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   Academic growth, student engagement and a cautiously improving financial outlook were discussed during the regular Northland School Board meeting Feb. 11.

   Superintendant Mark Morrison reported the district will continue deficit spending next year, but projections show the shortfall will be smaller than previously anticipated. Savings were realized in several budget areas, including water testing, where costs came in well below the $15,000 budgeted, and custodial supplies, where reduced daily-use expenses contributed to additional savings. 

   Morrison also stated several revenue areas showed significant swings. Impact aid came in about $30,000 less than expected, while compensatory revenue was approximately $75,000 lower due to state decisions made last year. Offsetting those losses, interest earnings exceeded projections by about $100,000, and tax forfeited land sales brought in an additional $96,000. 

   Enrollment trends were also discussed with Morrison stating grades 7–12 receive additional state funding per student, and with more students entering the high school than those graduating this year, a slight funding increase is expected. Preschool enrollment remains strong, with 27–28 students currently enrolled, a number that historically translates into similar kindergarten enrollment. Preschool and kindergarten enrollment events are scheduled for March.

   On the academic side, Elementary Principal Janessa Green stated that the winter FastBridge data showed strong gains, particularly in reading. Seventy-five percent of students in grades two through five demonstrated a year’s worth of growth or more, while math data showed more than half of students on track to reach grade-level proficiency. Green credited the gains to a consistent literacy curriculum and increased instructional alignment.

   Green and High School Principal Mary Yakibchuk mentioned that “I Love to Read Month” activities were underway district wide, including stop, drop and read, book challenges and themed events. Yakibchuk noted high student participation included students using reading time productively by choosing to read textbooks.

   Several upcoming field trips were announced, including a 10th-grade trip to Minneapolis, a high school art visit to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, an eighth-grade physical science trip to Valleyfair, and a ninth-grade overnight earth science field experience focused on Minnesota geology.

   Junior high leadership events, including a Halloween lock-in and Valentine’s Day lock-in, were recognized for strong attendance and community support by Carol Procopio, leadership advisor. Volunteers and donors were also thanked for helping make the events successful.

   The board also approved multiple donations from Outing Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $4,000 for boy’s basketball and $100 for Prom from each of the following businesses: Bigfoot Gas and Gifts, Thunder Lake Realty and Ruyak Enterprises.

   In other Board action:

   • Approved the 2026-2027 District Calendar.

   • Accepted the resignations of Cody Washburn as custodian effective Feb. 6; Bruce Schear as paraprofessional effective Feb. 6; Tandy Kibbler as paraprofessional/yearbook advisor/track and field assistant coach effective Feb. 17 and Tina Anderson as senior class advisor effective end of the 2025-2026 school year.

   • Approved the hire of the following: Amy Lego as paraprofessional, effective Feb. 9; Jacob Trimble as kitchen helper, effective Feb. 17; Julian Kitchenhoff as temporary bus driver beginning Feb. 2 through the end of the 2025-2026 school year; Zach willson as custodian effective Feb. 10 and Allison Israelson as custodian effective Feb. 11.

   • Approved the At-Will Employment contract with Leah Monroe, Indian Education Director and a correction to the At-Will Employment contract with Tina Anderson, Executive Secretary.

   The board decided to cancel their work session scheduled for Feb. 18, however their next regular meeting will be Wednesday, Mar. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Northland High School in Remer.

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