Last week, the Northfield Historical Society Executive Director, Sean Allen, appeared before the Northfield City Council to make a budget request for 2023.
The Historical Society is asking for $29,000 to support the archival role it serves for the city, and an additional $20,000 to help with an exhibit marking the 75th anniversary of the Defeat of Jesse James Days.
Allen, who took the position of interim Executive Director in December and was named the permanent ED this past spring, appraised the council of the Historical Society’s new strategic plan, and discussed the dire need for maintenance on the Scriver Building.
After some tumultuous months with an abrupt change in leadership late last year, Allen said the organization is back on. The new strategic plan, he said, calls for more frequent exhibit changes and more community outreach in order to reignite the Northfield Community’s interest. In his opinion, Northfielders have lost their connection with the Historical Society, and that is something that has to change.
“The Historical Society has kind of been neglected. As a community, I think we need to come together and support it. I’m not just saying that as the executive director. I think that when people see what we’re going to do here for Defeat of Jesse James Days, they’re going to change their perspective on what we are.”
There have been many behind the scenes changes this year, and some more obvious ones. The NHS Board has been re-invigorated, he said, and is more effective today than it was a few months ago. Lisa Peterson, the former President of the Northfield Chamber of Commerce, has been brought in to run the Museum’s gift shop, which has been completely revamped. The hours have been extended as well, in part because of the store’s engagement with the Riverwalk Market Fair.
“We’re not open on Mondays, but we’re open every other day of the week. We’re trying to be open a little later on Thursdays and we’re open early on Saturdays, because we’re participating with the Riverwalk Market Fair. The vendors are in our stores. We have a consignment area that offers all these local vendors the opportunity to sell things. I think that that’s been very successful. Our store has been doing great.”
The museum is Allen’s next focus. He said he would like to see more exhibits that focus on the immigrant experience in Northfield, and the story of the indigenous people who were here before European settlers arrived. He even said an exhibit about pizza in Northfield is being considered, which would touch on many different facets of Northfield’s history, including immigration, the business community, and the culinary history.
He said drives to increase membership and the volunteer base are coming soon. Those who would be interested in joining or lending a hand should visit the Northfield Historical Society website at northfieldhistory.org.
School district has several positions to fill
As the Northfield School District prepares for a new school year, several changes have been made within the district staff, and several more roles are yet to be filled.
Northfield Superintendent of Public Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann said there are three changes that are being made at the administrator level. With the retirement of Director of Special Services Cheryl Hall, Sara Pratt has been named the new Director. Hall, who was named the Minnesota Special Education Administrator of the year in 2022, had been in the role since 2015. Pratt has served as the Assistant Director for several years.
The new Assistant Director is Caleb Davidson. Davidson was formerly a lead teacher in the STEP program, for Special Ed Students ages 18-21, at the Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative, of which Northfield is a member.
And after serving for a year as the Director of Student Activities, Bubba Sullivan has decided to return to the classroom teaching English at Northfield High School. Stepping into Sullivan’s shoes is John Mahall. Mahall, himself, was a special education teacher in Northfield, before leaving ten years ago to become an administrator in the Shakopee School District. Most recently, Mahal served as an elementary school principal in Albert Lea.
When the Northfield School District met last week, it authorized the hiring of a new full-time school nurse and discussed creating a Grant Writer position within the district. Hillmann said there are several other positions yet to be filled as well.
The district is currently looking for people to be custodians, classroom and teacher educational assistants, and work in the child nutrition department. They are also in need of substitute teachers, and Hillmann said those interested but aren’t certified should contact the school district, as there are programs that can help qualified candidates receive certification.
Dr. Hillmann said working in the Northfield School District could be an extremely rewarding career move for anyone.
“We do have a number of positions open for the next school year. In fact, I think there’s even some that are starting sooner than that. Take a look at our school district website at northfieldschools.org. There’s an employment button right on the top. If you want to come and make a difference for kids every day and have a really great purpose in the work that you do, Northfield schools is the place for you.”
Those interested should visit northfieldschools.org. The first day of the 2023-2024 school year is September 5th.
Open house to discuss traffic on Lincoln parkway set for Thursday
The City of Northfield will host an open house for the Lincoln Parkway Improvement Study on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Emmaus Church in Northfield.
According to a statement issued by the City of Northfield, the top goal of the study is to establish a plan that will provide safe and efficient transportation systems for all roadway users with an understanding of the unique transportation characteristics near Greenvale Park Elementary School and the Northfield Community Education Center. It will also identify ways to provide safer and more comfortable walking and biking routes in the area. The results of the study will help the city make better recommendations for pick-up and drop off times as well.
This meeting will be an open house where attendees will be able to view illustrations and ask questions. It is a walk–in event which will allow people to spend as much time at the meeting as they would like during the allotted two hours.
Input may also be shared in an online map. The public comment period for the Lincoln Parkway traffic analysis will be open through the end of September.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
