By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
“So in thinking about the ways in which the educational mission of our institution, you know, is paralleled by the educational mission of which so many people in this room are apart. We feel very proud to be able to pledge $2,000,000 towards the academic building that’s outlined in the reimagined Northfield High School project.”
(Carleton College President Alison Byerly)
That was Carleton College President Alison Byerly Friday when the college announced its intentions to donate $2 million to the Northfield High School renovation project, should question 1 of the referendum pass this fall. The event filled the upper cafeteria of the High School, where teachers, students, and members of the community gathered to celebrate. Speakers from the Northfield Schools include Principal Shane Baier, teachers Bubba Sullivan and Jody Saxton-West, Student Council President Leena Brown, and District Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez-George.
President Byerly noted the uniqueness of this donation, stating that “one non-profit does not usually donate to another non-profit” but that ultimately:
“We were successful in coming to the recognition that our mission includes the educational mission of the Community that we are part of, and we feel that this extension of that partnership is very appropriate for a school that takes our own academic mission so seriously.”
Several of the speakers from the Northfield schools thanked Carleton, including High School Student Council President Lenna Brown
“And on behalf of all of Northfield. School students past, present, and future. I want to thank Carleton College for this extremely generous pledge by helping make the reimagined Northfield High School a reality. You are sending an impactful message that you believe every student deserves a public high school experience that prepares them for the next steps into their future.“
(Northfield High School Student Council President Leena Brown)
The Northfield Public Schools continues to host events for the public to educate about the bond referendum. So far, the school district has hosted 70 different information events, including presentations, tours, and tables at community events. The next tour of the High School and Q&A session will be Saturday, the 14th at 9am, the event starts in the media center of the high school. There will be several other events throughout September and October if to learn more as well. To find a list of those dates and learn more about the referendum, go to northfieldschools.org/reimagine
In one of the most powerful moments of Friday’s celebration, high school teacher Jody Saxton-West shared why she thinks this is such an important moment, invoking the words of former Northfield resident and U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone:
“This historic financial pledge from Carlton College. Presents us with a Wellstonian moment. This is our golden opportunity to all do better. For our children, for our families, and for all aspects of the Community. Thank you, Carlton, for joining us and picking up the pen to script the next chapter in our communal legacy.“
(High School Teacher, Jody Saxton-West)
Election day is Tuesday, November 5th.
You can find the full recordings of each speech below:
Carleton College President Alison Byerly
Northfield High School Principal Shane Baier
Northfield High School Student Council President, Lenna Brown
NHS Teacher Bubba Sullivan
NHS Teacher Jody Saxton-West
District Board Chair Claudia Gonzalez-George.
