Superintendent Yudnowsky told legislators that federal enforcement activity since Dec. 1 led to a rise in absences (from ~10% to ~25% absent), prompted an 800‑student temporary virtual program and food distribution, and caused 30 students to leave the district; legislators asked for data and proposed housing and rental‑assistance measures.
District leaders told legislators on Feb. 2 that Minnesota proposals to trim cross‑subsidies and ADDSIS‑style supports could eliminate roughly $1.9–$2.0 million in compensatory funding and about 11.3 FTE of intervention staff, undermining reading, math and social‑emotional supports for students in poverty.
Fifth graders from Centennial Elementary described to the Richfield School Board on Feb. 2 how library/media, art, music and physical education reinforce classroom literacy and numeracy skills, and board members praised the school’s integrated approach.
The superintendent gave a midyear update to the Richfield School Board on Feb. 2 covering district vision cards, measured gains on FastBridge assessments, demographic gaps, lower assessment completion due to virtual attendance, a temporary virtual program rollout and plans for a second version.
The Richfield School Board on Feb. 2 approved policy 6.51 (athletics and activity guidelines, clarifying the third-season free applies only to athletics), approved policy 709 and policy 5.81, accepted the consent agenda and multiple community donations.
Richfield STEM Elementary staff presented the Dreams after‑school program — serving about 130 students with expanded STEM, Spanish club and partnerships (aviation, cycling) — and student speakers said the program helps socializing and class choice; staff confirmed funding comes from the district and noted a wait list.
District staff told the board the Oct. 1 enrollment count was 3,986 students — about 70 below projection and 131 fewer than last year — with elementary averages down to about 22.2 students. Leaders warned that reporting shifts in free/reduced rates could materially affect compensatory funding.
District leaders proposed moving to four full‑day pre‑K sections for 4‑year‑olds (one in each elementary) and continuing some half‑day options; the board approved a sliding fee schedule tied to federal income levels and available scholarships to support a fiscally responsible start.
At its Jan. 5 organizational meeting the Richfield Public School District board administered oaths to newly elected members, re-elected Eric Carter as chair, confirmed Kirk Spencer as vice chair and elected Ken List as clerk and Paula Cole as treasurer by voice votes. The board also approved its agenda and consent items.
The Richfield School Board accepted the district's 2024'25 audit, which included a clean opinion, a $1.7 million accounting adjustment for compensated absences under new GASB guidance, a delayed federal single-audit due to OMB guidance timing, and one Minnesota compliance finding for a late vendor payment.
