NEC comes under scrutiny as EDA looks to set budget
The Northfield EDA formed the non-profit Northfield Enterprise Center in 2001 to help local entrepreneurs develop their businesses. NEC Executive Director Chris Whillock presented before the EDA this week to renew the consultant contract. They provide personalized business counseling on a one on one confidential basis to Northfield area small businesses. Some of the benefits, he said, include,”connection to local resources, expanding the tax base, adding jobs to the local community”. Whillock is seeking a 2 year contract for $60,000 a year. Administrator Ben Martig approved of a form of this service but added there were other options and
this is a substantial amount of dollars out of EDA funds. With the hiring of an EDA Coordinator it thins their budget. Martig said,”but I think it’s something to take a close look at because ultimately if the dollars are going there you might not be able to accomplish other things”. Martig is recommending a one year funding with a decrease to $45,000. The EDA Board discussed the options. Member Britt Ackerman said she would like to fully fund for 2017, revisit and get a work session in early 2017. This will all come back to the EDA for a vote as they set their 2017 budget.
Social/emotional learning a key focus for Greenvale Elementary
Every Fall the Northfield Schools go through a “school improvement plan” process and present to the School Board. This week it was Greenvale Park Elementary. Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann said their goals include math and reading as well as a goal on “climate or social/emotional learning for our students”. Improving proficiency on math and reading is always a key goal. The social/emotional learning goals focus on reinforcing kids positive behavior. They have a number of different things they’re doing this year to make sure they’re recognizing kids who are doing the things they’re supposed to and making a positive impact on their peers and the school. There’s also a strong outreach for those students learning English. The Greenvale Parks Community school is a 21st Century Learning Grant funded program two nights a week at Greenvale. Hillmann explained, “parents and students, and not just elementary students but high school students could come and get homework help with some college students there to help tutor”. He added that middle school students are coming more and more and they have some really good partnerships with Healthfinders. Hillmann is very excited about this program. Hillmann said they are always using data and other information to best instruct students while being flexible to suit each school’s unique classes. School improvement planning is all about, “knowing where we are, knowing where we want to go and using the best and evidence based strategies to help us move forward”. Ultimately getting kids ready for what they want to do after graduation.
Fare For All to sell holiday packs
Fare For All, a local non-profit food program created to make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable to all families will be selling holiday packs for $30 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Northfield from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3. Fare For All sells packages of fresh produce and frozen meat at 37 locations throughout Minnesota. Prices range from $10 to $30 per package. There are no income requirements and all forms of payment are accepted.
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