarding protocols if federal immigration agents seek to access a school campus.
First and foremost, we will take care of our students. We want the students in our care to know that they are loved, valued, and safe at school. This is foundational to our vision of preparing every student for lifelong success by developing critical thinkers who are curious and ready to engage in our society.
The district has had consistent response protocols in place since January 2025. I previously shared an overview in 2024-25 Family Update No. 18 and 2025-26 Family Update No. 9. Our protocols are rooted in district policies governing interviews of students by outside agencies and visitors.
As always, do not hesitate to contact me with feedback or questions about the school district.
Sincerely,
Matt
--
Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent
mhillmann@northfieldschools.org | 507-663-0629Pictured above: Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Gordon Moore administers the ceremonial oath of office to board members.
There is no school and all buildings will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Northfield Human Rights Commission invites the community to attend the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration:
Date: Monday, Jan. 19
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Northfield High School Auditorium (enter at Door No. 10)
More details about the event can be found on the City of Northfield's website.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has released proposed updates to the Minnesota Academic Standards in Health and is inviting public feedback.
The public comment period is open until 4:30 p.m. on February 9, 2026. Information about the proposed standards can be found on MDE’s Health Education website. Instructions on how to submit comments, along with the proposed standards and background materials, is available here.
The standards are not final and may change based on public input. If approved, the updated Health Standards are expected to be implemented in the 2028-29 school year.
Questions may be sent to mde.academic-standards@state.mn.us.
At Northfield Public Schools, we value our strong community partnerships. To better connect families with local events and resources, we've created a community events newsletter. This newsletter is linked to our district newsletters, making it easy for families to stay informed about upcoming opportunities and important community resources.
This week's newsletter includes information about the Winter/Spring Community Ed Brochure, Cannon Valley Youth Orchestra, Dolly’s Book Bash, the 4th Grade Passport Program and more!
