By Rich Larson
Northfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann said yesterday that the E-12 education bill that is expected to be passed
today and signed by Governor Tim Walz is a good bill that accomplishes the fundamental things districts across the state were asking for.
The bill makes increases to the basic formula, which is the matrix used by the state to determine the amount of money each school district will receive. In 2022, the basic formula will rise by 2.45%, which equates to $161 per pupil. In 2023, the formula will again rise by 2%, equating to $296 per pupil.
Dr. Hillmann said many times over the course of the regular session that he hoped the education bill would provide a 2% increase to the basic formula and would not create too many new mandates for school districts next year.
The legislature delivered on both counts.
While the funding is increased, there are very few new regulations or programs for schools to adopt or adapt to during the 2022-23 school year. Hillmann said he was grateful that the state is giving districts some time to get their feet back on the ground after such a challenging year and reflect on the lessons that have been learned during the pandemic.
He said there were many ideas discussed during the legislative session this year, and many good ones at that. But in the end, he is just happy that an agreement could be made where it is.
“I think it’s important to for people to realize that this is compromise. Minnesota has the only divided legislature in the country. Both sides had to makes sacrifices on things that were important to them. The House had to make sacrifices on things that were important to them. The Senate had to make sacrifices in the education bill on things that were important to them. And at the end of the day, I think we have a good bill.”
Hillmann said that while the final bill lost quite a bit from the legislation that was on the table at the end of the regular session, this measure, as it stands, accomplishes things local school districts need right now.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Dr. Matt Hillmann can be heard here
Dundas City Council handles public safety issues
The Dundas City Council met on Monday night with an agenda that was small but hit on important issues of public safety.
City Administrator Jenelle Teppen said the council has decided to better define and prioritize the city nuisance codes. Almost by definition, nuisance ordinances can be somewhat ambiguous, so the council has decided to put more focus on what they are. She said this is not just to help the police, or others understand their intent, but also to shorten response times to nuisance complaints for the purposes of due process for property owners. Teppen said as the city reviews things, they are finding the response times to be lagging and it is important to make these matters a higher priority.
The council also heard from members of the Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Board and the Northfield Fire Relief Association. NAFRS has submitted a request to increase the pensions of retiring firefighters. The request must be approved by all stakeholder governing bodies. Last month the request was approved by the NAFRS Board and by the Northfield City Council. The Dundas City Council approved the request as well.
Finally, the council approved the hiring of part time police officer Anthony Brecht. Teppen said the addition of officer Brecht is a result of the growth Dundas is experiencing.
“It just shows you how much Dundas has grown. I’ve lived here 20 years and I remember the sign down there saying “Population 563,” or something. We’re up into 18-1900 now. And growing.”
Teppen said this is the first time in her tenure as City Administrator that the city has had a full complement of three full time and three part time police officers.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with City Administrator Jenelle Teppen can be heard here
Northfield Police Reserves recognized at annual banquet
Several volunteer Northfield Police Reservists were recognized for their outstanding work during 2020 on Monday at night at 
the annual Northfield Police Reserve Recognition Banquet.
Reserve Field Training Officer Cody Kruse was named Reserve Officer of the Year and promoted to Reserve Sergeant. Officer Kruse volunteered a total of 65 hours throughout 2020. A statement released by the Northfield police Department said that he is an exceptional reserve officer, who provides great leadership within the organization.
Reserve Officer John Erickson was recognized as the 2020 Rookie of the Year. The NPD statement said Officer Erickson joined the volunteer unit in October of 2019 and his leadership skills have been appreciated and valued. So much so, that Erickson was recently promoted to Field Training Officer.
The Northfield Police Reserves are actively hiring. Previous experience or a desire to be a full-time police officer are not requirements for this position. Applications can be found on the Northfield Police section of the city website or obtained at City Hall in the Human Resources Office.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. He can be reached at rich@kymnradio.net
