[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6449738,"mediaKeyId","5882126-99161292d5b56beacd71863850ff7aa4","parentId",5882126,"title","Forest Lake superintendent Steve Massey to retire; board accepts, launches search","audioSeconds",992,"startMs",5268000,"endMs",6260000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5882126-99161292d5b56beacd71863850ff7aa4&start=5268&end=6260","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5882126-99161292d5b56beacd71863850ff7aa4/thumbnail_5268000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6449738/Minnesota/Forest-Lake-superintendent-Steve-Massey-to-retire-board-accepts-launches-search","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449738-85f773591af690c4b5d8cf06b6628b7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770954994&Signature=EEjqoGYnH-czuJ5GFlf5SHa6xgoFzaGCf9ZLPAKvWbkw3Vi3YiXvOicdtHn8FzguHNaSqdTca4eU1q3LvSFNypFwaUl8HDkcXA3nzl~vewnhH5ghIOdLot3nyWk1lQVxZ8Gi2Hs6Y9EWcod~bCmFLI7Dz6igidHygdBgx5vs5oNXX~vctzcoJA528Fg3wRm3pMzx2CPx7iHq~DzcQOgPV0NjM7wy8gsfYw6t7-Kby7CIXcpXGoOXU0slwZbrV1dO2hsI6eKlNrl4ptI5l2Aw2qs-eBXN-dylThM1RGJuClTfjGN8thMbd5ijWIFikboRhjhici4VuvMShLXvFZxkvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Forest Lake Public School District","date","2025-10-03T01:31:45Z","article","Forest Lake Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Massey announced at the Oct. 2 board meeting that he plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year, effective June 30, 2026. The board voted to accept his retirement and authorized the board chair and vice chair to begin an executive search for his successor.

Massey told the board he is “confident that with exceptionally talented teams … I will be leaving this district in a strong and well positioned place ready to excel into the future.” He said the decision follows a long tenure in district roles and that he looks forward to spending more time with his family after retirement.

Board members responded with extended public recognition. Member Christiansen said Massey’s open-door leadership and presence in schools built trust with families and staff. Member Tyson read a recommendation letter nominating Massey for statewide superintendent recognition and said the board and community will “have big shoes to fill.”

After discussion, the board moved to accept Massey’s retirement and authorize the chair and vice chair to begin an executive search. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with the following recorded as voting yes: Member Haglund; Member Antonson; Member Castle; Member Christensen; Member Rebelein; Member Tyson; Member Corcoran. The motion’s mover and seconder were not named on the record.

Board Chair Rafael then proposed a short recess to allow members time to process the announcement before continuing the meeting. Chair Rafael and multiple board members said they intended to give administration time and a measured process to search for and onboard a successor.

The board did not take other immediate hiring or transition actions at the meeting beyond authorizing the search. Massey said he will continue in his role through June 30, 2026.

Votes at a glance
• Motion to accept Dr. Steve Massey’s retirement (effective June 30, 2026) and authorize chair & vice chair to initiate an executive search — Outcome: approved (roll-call recorded; yes: Haglund, Antonson, Castle, Christensen, Rebelein, Tyson, Corcoran).
• Other formal motions and their outcomes at the Oct. 2 meeting are listed separately in other article records.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","October 2, 2025 - School Board Meeting of Forest Lake Area Schools","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Dr. Steve Massey told the board he will retire June 30, 2026. The Forest Lake Area Schools board voted to accept his retirement and authorized the chair and vice chair to begin an executive search.","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},6449723,"Bleacher captains, Spirit Bus and homecoming highlight high‑school student engagement",564,1440000,2004000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5882126-99161292d5b56beacd71863850ff7aa4&start=1440&end=2004","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5882126-99161292d5b56beacd71863850ff7aa4/thumbnail_1440000.jpg","/articles/6449723/Minnesota/Bleacher-captains-Spirit-Bus-and-homecoming-highlight-highschool-student-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449723-cec6079bf756d911c692a25c7a355732/orig.mp4?Expires=1770954994&Signature=i0H6sSZqyLLRit3vezjJds5~QBDkb2FRtJyKN1JjndDpotzOVYGRv7T19q~cTpzZJ02lHEdIa4usiM-zuUCXmQHFYoprPdsN3XAKZI0v3AQgQvM7e3xtSAJLF6I~HWoreqwWSQPvFuVAw3E3O4LHuL4W8NZ4PMRFTDVECgURKAwp-7GDnEh6tCn6f3YJ4w0tOSh7wphKVS0fU3PKXcqA0O3mC9CnIsZY~duV6-uW6EcjtgQOc7RTLUwl5kuq8pSvWxQBFIry1BqrqkSWzyDnrl1mXlKbgcefTddvc8Usywf0x~wqfPBFE5GAv37f0jdt6etTAm6BYQD-bVZMwtAedQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students and staff from Forest Lake High School described the bleacher captains program, Spirit Bus outreach to elementary schools and recent homecoming activities at the Oct. 2 board meeting.

Principal Jim Caldwell said bleacher captains help lead positive fan behavior at games and model leadership for younger students. Students Connor Johnson and Tanner (last name not specified in the record) described team‑building exercises they attend, how they teach chants to elementary students via Spirit Bus visits, and how captains help with spirit themes and game‑day activities.

Students said the program includes training exercises that develop communication and leadership: examples included group games and a “spirit bus” that brings chants to elementary schools so younger students feel included in homecoming. The captains said about 30 students served as bleacher captains this year; staff and board members praised the program and noted that the football team is 5–0.

