Northfield board reviews $6 million reduction packages; class‑size targets, transportation fees, substitutes and counselors draw questions

The Northfield School Board spent an extended portion of its April 14 meeting reviewing draft priority‑based budget reduction packages intended to close roughly $6 million in expected revenue shortfalls.

Superintendent Dr. Hillman opened the discussion and asked board members to limit questions to the packages under review. Administrators presented packages grouped by topic — activities, district services, elementary, secondary, and special services — and asked the board to discuss the individual line items at an upcoming work session and vote on changes at the May 27 meeting.

Key items and points raised during debate and clarification requests:

- Transportation fee and routing: The district proposed charging some families a transportation fee for students living within two miles of a school; administrators said they will provide a list of affected students and that the two‑mile distance is measured by road distance to the school front door. A board member asked administrators to model how many families would be affected and how additional parent drop‑off could alter traffic patterns at elementary sites.

- Substitute staffing: The district proposed eliminating two full‑time substitute positions that were created during the pandemic to stabilize daily coverage. Administrators said the two full‑time subs spent about 65% of their time…