Northfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann gave his annual State of the District address on Wednesday afternoon. The event, which was sponsored by the Benjamin Bus Company and the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce, was well attended by city officials, civic leaders, and some of the city’s top business executives. And while Dr. Hillmann’s address was a compelling one that received the full attention of those gathered, the event was a bit looser than in years past, and Hillmann, who’s delivery at times could be characterized as “fiery,” showed that he is clearly proud of the district he runs and the students who are learning in the Northfield Public Schools.
In the past, the address has been given at the elegant and proper Northfield Golf Club. This year, however, it was moved to the Ruth’s on Stafford event room. While the setting was every bit as functional and welcoming as the previous venue, the hardwood floors and slightly less formal setting most likely led to the more relaxed feel. Hillmann was in fine form from the moment he took the microphone, humorously interacting directly with members of the audience, and even making a joke at the expense of the standard temperature in the KYMN offices.
The message Hillmann delivered was a clear one. Northfield Public Schools have re-adjusted after three school years affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and are offering Northfield students the type of world-class education that the community has come to expect. Hillmann said students and faculty are focused and energized, and he invited the larger community to offer the same support to the school district that the district is offering its students.
“Partnerships are coming back in a massive way,” he said, referring to the relationships the school district has built with the business community, local non-profit organizations, and the City of Northfield. He said a survey taken of district parents showed that 87% of the respondents feel respected by the school district. More than 95% of the faculty members believe in the direction the district is moving, and nearly 88% have clarity of the school district’s vision.
And while a survey of the students’ physical, social and emotional wellbeing showed the student body is feeling good on the whole, Hillmann did say he is concerned for the 15-20% of the students who did not respond to the survey with positivity.
Finally, Hillmann reminded the audience of the importance of public schools in this country, offering a quote that called American public schools “the great equalizer,” and, as an educator, Hillmann offered a lesson in civics.
“American Democracy cannot function without a functioning education system,” he said, imploring the room to get involved and volunteer in the school district.
“We have to show up for the kids in this district,” he said. “It is imperative that we support public education.”
County will bring eight flu shot clinics to different locations
As fall begins to take hold, so comes the cold and flu season along with it, and Rice County Public Health has scheduled several influenza vaccination clinics throughout the county in the month of October. Both quadrivalent and high dose flu vaccines will be available.
Registration for flu vaccine is onsite. Those wishing to receive a shot are asked to please bring their health insurance information. Rice County Public Health will bill insurance companies directly, at no charge.
The quadrivalent flu vaccine will be available for those who are uninsured.
All clinics will serve adults, but not all clinics will have flu vaccines available for children. Please check the listings to be sure.
Those with questions, or those who need more information regarding eligibility guidelines or alternative vaccination dates and times, should call Rice County Public Health at 507-332-6111.
Along with the specially scheduled clinics, flu vaccines are also available every Tuesday afternoon from 1-4 at the Rice County Public Health office in the Government Services Building in Faribault.
There are eight clinics scheduled throughout the county for the month of October.
Thursday, Oct. 5 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Buckham West Senior Center in Faribault
Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Adults and kids clinic, HealthFinders Collaborative in Faribault
Monday, Oct. 16 from 10-11:30 a.m.
FiftyNorth, Northfield Community Resource Center in Northfield
Monday, Oct. 16 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Nerstrand School Gym
Monday, Oct. 23 from 3-4:30 p.m.
Adults and kids clinic, St. Dominic’s School, Northfield
Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Adults and kids clinic, HealthFinders Collaborative, Northfield
Thursday, Oct. 26 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Adults and kids clinic, Morristown Community Center
Friday, Oct. 27 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Adults and kids clinic, Lonsdale American Legion
For more information, visit the Rice County Public Health website at ricecountymn.gov/256/Public-Health
Community Corrections Board seeks representation of specific community segments
The Rice County Board of Commissioners announced this week that applications are being sought from Rice County residents to fill vacancies on the county’s Community Corrections Advisory Board. The CCAB advises the Community Corrections Department and the County Board, as required by the Minnesota Community Corrections Act. The CCAB reviews the annual community corrections plan and budget; reviews grant applications, department goals and outcomes; and serves as a forum for discussion of issues related to community corrections and criminal justice in Rice County.
The board is looking for people to serve as representatives of Defense Counsel, Education and General Public.
Members of racial or cultural minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.
The CCAB meets quarterly on the third Thursday of March, June, September and December at 3:30 pm in the Government Services Building in Faribault. Appointments are for two-year terms.
For more information or to apply for membership, visit the Rice County website at ricecountymn.gov, or contact Community Corrections Manager Angela Brewer.
Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
