On Monday, the State of Minnesota celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day for the first time, after the State Legislature voted earlier in the year to make the change from Columbus Day. The Northfield School District was well positioned to meet the day, and to celebrate it.
Northfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann said the district has been working for some time to better support the Indigenous families in the community. He said the change from the previous holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day required a certain amount of instruction to the students, and the Instructional Service Department was able to put some things together over the summer to meet those requirements. Starting next year and moving forward, however, he said, the district will be partnering with the Northfield Historical Society for a more in-depth learning experience.
One of the ways the district has tried to better support all of its students from traditionally marginalized population groups is through Parental Advisory Committees for specific race and nationalities, and the hiring of cultural liaisons to work with both the school district and BIPOC families. Hillmann said Sybil Betzinger has been hired as the district’s new Indigenous Cultural Liason, and he believes she will be an excellent addition to the district staff in that role.
“We’ve hired Sybil Betzinger to be a cultural liaison specific for our Indigenous families, working a little bit less than half time. Sybil has been a member of our Indigenous Parent Advisory Committee for several years – in fact, she’s been the chair. She’s also been a social worker for us in the district and just an excellent leader. So, I’m happy to have her taking on that role just to support our indigenous families and whatever they need for their students to be successful.”
Finally, Hillmann said a few years ago, the Northfield School District adopted a Land Acknowledgement Statement recognizing the Wahpekute people who lived in this area long before European settlers arrived. The adoption of that statement, he said, was driven largely by the District Youth Council. Members of the Council wrote several drafts of the statement and did all of the necessary research before approaching the School Board. He said it shows that the District Youth Board is a benefit to the district, the students and the community, and the Council can provide invaluable lessons.
“We want our students to be ready to engage in our democracy. And so giving them the opportunity to do real work through the components of how you get something passed through a democratically run organization like a school board is really great practice for what we hope that they become in the future, both in terms of representing their community and leaning into community issues. We want them to have an understanding that there’s a democratic process that you go through.”
Hillmann said the district’s vision is to prepare all its students for lifelong success and showing them how Democracy works in a real-life setting such as this is good for the entire community.
County urges taxpayers to not pay in person
The second real estate property tax deadline in Rice County is on Monday, and county officials are urging taxpayers who typically pay their property taxes in person to consider alternate methods while the Rice County Property Tax and Elections department undergoes remodeling.
The remodeling project, which is expected to last until early next year, includes a new, temporary location for the department which offers limited public service counter space. The changes are part of a phased remodeling project designed to provide more storage space and to enhance staff safety.
Property taxes may be paid online at the Rice County website, www.ricecountymn.gov, or by phone at 877-690-3729 using the jurisdiction code 3321. Paying from a checking or savings account is free of charge. A convenience fee does apply to all credit or debit card payments.
Property tax payments can continue to be mailed to the Rice County Property Tax & Elections Office. Those who do choose to pay in person may do so with cash, check or money order at the Property Tax & Elections Office at the Rice County Government Services Center in Faribault.
Taxes on Agricultural property and mobile homes are due on November 15th.
Community engagement meeting moves to the Weitz Center
Tonight, at the Weitz Center for Creativity on the Carleton College Campus, the City of Northfield will host the final of three open houses scheduled over the past week to give community members a chance to learn about the new projects and initiatives that are being planned for Downtown Northfield.
The meeting will be led by city consultants Bruce Jacobson and Bob Close, who will give a brief presentation followed by a discussion about the various projects. Members of the city staff will also be in attendance.
A statement issued by the city said the topics that will be discussed this evening will include the Archer site, Bridge Square, the 5th & Washington Streets development, the 5th & Water Streets plans, the possibility of reconstruction of the Ames Mill Dam, and, of course, parking. The statement said this is an opportunity for community members to view illustrations, give comments and ask questions. Stations will be set up in the meeting room with display boards to illustrate the various projects and city initiatives.
Anyone with concerns or curiosity about the projectss is encouraged to attend these meetings. All of the projects are in various stages of the development process from general ideas and design concepts to more refined design drawings. Close and Jacobson, as well as other members of the City staff have stressed that this is the time for the public to give opinions.
Jacobson said those who are not able to attend any of the scheduled meetings can also schedule an individual meeting.
“And I want to make the point that we’re we are also available, as we have been throughout [this process], to meet with individuals and small groups. Give us a call if there’s a particular issue. We have what we call ‘revolving door meetings.’ We have hours in City Hall where we would be happy to meet with folks if they want to talk about some specific things.”
Tonight’s open house will run from 6-8 pm at the Weitz Center for Creativity on the Carleton College campus. Spanish interpreters, the statement said, will be in attendance at the meeting.
Individual web pages for several of the projects have been created on the City of Northfield website. For more information visit northfieldmn.gov/projects.
To schedule a meeting with Close and Jacobson call Northfield City Hall at 507-645-8833.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
