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Northport Public School Board weighs market research and appointment policy as enrollment concerns persist
Summary
At its Sept. 8 meeting the Northport Public School Board reviewed superintendent priorities on housing, extracurriculars and community relations, heard parents urge outreach and cautious use of survey funds, and asked for more information on $50,000–$75,000 market-research options; consent items including $193,606.40 in bills and a new hire were approved by consent.
The Northport Public School Board met Sept. 8 in Room 300 at Northport Public School and returned to persistent enrollment concerns while weighing new market-research options and a clearer policy for mid-term board appointments. Superintendent Neil Wetherbee reviewed three focus areas from his recent evaluation and told the board that housing remains the district’s largest issue and that district-owned parcels are not feasible for housing development.
Superintendent Neil Wetherbee said extra-curricular offerings showed mixed results this summer: the summer golf club had low female participation and Wildcat Middle School’s cross-country squad had five runners. Wetherbee reported continuing partnership conversations under the LIFT after-school program, noting that Suttons Bay would donate space, Leland pledged $40,000 in passthrough funds and Glen Lake contributed $41,000 from its general fund. He also said the district is hiring an Assistant Office Manager with journalism and marketing experience to support outreach and enrollment work.
Public commenters pressed the board for targeted family outreach and cautious spending on outside surveys. Laura Cavendish, PTO President, described upcoming PTO events and raised concerns about LIFT after-school space and a recent staff departure. Kali Dignan urged the board to give serious consideration to LIFT funding and recommended forming a sports committee to boost participation. Community member Eric Potes presented enrollment trend data showing a long-term decline since 2003, urged formal exit procedures, and recommended stronger family follow-up and support for the Dandelion Discovery Center.
Board members discussed governance and outreach steps. The board agreed there is room to standardize the process for filling mid-term vacancies, including earlier notice of resignations, broader advertising of openings, maintaining a roster of interested candidates and codifying the approach in policy. Board member Jamie Scripps volunteered to draft a policy resolution for the Oct. meeting. On market research, members asked for client references and additional review before committing to an engagement estimated at about $50,000–$75,000 per year.
Votes at a glance: The board approved the meeting agenda (motion by Ryan Blessing, supported by Danielle Percy) 7–0. The consent agenda — which included approval of the Aug. 11, 2025 regular meeting minutes, payment of bills totaling $193,606.40 and the hire of Elizabeth Wadas as Assistant Office Manager — was approved by general consent with no objections. The meeting adjourned on a 7–0 motion by Blessing, supported by Percy at 6:46 P.M.
What’s next: Scripps will prepare a draft policy on appointment procedures for the October meeting; administration will return with client testimonials and further analysis about market-research vendors and costs. The board did not take formal action on hiring market-research services at this meeting.
