What is being proposed in the Elementary Schools Budget Reductions 

By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net

This week, during the news we will focus on a different topic each day related to the budget reductions in the Northfield Public Schools focusing on the different proposals and answering some of the most asked questions.  

Previous stories in the series:

The three Northfield Elementary Schools: Spring Creek, Bridgewater, & Greenvale Park.

Today, we are reviewing the proposed budget reductions for the Elementary schools. A total of $1.3 million in cuts is being proposed, which is proportional to the overall $6 million in cuts. 


The largest item being proposed and making up $1.1 million dollars in reductions is reducing nine full-time teachers across the three elementary schools. This would adjust the classroom size targets to 20 students for Kindergarten, 24 students for 1st – 3rd grade, and 27 students for 4th – 5th grade. With the reduction in regular classroom teachers, their is also a smaller reduction of specialist teachers needed.

The other reductions are all significantly smaller dollar items but include eliminating the student council advisory stipend and reducing the band/orchestra supply budget. 

Northfield School Board member Ben Miller reminded the community that these cuts have impacts on the students and staff: 

39.58

“You know, at the end of the day, we’re talking about class sizes and that’s important, but these are 9 positions, 9 people that you know went into this profession because they’ve got a passion for it, and you know it at the end of the day we have. These are people who may not come back next fall, right? … You know, I want to acknowledge that obviously all of this is, you know, we’re talking about numbers and cost and all, but there’s a very human aspect as well.” – Ben Miller, School Board Member, KYMN News Special 

These proposals are not yet final, and the district is looking for feedback and input on the items. The main opportunity to comment will be at a public forum at 6pm on Thursday, April 3rd at the Northfield Middle School. At the beginning will be a budget presentation at 6pm. Starting at 6:30pm will be Small Group Discussions with board members and administrators from 6:30pm till 7:45pm. For the rest of the meeting, till 8:30pm public comment will be available in the auditorium again.
You can also share your input by emailing the board at board@northfieldschools.org 

View the full budget recommendations here:

Tomorrow we will be reviewing the budget reductions in the Secondary package which includes the middle schools, high school, and the ALC


Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:
Click here to listen on Spotify
Click here to listen on Apple Podcast
Do you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: Logan@kymnradio.net

Related Posts

The Raider Wrap 3-29-25

“They blinded me with Science” Nick Olson is the Mentor (Coach) of the Northfield Robotics team. They compete for the chance to advance to the

Read More »

Local Events

Knight of Columbus Annual Fish Fry

Friday, April 4, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry Friday, April 4, 2025 from 5-8PM. At the door: Tickets are $17 for adults and $8 for children ages 5-12 A take-out option is available 104 Linden Street North, Northfield Open to all. Menu: Fried or baked Cod, Baked Potato, Gourmet Macaroni & Cheese, Vegetable, Salad, Dessert, & Beverage

View Event »

Northfield Community Market Fair

Saturday, March 29, 2025 @ All Day – Browse dozens of vendor from landscaping to remodeling, from sustainability to catering services, from insurance to real estate. There is so much to look forward to as you read below. Help keep Northfield in business. 100++ vendors 1500++ community members Food Trucks Live social media coverage Over $500 in prizes & drawings Something for the […]

View Event »

Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra ‘English Garden’ presented by Northfield Arts Guild

Sunday, March 30, 2025 @ 3:00 pm – Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra performs the music of Holst, Handel, Coates, Elgar, & Purcell. Conductor: Paul Niemisto. Featuring soloist Deesa Staats and organist Richard Collman. Saturday, March 29, 3pm at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield and Sunday, March 30, 3pm at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. Tickets: $15 at the door.

View Event »