Richfield Middle School Reports Major Drop in Tardies, Improved Culture
Principal Erica Barlo and Assistant Principal Amy Hager presented positive trends in student behavior and staff retention to the Richfield School Board.
Richfield Middle School presented a detailed update on student performance and school culture improvements to the Richfield School Board at its recent meeting, highlighting a substantial reduction in student tardiness and notable gains in staff retention. Principal Erica Barlo and Assistant Principal Amy Hager delivered the presentation, outlining the impact of new initiatives aimed at fostering a more positive learning environment for students and staff alike.
One of the most significant achievements reported was a 51-52% reduction in student tardies across the middle school. This improvement was attributed to the implementation of new tracking systems and incentive programs, including certificate recognitions for punctuality. The school has also established clear intervention criteria for students with chronic tardiness, ensuring targeted support for those who frequently arrive late.
If you have seven or more in a week, that's unreasonable. And so, we've kind of listed it as like we've got this unreasonable group.
The presentation also underscored improvements in overall school culture, largely attributed to the district's 'Big Three' student expectations and a successful system of cafeteria cleanup rotations. These efforts, according to school leadership, have encouraged greater student responsibility and a shared sense of community within the building, contributing to a more orderly and respectful environment.
The more you pay attention to it and call it out and name what it is, the more our middle schoolers realize the importance of it.
Beyond student behavior, Richfield Middle School has seen a significant boost in staff retention. The school reported only three new hires this year, a stark contrast to over 17 new hires in previous years, signaling increased stability within the faculty. The presentation also touched upon new academic courses and interventions designed to support student learning and address various achievement levels.
During the discussion, Director Tim Palace raised questions regarding the presentation of trend data, advocating for a more comprehensive historical view to better inform board oversight and strategic planning.
Could we get make it a standard of like if we're going to show trend data to get five years or do as best as we can to get five years?
The meeting also included the formal introduction of Laura Ramsborg as a new Assistant Principal at Richfield Middle School. Ramsborg brings experience from St. Paul and Bloomington schools, joining a leadership team focused on continuous improvement and student success.
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Areas of Interest (4)
- Richfield Middle School reports 51-52% reduction in tardies following implementation of new tracking and certificate incentives.
- School board debates whether to require five-year trend data for administrative presentations to improve transparency.
- Middle school sees significant staff retention, with only three new hires this year compared to over 17 in previous years.
- District leadership credits 'Big Three' behavioral expectations and cafeteria cleanup rotations for improving school culture.
Votes (1)
Approval of the agenda
Moved by Director Paul · Seconded by Director Liss
Notable Quotes (2)
If you have seven or more in a week, that's unreasonable. And so, we've kind of listed it as like we've got this unreasonable group.
Could we get make it a standard of like if we're going to show trend data to get five years or do as best as we can to get five years?
People (6)
Eric CarterBoard ChairChairs the Richfield School Board meeting and facilitates discussion.
1 quote
Chairs the Richfield School Board meeting and facilitates discussion.
“Every vote will be done as a resolution or as a roll call vote.”
Explaining the voting procedure due to a remote member.
Steve YunowskiSuperintendentLeads the district and sets performance goals for school administrators.
Leads the district and sets performance goals for school administrators.
Erica BarloPrincipalPresents Middle School performance data and administrative strategies.
1 quote
Presents Middle School performance data and administrative strategies.
“The more you pay attention to it and call it out and name what it is, the more our middle schoolers realize the importance of it.”
Explaining success in reducing student tardiness.
Amy HagerAssistant PrincipalCo-presents Middle School goals and interventions.
Co-presents Middle School goals and interventions.
Laura RamsborgAssistant PrincipalNew hire introduced to the board; background in St. Paul and Bloomington schools.
New hire introduced to the board; background in St. Paul and Bloomington schools.
Tim PalaceDirectorAsks questions regarding data visualization and five-year trend tracking.
Asks questions regarding data visualization and five-year trend tracking.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (3)
- October 6, 2025 - Regular Meeting
- October 27, 2025 - Special Board Meeting
- November 10, 2025 - Regular Meeting
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Other Topics from This Document
Approval of agenda
Superintendent update
Richfield Middle School trend data: attendance, behavior, and course passing rates
Review of new Middle School academic courses and interventions
Analysis of Big Three student expectations and school culture
Discussion of student tardy and absence data metrics
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