Forest Lake Area Schools — Transcript
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Student Engagement and Wellness Programs (RISE Club)
Community Education and School Age Care (SAC) Program
School Board Vacancy Appointment Process
Superintendent Contract Approval
District Financial Fund Balance Policy
Language Access Plan Implementation
Student Attendance Policy (Number 519) Revision
Votes (7)
School Board Vacancy Seat Consideration
Dissent: None explicitly recorded on the amendment, but prior discussion showed procedural disagreements.
Moved by Member Rebeline [1:01:21] (to amend) · Seconded by Member Castle [1:01:43]
The board resumed discussion on filling a vacant seat, with a prior motion to appoint Mr. Sean Thomas on the table. Member Tyson advocated for an election process as per Robert's Rules, to ensure fairness to all candidates. An amendment was proposed and approved to adopt an election process by nomination. Multiple candidates were nominated and a roll-call vote was conducted. No candidate achieved the required four votes for a majority, resulting in the vacancy remaining unfilled at this meeting.
Superintendent Contract Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Member Corkran [1:09:59] · Seconded by Member Castle [1:10:01]
The board considered the approval of the new superintendent contract for a two-year term. Discussion included the rationale for a two-year term versus the historical three years, with insights from legal counsel (Perrin Law) and the board chair. The contract structure was highlighted, including a competitive salary, reduction in post-employment benefits, and adjusted daily rate calculations for transparency and fiscal management.
Donations
Dissent: None
Moved by Member Castle [1:17:41] · Seconded by Member Corkran [1:17:42]
The board reviewed and approved a list of donations, including monetary contributions from the Forest Lake VFW post 4210 for Ranger Space Camp and the Hugo American Legion Post 620 for the FFA chapter. In-kind donations included disc golf equipment from MVP Disc Sports LLC and a boulder from Drestle Trucking for the community education disc golf course.
Forest Lake Area School Staff Retirements
Dissent: None
Moved by Member Castle [1:18:29] · Seconded by Member Corkran [1:18:31]
The board considered the approval of one submitted staff retirement: Cheryl Nelson, Health Support Office at Forest View Elementary School, effective June 4, 2026, after 15 years of service. Administration recommended approval.
Forest Lake Area Schools Language Access Plan
Dissent: None
Moved by Member Corkran [1:20:56] · Seconded by Member Castle [1:20:58]
Director Jacobson presented the Language Access Plan, a policy mandated by a 2023 Minnesota statute. He noted that the plan largely formalizes existing practices within the district to provide translation services, aiming to enhance family engagement and access to school information. Administration recommended approval.
Student Attendance Policy Number 519
Dissent: None
Moved by Member Castle [1:22:50] · Seconded by Member Corkran [1:22:52]
Dr. Massie introduced modifications to Policy 519, aiming to update attendance practices. The changes include allowing processes for make-up work for absent students, removing grade reductions for absences (even unexcused), and clarifying language regarding student sports and activity participation. The intent is to shift focus to student learning rather than punitive measures for absences.
Fund Balance Policy 1714
Dissent: Member Tyson and Member Corkran strongly opposed the remediation clause and moved to strike it. Member Rebeline and Member Castle expressed support for accountability measures.
Moved by Member Corkran [1:35:46] (to amend) · Seconded by Member Tyson [1:35:50]
Director Renberg presented a revised Fund Balance Policy 1714, maintaining a 6-10% unassigned fund balance target and including a new remediation clause. This clause proposed a $1 monthly reduction in board member compensation if the projected fund balance fell outside the target range quarterly. Member Tyson and Member Corkran voiced strong opposition, deeming the remediation punitive, impractical due to projection variability, disrespectful, and unique among peer districts. Member Castle suggested that the clause could be suspended for strategic decisions, promoting transparency. No final vote was taken, and the item was deferred for future action.
Notable Quotes (13)
I just want to make a motion that we hold an election. I think we owe all these candidates that to have an election.
I'm concerned that we are unnecessarily convoluting what we need to do here and so that people are it's tricky and people aren't you know it's it's unnecessarily con convoluting the thing. Can we just amend the motion to say that we are just going to have an election?
No individual receiving a majority of votes, that will close this process and we will move to the consent agenda.
The proposed contract period is for two years. Uh the previous superintendent contract was for three years. The salary amount in the proposed contract is toward the midpoint of the posted salary range of 190,000 to $230,000 um per year.
I thought the process was really well and uh working with JP really, you know, and with all this the ESST and some of the new nuances with all the medical and then there was just a lot uh to learn and having a law firm really look at it was really helpful because we were starting on a bad path at the beginning and then we realized no, we need to really have that nailed down. So, I think we worked back and forth. I think it was a fair compromising contract.
It's an honor uh to have been selected by this board. Uh you know me well and you still chose me. So, I I appreciate that a great deal. It's also a little daunting to walk in the shadow of the person I'm following.
I was just going to wish Cheryl a wonderful retirement. 15 years at Forest View. That's quite an accomplishment. But I wish her well and have a great retirement ahead of her.
This is in response to uh Minnesota statute that came out of the 2023 legisl legislative session uh requiring school districts to put in place a plan for how we were going to provide translation services to families. I am happy and proud to say that there's really nothing new in our plan that we haven't been doing for years.
In in essence, we're updating uh our our practice with respect to largely through this policy serving kids who are absent and allowing processes for kids to make up work. I think it is uh moving the policy in a more contemporary time where the the reflection is on student learning, not punishment for being absent.
So, in this remediation part, and I I'm just reiterating what I said before that I think it's punitive and it's kind of silly and a little irrelevant because if you get to that point, you know, it's the pay that we receive is a drop in the bucket. It's not going to make any difference.
We are policy makers only. We're not like we're not running the day-to-day going to the bank and checking what our you know that is not our role by being penalizing us as a governing body treats us like we're almost criminal in a way and I don't like to be treated that way.
I think accountability in the policy is a really good thing. The policy has language directing the business director and the superintendent to monitor that to manage that. Your accountability is with the superintendent.
This just shows that we understand that massive responsibility and we are accountable for it. Even if it's not I we don't make a fortune here... but it shows that we understand the the the incredible responsibility that we have and we at least have some skin in the game.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Five-year grant for student wellness, ending July 1st.
New grant replacing PCN, funded until 2030.
Requires school districts to adopt a Language Access Plan.
District plan for providing translation services to families.
District policy on student absences and academic implications.
District policy defining targets and management of unassigned fund balance.
Employment agreement for the incoming superintendent.
Grant for growing vegetables at elementary schools for SAC summer programs.
Mentioned regarding Gail Tyson's spotlight.