[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6467374,"mediaKeyId","5797327-3809e6482c418053dedca98b2c3e2074","parentId",5797327,"title","Forest Lake board hears clubs and activities report; district unveils application process for student interest groups","audioSeconds",1542,"startMs",2118000,"endMs",3660000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5797327-3809e6482c418053dedca98b2c3e2074&start=2118&end=3660","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5797327-3809e6482c418053dedca98b2c3e2074/thumbnail_2118000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6467374/Minnesota/Forest-Lake-board-hears-clubs-and-activities-report-district-unveils-application-process-for-student-interest-groups","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467374-178e0360b19b28e4c54850100614b82c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773572373&Signature=aJLwuFDn6addJR5bPjx4rgo-~CHGfnCCmX6RwYnNriPtxUUAoIWyMWSQjfM0IXG9vT10UqAWkZ-GpLg0D-bxmsu00k0N8-7bfU-sEMlJowaRReMrFhMhuzwPPAzm5C6wjSrTyucY4FR-3jgpIMFCfUILOcueQ9twZEmyYAKRR1jou16jpPGoon~54wSAwH7jBIQKXxvGYGOl8FGZKcIH9oEho-7~a0MK~3NmOckEGVXlu9iJTmkAtjfkxjbDPGmXJhQVNMZSgy9sb880hE3-MtbGcYqtwfWVS97PtnVXLVsVE5-h2QGf6xh5ZTV1TVaF2zQjI19W39zKbiqR7QKqKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Forest Lake Public School District","date","2025-09-19T14:01:50Z","article","Forest Lake Area Schools on Sept. 18 presented a detailed annual report on student activities and introduced a formal process for starting, reviewing and documenting clubs and student interest groups across the district.

The report, provided by Superintendent Dr. Matthew (JP) Massey with principals and activities staff, grouped extracurricular offerings into four categories under district policies: Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)/youth development activities; school‑sponsored activities (those listed in Schedule C of the teacher collective bargaining agreement); curricular extensions tied to courses; and student interest clubs governed by Policy 18‑01 (limited open forum).

Why it matters: District leaders said student engagement across athletics, music, clubs and school operations supports student well‑being and academic success. Administrators presented participation figures: 1,714 activity registrations across MSHSL/youth development activities representing 895 unduplicated students, plus additional participation in school operations and curricular clubs. They said many students participate in multiple activities, and district staff emphasized the goal of expanding access, transparency and clear supervision for after‑school offerings.

What the new process requires
• Application information: proposed club name, faculty advisor or proposed supervisor, contact information, grade levels served, years the club has existed, objectives, meeting schedule, budget needs, and connection to the district strategic plan and curriculum where applicable.
• For school‑sponsored activities identified in Schedule C: these do not require annual board approval because they are memorialized in the bargaining agreement.
• For curricular extension clubs: administrators will require a demonstrable curricular tie (for example, an environmental club tied to an environmental science course).
• For student interest clubs (limited open forum under Policy 18‑01): students will complete a student interest club application; the principal assigns the faculty supervisor; clubs meeting the legal and policy requirements can operate, and administrators emphasized the district will not use the process to gatekeep lawful student‑initiated clubs.

Administrators said the high‑school media center — visible, camera‑covered and adjacent to the office — will be an initial meeting space for several student interest groups, with supervision by administrators until outgrowth requires additional staffing or locations. Activity buses serving after‑school participants were identified as available on Tuesday–Thursday and staff encouraged students to use those routes where appropriate.

Questions, supervision and equity
Board members asked how students will be supported in completing applications, how advisors will be identified, and whether staff or licensed employees from other buildings may serve as advisors. Administrators said building administrators will assist students with the application and that licensed staff from other buildings sometimes serve as advisors; community education can also house some programs when appropriate. The district said community education programs allow broader access (including community participants) and can be a path for later integration as a school‑sponsored activity.

Next steps
Administrators will publish the application and the working list of current clubs on the district website; as new student interest groups form, district staff will add them to the public list and report membership numbers in future updates to the board. New and returning groups are expected to complete the application process this fall.

