Strategic Plan

Outlining Our Vision, Strategic Commitments and Benchmarks

Our 2027 strategic plan, adopted in December 2021, is comprised of our vision, strategic commitments and benchmarks. The strategic plan was developed based on input from the Northfield community – surveys and 15 meetings helped inspire our direction for the future. During a six-month planning period, we listened to staff, students, families and advisory groups to inform these strategies.

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Our Vision

We prepare every student for lifelong success by developing critical thinkers who are curious and ready to engage in our society.

Strategic Commitments

PEOPLE

We prioritize the engagement, satisfaction, and support of every student, staff member, and family.

LEARNER OUTCOMES

We prepare every student to be academically and socially ready to choose their preferred pathway after high school graduation.

EQUITY

We ensure that every child has a fair opportunity to reach their full potential.

COMMUNICATION

We communicate effectively and transparently with all stakeholders.

STEWARDSHIP

We responsibly manage our personnel, finances, property, time and environmental impact.

PARTNERSHIPS

We seek community partnerships that accelerate student achievement of district benchmarks.

Benchmarks

1. All children are ready for kindergarten.
- 64% of incoming kindergarten students were identified “Ready for K” by the STAR assessment.
- According to our Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) approved assessment, 95% of students who attended the district’s preschool program were kindergarten ready.
- 100% of EarlyVentures students were kindergarten ready according to the Preschool Early Literacy Indicators (PELI) nationally normed assessment.
Data Source: 2023 World’s Best Workforce Report
Data Source: 2022-23 NCEC School Improvement Plan
2. All students are connected to the community.
- 93% of parents reported at least 5 hours of preschool experience outside of home in the fall of 2023.
- The district expanded community school access from Greenvale Park to Bridgewater Elementary and Spring Creek in 2022.
Data Source: Northfield Promise benchmark report
Data Source: Community School Information
3. All students are at grade level in reading and mathematics by the end of third and sixth grades.
- 63% of Grade 3 students met or exceeded proficiency on the 2024 MCA-III reading assessment. This outperformed 89% of Minnesota school districts.
- 73% of Grade 3 students met or exceeded proficiency on the 2024 MCA-III mathematics assessment. This outperformed 78% of Minnesota school districts.
- 68% of Grade 6 students met or exceeded proficiency on the 2024 MCA-III reading assessment. This outperformed 85% of Minnesota school districts.
- 49% of Grade 6 students met or exceeded proficiency on the 2024 MCA-III mathematics assessment. This outperformed 72% of Minnesota school districts.
Data Source: MDE Report Card

Winter 2024 Reading and Math Star Assessment Results
4. All students exhibit physical, social and emotional well-being.
- 88% of third to 12th grade students reported well-developed social-emotional skills based on the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) screener.
- 85% of third to 12th graders reported no Externalizing concerns based on the SSIS screener.
- 83% of third to 12th graders reported no Internalizing concerns based on the SSIS screener.
Data Source: 2023 SSIS Summary
5. All students have a connection with a caring adult beyond their parents as  they transition to middle school.
As of Fall 2023:
- 80% of sixth graders report most teachers care about and are interested in me as a person.
- 77% of sixth graders report having at least one adult at school they look forward to seeing every day.
Data Source: 2023 SSIS 6th Grade Summary Results
6. All students have interests, goals and a vision for the future by the end  of eighth grade.
- 93% of Grade 8 students indicated they had already identified future plans after high school (March 2025).
Data Source: 2025 Grade 8 student survey
7. All students graduate from high school with a plan to reach their full potential.
- Northfield High School’s graduation rate was 96.9% in 2023, the last cohort reported by the state.
- Northfield’s Class of 2023 ACT mean Composite score (22.5) outpaced the state average (20.8) and the national average (19.5).
Data Sources: Minnesota Department of Education Report Card, 2023 World’s Best Workforce Report
8. All employees report satisfaction in the workplace.
- The mean rating was 4.00 (out of a five-point Likert scale) across all 349 responses.
- There was improvement in 19 of the 20 indicators when compared to the 2022-23 employee experience survey results. Seven of those indicators improved by at least 0.10 points.
- 96% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I believe my work positively impacts those we serve.”
- 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I have a clear understanding of the mission and goals of my organization.”
Data Source: 2023-24 employee engagement survey report
9. All parents report satisfaction with their children’s educational experience.
The district’s annual parent satisfaction survey was conducted in January/February 2024. Here are the survey highlights:
- - There were 690 respondents, up from 440 responses in 2023.
  - The overall mean improved from 4.00 in 2023 to 4.05 in 2024.
  - There was improvement for 11 of 15 survey indicators (one remained the same as last year).
  - As indicated in the survey results, the greatest strengths are listed below. The “Top 2 Box” indicates the percentage of respondents who selected “strongly agree” or “agree” with the statement.
    - “I am treated with respect at this school.” Score: 4.34 (up from the previous period by 0.03), Top 2 Box: 89.22%
    - “I believe my child’s learning is a high priority at this school.” Score: 4.24 (up from the previous period by 0.08), Top 2 Box: 87.75%
  - As indicated in the survey results, the greatest growth opportunities are listed below. The “Top 2 Box” indicates the percentage of respondents who selected “strongly agree” or “agree” with the statement.
    - “I regularly receive feedback from school staff on how well my child is learning.” Score: 3.45 (down from the previous period by 0.12), Top 2 Box: 58.59%
    - “I receive positive phone calls, emails, or notes about my child from the school.” Score: 3.42 (down from the previous period by 0.16), Top 2 Box: 54.36%
  - Data Source: 2023-24 parent satisfaction survey report
10. The district maintains 14% of its annual expenditures in its unassigned fund balance to ensure financial stability.
- The district projects to end the 2024-25 year with a 14.3% fund balance.
Data Source: 2024-25 budget book
11. Community education provides relevant and accessible learning opportunities for all residents.
- The district offered 942 community education programs in 2022-23.
- There were 239,181 hours of facility usage scheduled through community education.
Data Source: 2023 National Community Education Day Report

Bienvenidos a Northfield Public Schools!