January 12, 2026 - School Board Regular Meeting

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Approval of agenda

School Board officer elections

Approval of tabled November 10th minutes

Consent agenda business items

Student achievements recognition

Superintendent's report

Welcome to White Bear Lake update and registration process

Areas of Interest (4)

Board members clash over financial oversight roles and the wording of meeting minutes regarding budget approvals.
Internal tension rises as board members attempt to pull financial items from the consent agenda, leading to objections and procedural disputes.
Enrollment projections vs. reality: School board debates whether COVID-19 is a valid explanation for 20% miss in demographic targets.
District reorganizes leadership positions amidst public board room friction.

Votes (4)

Approve meeting agenda

CarriedVoice vote

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Daniels

Approve tabled November 10th meeting minutes

Carried6-1 (Skaar dissenting)

Moved by Ellison · Seconded by Streiff Oji

Objection to removing payment of invoices from Consent Agenda

Carried6-1 (Skaar dissenting)

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Approve Consent Agenda

Carried6-1 (Skaar dissenting)

Moved by Streiff Oji · Seconded by Daniels

Notable Quotes (2)

I don't think we should be stepping in the shoes of staff, and I think that that the way that motion reads, it puts an obligation on the Board that an implied obligation that we have reviewed and attested to all those invoices.
— Mr. Skaar

Financial OversightDebate over approving meeting minutes and financial reports.

To say that it didn't affect, and that we shouldn't use it as a reason, when it absolutely is a reason for what happened to students leaving... it's a fact.
— Deb Beloyed

Enrollment and COVID-19Defending the use of COVID-19 as a factor for enrollment decline.

People (7)

Scott ArcandChair

Presides over board meetings and moderates discussions.

Mr. SkaarBoard Member

Frequently challenges board procedures and enrollment projections.

1 quote

“COVID's overused, become kind of a excuse... and to me, 20% projection and demographics with only a few years, that's a pretty big miss.”

During discussion on district enrollment and fiscal planning.

Marisa VetteCommunications Director

Presented the 'Welcome to White Bear' registration and outreach update.

Angela ThompsonVice Chair

Elected as vice chair during reorganizational meeting.

Kathleen DanielsClerk

Elected as clerk during reorganizational meeting.

Deb BeloyedTreasurer

Elected as treasurer during reorganizational meeting.

Dr. KazmierczakSuperintendent

Reports on district activities, emergency procedures, and construction projects.

Places Mentioned

White Bear Lake Area SchoolsMatoska International SchoolOtter Lake ElementaryWillow Lane ElementaryBirch ElementaryCentral Middle SchoolMariner Middle SchoolNormandy Park Education CenterTamarack Nature CenterHighway 35E

Events & Meetings (1)

School Board Meeting - Date not specified

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