Forest Lake Board Meeting Concludes Without Discussion on Future Special Education Funding
The Forest Lake Area Schools board addressed routine operational matters, staff changes, and leadership goals, but specific details regarding potential special education funding reductions were not part of the recent agenda.
The Forest Lake Area Schools board convened for a recent meeting, navigating through a diverse agenda that included staff recognitions, operational updates, and an outline of the Superintendent’s vision. However, discussions concerning future special education funding cuts, a topic of growing concern for many districts statewide, were not explicitly addressed in the available records of the meeting.
Among the items that did come before the board was the acknowledgment of generous community support. Landmark Student Transportation was recognized for a significant donation towards a picnic, an act praised by board members for its community spirit.
That's a that's a large sum for a picnic. I think that is very generous of Landmark Student Transportation. So, thank you for that.
The meeting also took a moment to recognize long-serving staff members preparing for retirement, particularly bus drivers. The departures underscored the ongoing cycle of personnel changes within the district and the valuable contributions made by employees over the years.
Sad to see the bus drivers retiring, but Mhm. Uh you'll miss them.
Superintendent Outlines Goals for Accessibility and Learning
Superintendent Jacobson provided insights into their strategic priorities for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and accessibility. The Superintendent articulated a clear desire to be a visible and approachable leader within the Forest Lake Area Schools community.
I just think it's really important that the people of this school district know their superintendent and the superintendent puts considerable effort into being accessible, available, visible, and and being able to speak to the people who work within the system, the people who count on the system and the people who through tax dollars contribute to our system.
Acknowledging their tenure as a first-year superintendent, Jacobson expressed a proactive approach to leadership development and a determination to quickly grasp the intricacies of the role.
I'm a I think it's everybody knows I'm a first year superintendent and I want to I have my own learning curve into the position and I want a steep learning curve. I want to learn quickly.
In other operational news, the board discussed logistical challenges posed by local infrastructure projects. Major road closures, including Eureka Road and 97 Road, were highlighted as impacting busing routes within the district. Updates on school facilities were also mentioned, with improvements such as new playgrounds at Scandia and Columbus elementary schools, and updated lighting at the Wyoming media center, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance learning environments across Forest Lake Area Schools.
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Votes (3)
Donations
Dissent: None
Moved by Member Castle [1:31:20] · Seconded by Unknown [1:31:25]
The board reviewed and approved two donations: $135.94 from Jamie Papa to the Community Education Athletic Program and a significant $6,000 from Landmark Student Transportation for the staff welcome picnic. Board members expressed appreciation for the generosity.
Staff Retirement Notices
Dissent: None
Moved by Member Castle [1:32:40] · Seconded by Unknown [1:32:45]
The board reviewed and approved the retirement notices for two bus drivers, Loren Waldron and Charles Elmer, both from the transportation department, acknowledging their years of service. Board members expressed their gratitude and also commented on the challenges of filling such positions.
Superintendent Jacobson's Goals for 2026-2027 Academic Year
Dissent: None
Moved by Member Rebeline [1:37:30] · Seconded by Unknown [1:37:35]
Superintendent Jacobson and Board Chair Rebeline presented four collaborative goals for the academic year: building trust and leadership credibility, leading learning (including strategic plan development), fostering teamwork with the board, and personal growth as a first-year superintendent. These goals are to be reviewed mid-year and in a closed session at year-end. A suggestion was made to include AMSD opportunities for professional growth, but no formal amendment was moved.
Notable Quotes (4)
That's a that's a large sum for a picnic. I think that is very generous of Landmark Student Transportation. So, thank you for that.
Sad to see the bus drivers retiring, but Mhm. Uh you'll miss them.
I just think it's really important that the people of this school district know their superintendent and the superintendent puts considerable effort into being accessible, available, visible, and and being able to speak to the people who work within the system, the people who count on the system and the people who through tax dollars contribute to our system.
I'm a I think it's everybody knows I'm a first year superintendent and I want to I have my own learning curve into the position and I want a steep learning curve. I want to learn quickly.
Ordinances & Resolutions (14)
An early intervention program for students struggling in literacy, math, and academic behaviors, funded by state aid.
A broad framework of programs used to provide systematized supports and extensions for students across all school levels.
Universal screening program used in the district to assess students in fall, winter, and spring for identifying intervention needs.
An organizational curriculum used by Linda Fornell for students needing support with time management, organization, and executive functioning skills.
Training for secondary educators on content area disciplinary literacy, aligning with research-based intervention strategies.
A fund established in 1856 from land revenues, providing financial aid to schools across Minnesota, subject to a proposed amendment to increase its distribution rate.
Document outlining the superintendent's responsibilities and the framework for developing and evaluating his annual goals.
Superintendent's initial plan for establishing leadership credibility and engaging with the school district community.
A framework presented by Gail Gilman for evaluating the superintendent's performance against established goals.
The financial plan for Fiscal Year 2027, including revenue, expenditures, and fund balance projections.
The financial plan for Fiscal Year 2028, discussed in terms of future challenges and funding.
A board policy implemented to transparently categorize and manage district financial reserves, specifying targets for unassigned fund balance.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports matrices, updated across elementary schools to reflect the unified 'Rangers' mascot.
A publication by the MSBA (formerly the journal) containing articles and information for school board members, including on the Permanent School Fund.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Middle School Literacy & Math Interventions (ADSIS program)
Permanent School Fund Amendment
School District Enrollment Trends & Budget Impact
New Elementary School Boundaries & Transportation Challenges
High School Cell Phone Policy
All-Facilities Status (1A) & Building Maintenance Funding
Contracted Staffing & Budget Shifts
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