Forest Lake Area Schools — Transcript

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Votes (2)

Approval of Meeting Agenda

Motion carries [00:00:44]

Dissent: None

Moved by Unnamed [00:00:39] · Seconded by Unnamed [00:00:40]

The motion to approve the special meeting agenda was made and seconded. No discussion was held regarding the agenda itself.

School Board Vacancy Seat Applicant Interviews

Interviews conducted for future decision

Dissent: None, as this was an interview process.

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

The board conducted interviews for a vacant school board seat, hearing from seven applicants (Paul Peas, Ken Rutford, Jim Smith, Scott Dobinski, Pensa Hansen, Andy Cornier) out of 11 initial candidates. Each applicant discussed their goals for the district, educational philosophy (including the balance of academic and social-emotional learning), decision-making processes, desired relationships with the superintendent and fellow board members, and their vision for the district's future. Common themes included transparency, collaboration, fiscal responsibility, student achievement, and community engagement. Some applicants also addressed specific district challenges, past board controversies, and their personal experiences relevant to the role.

Notable Quotes (6)

So, my goals and aspirations are to uh, I think of, you know, what I would want to achieve, there's four main pillars. So student achievement, student opportunity, student safety and uh success for the broader community at large. So those would be like the four things that I would particularly focus on. And hopefully work with all of you towards those goals.

Paul Peas [00:02:12]
School Board Vacancy Seat Applicant Interviews

My process of making a decision is kind of a pyramid game of which way do we go? Make notes decide what is the protocols? What is the best way to pursue for us, our district, our students and our teachers and our future and we have to build board of that and working together with that and bouncing ideas off of each other. What is the best way we can do what we can do on that note?

Ken Rutford [00:19:35]
School Board Vacancy Seat Applicant Interviews

Restoring community faith in our school board is a critical piece needed to keep growing a strong district culture of learning. For me, this will be a one-year focus. I will not run for school board again.

Jim Smith [00:30:45]
School Board Vacancy Seat Applicant Interviews

Um very young age, my father told me there's very few things in life that are worse than a liar. Um so I believe in honesty uh and trusting people. Uh, and I I have a tendency to give trust before I I receive it.

Scott Dobinski [00:48:29]
School Board Vacancy Seat Applicant Interviews

The legacy that I would aspire to leave is one of integrity, transparency, and long range stability for Forest Lake Area Schools. Um, I want my time on the board to be remembered for strengthening trust. That's trust between families in the district, trust in the decision-making process, um trust that the school board hears the priorities of the community, and that trust that our schools are putting students first.

Pensa Hansen [01:03:52]
School Board Vacancy Seat Applicant Interviews

My main contribution is to enable the district and its people to get out of the way of the superintendent to oversee the educational activities of our kids which benefits the community. And as we build that community and that education model follows, we have strong schools. And so my job here and you guys's job, which I you're doing a great job of, is to make sure that that way is clear.

Andy Cornier [01:15:35]
School Board Vacancy Seat Applicant Interviews

Ordinances & Resolutions (8)

Pledge of AllegianceOther

Recited at the start of the meeting.

Meeting AgendaOther

Approved at the start of the meeting.

MSBA policiesOther

Policies on student groups that Paul Peas criticized for potential obstacles to student clubs.

Title 9Federal Directive

Federal directive concerning biological differences between males and females, discussed in relation to board's position.

ANI planPlan

District plan discussed in an April 2023 meeting, mentioned by Jim Smith regarding achievement gaps.

Read ActOrdinance

Minnesota state legislation related to reading curriculum, mentioned by Jim Smith and Member Antonson.

Strategic PlanPlan

District's long-term vision and goals, referenced by several applicants regarding decision-making and mission.

First AmendmentConstitutional Amendment

Referenced in discussion about free speech vs. hate speech by Member Castle.

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Forest Lake Area Schools - Lino Lakes Recorder