Source: Presentation and discussion at the Sept. 18, 2024 Forest Lake Area Schools Board meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","September 18 2025 - School Board Meeting of Forest Lake Area Schools","oneSentenceSummary","Forest Lake Area Schools on Sept. 18 presented a detailed annual report on student activities and introduced a formal process for starting and documenting student interest clubs, curricular extensions and school‑sponsored activities.","taxTitle","FOREST LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",65366,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6467379,"Forest Lake board approves preliminary levy, joins AMSD and adopts MSBA resolution",2246,4288000,6534000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5797327-3809e6482c418053dedca98b2c3e2074&start=4288&end=6534","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5797327-3809e6482c418053dedca98b2c3e2074/thumbnail_4288000.jpg","/articles/6467379/Minnesota/Forest-Lake-board-approves-preliminary-levy-joins-AMSD-and-adopts-MSBA-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467379-9a576e0224a335885a269e8389eb3b2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773572373&Signature=E5RYFFHGbpXXaOcQK-GW-xWbSIJejpNvnv1KXcrVlknasXF3kXTTjDHab0GPVCvi5pHIPET1NymY6x~~MjjFa5fL-xvM6PGeoEaTHGQfixBAc8RjJpJPMj5G9EqIplzf51q5lWYSsNICTqBQki6lKuSqcICWiirpYX7ZSvOdRVX3QuWAzg8RlaI-3KyUHbkeNnwq3r6auPeUZK-mwh2qksUsHmldK8K7zD830YN6H1D-D6WAEY2vgb8ZEcx8Xo2Gjji9v53~ZFSaptOFVVcwawtmTomgJEK5O3xp5IPuX9atmGYFoEyEqdUCR14dKhgRE32h-LPU3eudy-vqZ27SlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forest Lake Area Schools’ Board of Education on Sept. 18 approved several administrative items, including certification of a preliminary property tax levy for pay 2026, authorization to join the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD), and submission of a Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) legislative resolution on transportation funding.

The actions matter because they set the district’s near‑term financial posture and legislative priorities: certifying a preliminary levy preserves the district’s ability to finalize tax requests after state data is finalized; joining AMSD gives the district access to a regional advocacy and professional development network; and the MSBA resolution seeks a larger state share of the district’s transportation cross‑subsidy.

The board certified the preliminary levy as the “maximum” amount to preserve flexibility while state reporting is completed. Director Amber Guy explained the preliminary levy process and said key state reporting categories — including long‑term facility maintenance and some lease and debt items — were not yet available in the Department of Education reports, which is why the board certified the maximum rather than a dollar amount. The board then voted to approve item 7.1 by roll call; the clerk recorded the ayes (Member Ann Thomsen, Member Rebelein, Member Tyson, Member Castle, Member Christensen, Member Corcoran) and Member Haglund absent.

The board next approved membership in the Association of Metropolitan School Districts. The motion authorized joining AMSD for the current year and named Member Corcoran as the district’s primary representative and Member Tyson as alternate. Administration said the district will maintain membership in both its current advocacy group (Schools for Fair Funding / SAF) and AMSD this year and then evaluate whether to continue both memberships. The board approved the motion by roll call with the ayes recorded and Member Haglund absent.

On a separate motion the board adopted an MSBA legislative resolution urging the state to increase the percentage of transportation costs covered by state funding from the current level to 70 percent. Dr. Massey told the board that the district currently subsidizes transportation from its general fund and noted prior incremental steps to increase state coverage; he said the 70 percent figure reflects a past statewide task‑force recommendation. The board approved submitting the resolution by roll call; the clerk recorded the ayes and Member Haglund absent.

Other board business: the consent agenda (items 6.1–6.3) was approved by voice vote; the board appointed a three‑member subcommittee (Members Rebelein, Antonson and Christensen) to review options for the district’s strategic plan revision and report back to the full board; and the meeting adjourned.

Votes at a glance
• 6.1–6.3 (Consent agenda): Approved (voice vote). Details: not specified in the meeting transcript.
• 7.1 Set preliminary property tax levy (pay 2026): Approved by roll call. Clerk recorded ayes by name; Member Haglund absent.
• 7.2 Approve AMSD membership and representatives: Approved by roll call; Member Corcoran designated primary representative; Member Tyson designated alternate; Member Haglund absent.
• 7.3 Appoint strategic plan subcommittee: Approved by voice; subcommittee members named as Members Rebelein, Antonson and Christensen.
• 7.4 Adopt MSBA legislative resolution on transportation funding: Approved by roll call; ayes recorded; Member Haglund absent.

