---

   Northland School Board members met for another well attended regular board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Numerous teachers were in attendance again asking for a competitive salary and benefits to be agreed upon during negotiations. 

   Stacey McKinney and Carol Procopio both spoke and shared salaries of neighboring districts and how they compared to Northland’s salary schedule. McKinney mentioned she was a Northland graduate and has worked at the school for 13 years, recently she has moved to the Grand Rapids area but continues to commute to Northland because it is “tradition” to work for the district. It was also mentioned McKinney could be making more money and driving less miles. Procopio also shared some statistics of what neighboring districts were paying their teachers. It was also mentioned with the additional money the State of Minnesota gave to schools now is the time for the district to become competitive, not only to retain the current teachers but to attract new teachers to the district. 

   Transportation Supervisor Zach Larson explained to the board the current bus driver shortage and challenge he is facing with recruitment. Larson shared a few recruitment ideas he has tried with no success and he was asking for any suggestions the board may have. A board member noted that the State of Minnesota just passed a law making it more difficult in obtaining a Commercial Drivers License, plus bus drivers must have a special passenger endorsement, which may be why all districts are having a difficult time filling bus driver positions. Another reason people may be hesitant in driving bus that was brought up was the split shift. A possibility discussed was to have people drive bus either the morning shift or afternoon shift and then stay and work as a para or custodian to help fill some of those positions also. 

   In other Board action:

   • Heard Elementary Principal and Athletic Director reports from Janessa Green.

   • Heard an update from High School Principal/Superintendent Mary Yakibchuk regarding facility projects and an insurance update.

   • Accepted donations from Emily/Outing Lions Club in the amount of $300 for the football program and $150 from S.A. Yochum V.F.W. Post 772 for the library to purchase patriotic books.

   • Recognized Band Director Tristen Heller and the Veteran’s Day Committee for a wonderful Veteran’s Day program.

   • Accepted the resignations of Nate Sharp as Junior High Baseball Coach and October Soyring as Paraprofessional and Junior High Volleyball Coach, effective Nov. 28.

   • Approved the Licensed Staff Seniority list for 2023-24.

   • Approved a quote from Widseth for the Safety Town project.

   • Approved continuation of the Family educational rights and privacy Act Direct Admissions Opt In version.

   The board has scheduled the following meetings: work session, Wed., Nov. 1 at 5:30 p.m., regular meeting, Wed., Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. and policy meeting Fri., Nov. 17 all meetings are held at Northland High School.

---