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   The Northland School Board held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 13. Board Chair Marc Ruyak opened the meeting by congratulating the Class of 2026, including Valedictorian Ashlyn Schwarz and Salutatorian Charity Berg.

   Elementary Principal Janessa Green presented her monthly report, highlighting several hands-on learning activities for PreK-5 students. Recent projects included candling chicken eggs, planting trees for Earth Day and exploring the University of Minnesota’s ExploraDome to learn about the galaxy. Green said outdoor learning continues to be a focus for elementary students.

   Green also reported that many staff members participating in the LETRS program are expected to complete their certifications by the end of the 2026 school year. LETRS is a professional development program focused on the science of reading and literacy instruction.

   An update was also provided on the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Green noted a continued decrease in major referrals during April, with referrals dropping from 48 in 2024 to 17 in 2025 and 12 in 2026.

   High School Principal Mary Yakibchuk then presented her report to the board. She shared that the high school is piloting an electronic hall pass system designed to streamline student pass requests and track usage data. Students sign out through a classroom kiosk, allowing administration to monitor how often students leave class and how long they are gone. Yakibchuk said feedback from both students and staff has been positive so far.

   Yakibchuk also discussed plans to switch the school’s participation in the Direct Admissions program from an opt-in system to an opt-out system beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The program guarantees admission to participating Minnesota colleges based on student transcripts, while waiving application fees and simplifying the application process. Yakibchuk said the change could help encourage more students to consider postsecondary education opportunities.

   The high school is also exploring a potential “Flex Day” program for students in grades 7-12. Yakibchuk said the school plans to survey students and staff this fall to gauge interest in elective-style offerings that fall outside the traditional curriculum. Potential activities mentioned included anime club, radio club and fly-tying.

   The board also discussed potential curriculum purchases for future consideration. The social studies curriculum search committee presented recommendations for grades 6-12 totaling approximately $62,000. The high school also discussed the possible future purchase of the OpenSciEd science curriculum for middle school and biology courses, estimated at $32,000, with chemistry and earth/physics materials planned for future years. No formal action was taken on either curriculum proposal.

   Superintendent Mark Morrison also updated the board on several facility and activities projects around the district. He said the school is working to replace software that controls the building’s air conditioning system in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce expenses. Other facility upgrades and replacements throughout the school were also discussed.

   Morrison also addressed ongoing issues with the school’s softball and football fields. He said the district has contracted out repair work multiple times but has continued to experience problems with the fields. To help maintain the grounds internally, the district is considering purchasing an aerator for field maintenance.

   The board also approved dissolving the existing track cooperative between Northland, Deer River and Hill City in order to create a new agreement that includes Olson Homeschool. The change will allow additional homeschool students to participate in the track program.

   Other board actions included:

  •  Accepted donations of $200 for prom from the Federal Dam Fire Department, $100 for the senior class from the Boy River HOBO Club and $1,500 for the senior class from the Northland Lions Club.

  •  Certified the graduating Class of 2026.

  •  Approved fall, winter and spring coaches and advisors for the 2026-27 school year.

  •  Accepted the resignation of Assistant Athletic Director Kristen Panchyshyn, effective June 30, 2026.

  •  Approved the hiring of McKinna McKinney as library paraprofessional, Allison Israelson as full-time custodian and Maya Hess as full-time paraprofessional.

  •  Approved the nonrenewal of probationary teacher Ashley Magruder’s contract, effective June 4, 2026.

  •  Approved eliminating the Building Substitute Teacher position beginning in fall 2026.

  •  Approved the sale, donation, recycling or disposal of obsolete equipment and materials in accordance with Policy 802.

   The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Northland High School. A work session is also scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Northland High School.

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