What the board did not decide tonight
• The board certified only the preliminary levy maximum; a final levy dollar amount will be set after state data is finalized and at the December truth‑in‑taxation process.

Sources: Board roll calls and motions on Sept. 18, 2024 meeting; presentations by Director Amber Guy and Dr. Massey.","Forest Lake Area Schools’ Board of Education on Sept. 18 approved several administrative items, including certification of a preliminary property tax levy for pay 2026, authorization to join the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD), and submission of a Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) legislative resolution on transportation funding.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6467369,"Forest Lake reports hiring surge, new educator orientation program and enrollment gains",435,874000,1309000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5797327-3809e6482c418053dedca98b2c3e2074&start=874&end=1309","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5797327-3809e6482c418053dedca98b2c3e2074/thumbnail_874000.jpg","/articles/6467369/Minnesota/Forest-Lake-reports-hiring-surge-new-educator-orientation-program-and-enrollment-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467369-5554c569f69dfa0fdddaaf4d009c8872/orig.mp4?Expires=1773572373&Signature=ZfdrTq5bgtuz1mwiZeHckfLefYOqosMGCKg-FU8vLniV1Y3C9O3SyhPGN1r-8kSXm9m7RgTOFRHQbzOQyazFbAN7~wWg~sxR5uTDuZ0PD3hsuYwnNG0o-iu0EbpBdMV8VTa7ud8yGmj-BshUDd0230NSWKt1uIXESPxJQxO~vgrixYvJ~iQEdPVvQ2CsIUd4aH-vZb01xTQd8ctNGlaXgSUGbAnsUlpkVDSqtFOTnnOf4SK80aQzw2aUHe4Jx5j3sw0-zb6PdiXt5xyHVzNfh1ccZ97yiFDTe4SZIzQMcJllwIPDxrig9rs0VTIObVTLIGneHtGHxKk5q~~~7ZVOnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forest Lake Area Schools reported on Sept. 18 that the district hired roughly 54 new licensed educators for the 2024–25 school year and that fall enrollment is tracking about 155 students above the number used in the district’s budget.

Superintendent Dr. Matthew (JP) Massey and Director/committee members told the board that the district’s new educator orientation and induction program now includes ongoing monthly supports, a new handbook for new teachers, building mentors (two mentors each at the high school and Forest Lake Middle School), peer coaching opportunities, and participation in PLCs (professional learning communities). Administrators said the program aims to improve retention and help newly hired educators “hit the ground running.”

Enrollment and staffing
Dr. Massey said the district is about 155 students higher than budgeted enrollment as of the meeting and that October 1 counts may adjust the figure once students who are technically enrolled elsewhere are reconciled. He said the district has seen growth from new housing, open enrollment from neighboring districts, homeschool transfers and charters.

On hiring and retention, administrators said they did not add 54 new positions; rather, the count reflected replacements for retirements and moves. The board discussed local practices that support retention, including engagement with the local chamber of commerce, which coordinates an annual luncheon that introduces new teachers to community businesses.

Next steps and staff feedback
Board members asked about returning a teacher survey; administrators said conversations are underway about reinstating a staff survey similar to past cycles. The district also reported administrative plans to keep building principals and central staff involved in monthly mentoring and to continue bringing additional supports as needed.

Source: Curriculum, instruction and equity report and staff welfare updates at the Sept. 18, 2024 Forest Lake Area Schools Board meeting.","District leaders reported hiring about 54 new licensed educators for 2024–25, described an expanded multi‑tier onboarding and mentor program, and said fall enrollment is running roughly 155 students above the budgeted projection. The board discussed teacher retention, mentorship, and plans for a staff survey.","actionData","errors"]

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Forest Lake board hears clubs and activities report; district unveils application process for student interest groups

Forest Lake board approves preliminary levy, joins AMSD and adopts MSBA resolution

Forest Lake reports hiring surge, new educator orientation program and enrollment gains