Forest Lake Area Schools — Transcript
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Fund Balance Policy and Transparency
District Marketing and Community Engagement
Adult Community Programming and New Position
Language Access Plan Development
Read Act and Teacher Professional Development
Attendance Procedures Policy Revisions
Math Curriculum Identification and Enrollment Update
Votes (2)
Permission to Bid Dishwashers
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Director McGee requested permission to publish a construction bid for the replacement of three dishwashers at Linwood Community School and Columbus. The bid process involves publication in the Pioneer Press on April 27th, bid opening on May 18th, and school board approval on May 21st.
Finance Department Reorganization
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Director Ramberg presented a proposal to restructure the finance department in response to legislative changes, particularly the Minnesota Paid Family Leave Act, and staff turnover. The reorganization aims for cost-neutrality by eliminating two clerical level three positions (including a currently vacant one) and creating a new Senior Accountant for Benefits and Leave, plus converting a payroll coordinator to a specific leave coordinator role. The goal is to streamline processes, eliminate roadblocks, and improve employee support regarding leave and benefits.
Notable Quotes (4)
The bid would be published in the Pioneer Press since it is more of a construction bid and then we look to open it up April 27th and then or excuse me, put out the bid April 27th, open the bids May 18th with school board approval on May 21st. With that, administration will recommend permission to bid dishwashers.
So, cost neutral wise, we look to eliminate two positions that are clerical level threes... And then, we would go ahead and just create one new position that is a senior accountant for leave and benefits...
We really feel like that one is going to be huge for our employees because as we navigate all these types of leaves, they have questions. They want to know what's best... And they want that one person to contact.
I love org charts and thank you for that. I love the clarity of an org chart, but I noticed that you're not on the proposed organizational chart.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Model policy used as a basis for the district's fund balance policy and other policies.
New law implemented January 1st, a key driver for the finance department reorganization.
Legislation mandating teacher training in the science of reading.
New state-mandated plan requiring districts to provide translated materials and interpretation services.
District policy undergoing recommended revisions.
Digital accessibility standard for website and content.
New standards that a math curriculum needs to serve.