Forest Lake Area Schools Board Reviews Operations, Superintendent Shares Vision
While the district board addressed routine matters and Superintendent Jacobson outlined future goals, specific policy discussions regarding high school cell phone use were not on the agenda for this meeting.
The Forest Lake Area Schools Board of Directors convened for a meeting that focused on essential district operations, staffing updates, and the superintendent’s strategic vision for the upcoming academic year. Although there has been community interest in various student-related policies, a specific discussion regarding a high school cell phone policy was notably absent from the items addressed during this session. Board members and Superintendent Lisa Jacobson highlighted aspects of district management, including community support, staff transitions, and the superintendent's commitment to accessibility.
Superintendent Jacobson shared her long-term goals for the 2026-2027 academic year, placing significant emphasis on transparency and active community engagement. She underscored her commitment to being an accessible and visible leader within the district. "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," said Superintendent Jacobson, outlining her dedication to fostering strong connections within the school community.
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 district business, board members acknowledged a significant donation that will benefit students. Member Antonsen specifically recognized the contribution from Landmark Student Transportation.
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 board also reviewed staff retirement notices, recognizing the years of service from departing employees. "Sad to see the bus drivers retiring, but Mhm. Uh you'll miss them," commented Member Corkran, acknowledging the impact of these departures on the district’s operational team. Operational updates also included discussions around upcoming critical road closures, specifically Eureka Road and 97 Road, which are anticipated to affect busing services and necessitate careful logistical planning for student transportation.
Ongoing facility improvements were noted across the district, including new playgrounds installed at Scandia and Columbus elementary schools, and updated lighting at the Wyoming media center, reflecting broader campus enhancements. Superintendent Jacobson also highlighted her continued communication with the community through her regular articles published in the Forest Lake Times, further reinforcing her commitment to maintaining transparency and public accessibility within the Forest Lake Area Schools district.
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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
All-Facilities Status (1A) & Building Maintenance Funding
Contracted Staffing & Budget Shifts
Future Special Education Funding Cuts
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