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   Northland School Board held their regular monthly meeting Wed., Apr. 9. Board Chair Marc Ruyak accepted donations from the following organizations/citizens: $100 from Crow Wing Power for the senior class trip; $100 from Team LaVallee Inc. for prom; $250 from Eagle Country Snowmobile and ATV Club for prom; $100 from Northern Star Cooperative Services for prom and a $10,000 scholarship from Joseph and Irene Maertens.

   The board then heard updates from administration regarding staff training, job vacancies, new cell phone policy and behavioral information for the past few months. Elementary Principal Janessa Green stated even though behavioral referrals have increased slightly the past few months, they are still down considerably from previous years. During the month of January there was only 15 referrals, with 29 during February and 32 in March. Last year there was 58 in January, 60 in February and 54 in March, the prior year saw 25, 45 and 50 during the same three months. Therefore, Green feels some of the procedures staff has put in place are working. 

   Green then highlighted Mrs. Boucher’s Kindergarten class for the month, stating they are working hard on beginning reading skills and implementing some of the new skills learned from the LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training. Mrs. Boucher is once again sharing the experience of incubating eggs with her students this year, which began on March 26. After 10 days in the incubator the students candled the eggs to determine “winners” (fertilized eggs), “yolkers” (unfertilzed eggs) and “quitters” (fertilized but quit growing). Green said there were 33 “winners”, 8 “yolkers” and 1 “quitter”. The eggs began hatching Apr. 9 and Mrs. Boucher’s room once again has become a must stop for all students.

   Superintendent/High School Principal Mary Yakibchuk mentioned to the board staffing has once again become difficult with the sudden departure of the science teacher substitute. Therefore, there is a shuffling of schedules to cover those classes. Yakibchuk then updated the board on the newly implemented cell phone policy, where all students must turn in cell phones, ear buds and smart watches. It was stated students have been receptive of the policy and compliant. Although, it was stated most seniors and juniors are stating they are leaving their devices in their car, even those that don’t drive to school. Ruyak asked some teachers in attendance if they have noticed any non-compliance with the policy during passing time, which it was stated they have not seen any students on devices during that time.

   At the end of the meeting Ruyak wanted to discuss the current administration model, as he feels that the current model is not working. Currently the administration model consists of a 1.0 fte Elementary Principal, a 0.5 fte High School Principal, a 0.5 fte Superintendent and a 1.0 fte Dean of Students/Behavioral Interventionist. Ruyak stated he thinks the school needs a 1.0 fte High School Principal as some daily duties are getting missed. Therefore, a 1.0 fte Elementary Principal, a 1.0 fte High School Principal and a 0.5 fte Superintendent model was suggested as one possibility with Ruyak asking other board members for input. One issue which was raised was the possible difficulty of finding an individual for the 0.5 fte Superintendent position for long-term. Yakibchuk stated there was a restructuring committee meeting coming up and this would be a good discussion for that time. 

   In other Board action:

   • Approved changing the last day of school for Elementary students only to May 30.

   • Approved the non-renewal of the At-Will contract for Jared Johnson effective June 30.

   • Accepted the resignation from the following individuals: Jacob Trimble as custodian, effective Mar. 27; Stacey Wake as Girls Basketball Assistant Coach and Maddy Shepard as Building Sub, effective Apr. 15.

   • Approved the hire of the following individuals: Nik Valtinson as High School Social Studies Teacher, effective Fall 2025-2026; Tandy Kibbler as Track and Field Assistant Coach; Theresa Schmitt as Cook, effective Mar. 14 and Sara Bender as Kitchen Worker, effective Apr. 9.

   • Approved posting for a Bookkeeper II position.

   • Received a letter of request from Jennifer Welk to negotiate At-Will contract.

   The board has scheduled the following meetings: a policy committee meeting, Mon., May 5 at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting, Wed., May 14 at 5:30 p.m. all meetings are held at Northland High School.

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