07-14-08 Special - CC/School Board
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Concurrent City Council/Richfield
School Board Meeting
July 14, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Members
Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Fred Wroge; Bill Kilian; and
Sue Sandahl.
City Staff Present: Bill Fillmore, Acting City Manager; John Stark, Interim Community
Development Director; Brad Sveum, Fire Services Director; Jim
Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Barry Fritz, Acting Public
Safety Director; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant to City Manager; Tom
Foley, Transportation Engineer; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary.
School Board
Members: Todd Nollenberger, Chair; John Easterwood; Tom Flood; David
Lamberger; Peter Toensing; and Sandy Belkengren.
School Staff Present: Robert Slotterback, Superintendent; Michael Schwartz, Business
Manager; Craig Holje, Director of Personnel; Kate Trewick, Director of
Curriculum, Instruction & Technology; Stephen West, Richfield Middle
School Principal; and Mary Supple, Richfield Middle School Teacher.
Item #I PERCEPTION OF RICHFIELD SCHOOLS
The City Council requested a discussion regarding the following negative perceptions they
have heard in the community:
Concurrent Council/School Board Meeting Minutes -2- July 14, 2008
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School performance testing results
School Director of Curriculum Trewick explained the school district’s concern regarding
performance measures.
School Superintendent Slotterback explained the impact of the No Child Left Behind
program.
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School Transfers
School Superintendent Slotterback expressed concern regarding student transfers to
other school districts. He discussed the district’s goals, which includes retaining Richfield
students.
School Board Chair Nollenberger stated the district will continue with a competitive
school environment especially with the open enrollment options.
School Superintendent Slotterback stated that sometimes perception does not match
reality and encouraged people to visit the schools when there are concerns and questions. He
discussed possible marketing strategies and needing groups like the City and realtors to be in
alignment.
Mayor Goettel stated the stability of the community relies on the school district. She
asked about the International Baccalaureate Program.
School Superintendent Slotterback explained the International Baccalaureate and the
more popular Advancement Program in place in Richfield. Richfield has a 92% graduation
rate.
Council Member Sandahl suggested the school district’s marketing strategy include the
seniors.
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Teen Pregnancy
School Superintendent Slotterback discussed teen pregnancy statistics and a
Hennepin County teen pregnancy prevention pilot project. He stated Richfield’s statistics are
lower than the metro area.
School Board Chair Nollenberger stated the more diverse a community, the higher
statistics.
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Gang prevention efforts
Acting Public Safety Director Fritz discussed the City’s gang prevention efforts including
Richfield’s participation in the Gang Strike Force. He added in-school activities are rarely
related to gangs.
Richfield Middle School Principal West stated there are more gang issues in the
community with none in the school system.
Council Member Kilian questioned the measurement of parent involvement. He said he
sees a decrease in the re-investment in the community.
School Superintendent Slotterback stated that the nation as a whole desires much
larger homes and Richfield’s housing stock is smaller.
Concurrent Council/School Board Meeting Minutes -3- July 14, 2008
Item #2 UPDATE ON SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTIVITIES/INITIATIVES
The City Council requested an update on the following:
• Dual Language Immersion Program
School Superintendent Slotterback discussed the success of the program and its
addressing diversity issues.
• Safe Routes to School
School Superintendent Slotterback discussed the bussing program.
School Board Chair Nollenberger stated there is the option to pay for bus rides if they
are living out of the route area.
Council Member Wroge suggested making routes longer or consider the weather to limit
bussing and to encourage biking and walking.
• Wellness Program
School Superintendent Slotterback discussed the promoting of nutritious lunches.
Due to the School Board meeting to begin at 7 p.m., the discussion was ended.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:55 p.m.
Date Approved: August 12, 2008
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Cheryl K mhol
Recording Secretary
City Manager