By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
It was announced this week that the Northfield Middle School has received national recognition for its work, receiving the National Blue Ribbon Schools award by the U.S. Department of Education. National Blue Ribbon Schools are based on two categories
- Exemplary high-performing school
- Exemplary closing achievement gaps in school
Northfield was the only middle school in the State of Minnesota to be recognized in both categories. Typically, only about 10 schools in Minnesota receive any recognition by the Blue Ribbon program. Greg Gelineau is the Principal of the Middle School:
“That’s something I’m proud of. I told our staff earlier last week that they should be very proud of themselves for the work they’ve done.” – Greg Gelineau, Principal of the Northfield Middle School at the 10/14/2025 School Board Meeting
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Several School Board members congratulated all of the Middle School staff on the accomplishment. Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann praised the work the teachers and their focus on making the middle school the best place for students:
“And it is an affirmation of the strength of the academic achievement at Northfield Middle School and their ongoing work, which has been one of Greg’s core principles since he has been in this role, to continue to work to reduce the achievement gap. And one of the things I really appreciate about the middle school is that they are willing to try things, see how it works, and then if it doesn’t, what’s next?” – Dr. Matt Hillmann, Superintendent of Northfield Public Schools at the 10/14/2025 School Board Meeting
One note about the award, the program has since been eliminated by the Federal Department of Education. Since then, the Minnesota Department of Education has worked with Northfield to recognize the teachers and staff for their accomplishment. Hillmann stated as well that they will work to recognize everyone as best they can here in Northfield.
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