Board members asked about how students are selected and whether the program could run more than once per year; students and staff said they would consider scheduling similar events for additional large games if interest remains high. No formal board action was required.","High‑school bleacher captains described leadership work, Spirit Bus visits to elementary schools and homecoming activities. Board members praised the students and staff for fostering school spirit and good behavior.",{"_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},6449728,"Forest Lake Middle School welcomes sixth graders, expands interventions and launches Best Buddies chapter",1540,2320000,3860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5882126-99161292d5b56beacd71863850ff7aa4&start=2320&end=3860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5882126-99161292d5b56beacd71863850ff7aa4/thumbnail_2320000.jpg","/articles/6449728/Minnesota/Forest-Lake-Middle-School-welcomes-sixth-graders-expands-interventions-and-launches-Best-Buddies-chapter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449728-c959df41d3f5e1c99470c057f24e0596/orig.mp4?Expires=1770954994&Signature=PO6seLGS9YzGO-3LKrTGsmXo445976IKwhfU3TrwP1AaI5USI4xp-7LovOI4HqsOcVVO3ufkllyEnWPaDKhXiC38vhz8u8leS-HmiJOW8kTXBL816UkrLpHluu0r-2p6DrsZp75HPKMA8UcyFs00DPzvWlMiBnLQgag8ES~G44tnHb9euvMV8ttPNH2xkqKRJDatfwVb3CrENFxsNcqy4AwSiSxJ0FkUiVaHs4nstwSj2GTjEbIqaxYlMXDW6KLmzYczxEfq547meSBiE6lo5wXfL0LIhUZ8EbRAAnLBiPOHOyR8jM0zHYBRjhb2Kbf1HaqkYxmqXq5GYbg7ON9k4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forest Lake Area Middle School leaders told the board on Oct. 2 that the building has added sixth grade this year, bringing roughly 900 new students into the school and more than 30 new staff members. Principal Ben Miller said the transition has been “energizing” and staff have focused on onboarding and building student connections to support academic and social success.

Miller described several program changes: the school has implemented diagnostic screening for literacy and math under an ATSYS grant to deliver research‑based interventions through interventionists and classroom staff; expanded flex time to three to four days a week to allow for tutoring, intervention and enrichment; and launched an attendance mentor program that pairs staff with students who struggled with attendance last year.

Miller also introduced Best Buddies, a national nonprofit program the middle school began in spring and expanded this year. Sam Van Hefty and special‑education teacher Melissa Gooder described Best Buddies activities that run during flex time and bring general‑education students together with peers who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants have done cooking and craft activities, team‑building games and a spring “friendship walk” event; the program plans fundraising this year and is registered with Best Buddies Minnesota.

Van Hefty said student leaders take responsibility for planning activities and the program aligns with the school’s PBIS goals to build empathy, engagement and empowerment. Gooder said the chapter recruited both students with disabilities and general‑education peers; the first flex‑time offerings had 11 students with disabilities and 18 peers without disabilities participating.

Principal Miller said the school launched a student announcements team of about 34 students to produce daily announcements and to increase student voice. He said the middle school’s start with sixth grade has gone well and that students are “ready to tackle … deep learning experiences.”

No board actions were required for the reports; board members praised the programs and several asked follow‑up questions about how Best Buddies will scale if participation grows.","Principal Miller reported that the middle school added sixth grade this year, welcomed roughly 900 new students and more than 30 new staff, expanded flex time and interventions funded by an ATSYS grant, and launched a Best Buddies chapter to build inclusion.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6449733,"Forest Lake board urges state to comply with Title IX after federal finding; approves girls wrestling commitment",1136,6444000,7580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5882126-99161292d5b56beacd71863850ff7aa4&start=6444&end=7580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5882126-99161292d5b56beacd71863850ff7aa4/thumbnail_6444000.jpg","/articles/6449733/Minnesota/Forest-Lake-board-urges-state-to-comply-with-Title-IX-after-federal-finding-approves-girls-wrestling-commitment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449733-e5447adff1187990f2aca50cac5bf0d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770954994&Signature=edU991nVhbiS6C3XL6qkwU~DGNkNkcq1kajp9Rkd0hhsGDKMUeqEJu-P4~7JsRq~7zoblZHRhd2CjKNRWCHaVHtFcrqoY4agT8a~y6npSRKehwQA~ocT9W8uqMKGa~iBjfRWY3qD6mnrnuIzgAJaXzKzUWoq5hh4Ry~~dudfbSBrMsz2kkeDeVm9HzdUWwMUk2m~61s-ukg4jTALPqOSYudiUx2OkWMXbEF~6euu4JIuF574Z4YrWAF7iWfmNiFSUtcSBEzMTYeWnJT7keWbmk-XxP7f05M-VXiMfDNXrBP-8wd5OotydyPA7cxNCwKgbJdSyQbDekDSvmQscmHlsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forest Lake Area Schools board on Oct. 2 voted to send a letter urging the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) to accept a federal resolution agreement after an Office for Civil Rights (OCR) determination addressing Title IX compliance.

Board Chair Rafael presented a draft letter that said the district “strongly supports immediate compliance with Title IX following a federal determination” and urged the state agencies to accept the federal resolution to protect female athletes’ rights and federal funding. The letter named recipients including MDE Commissioner Willie Jett, the MSHSL board president and executive director, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and it requested overnight delivery to meet the state’s response window.

Member Christiansen objected to the timing and said the board had not seen the draft in advance. She asked that the district attorney review the letter before it was sent. Other board members said the letter was time‑sensitive; a vote to adopt and send the letter carried after a roll call in which some members voted against the action and others voted in favor. The motion passed and the chair and clerk were authorized to sign and send the letter; the board asked administration to provide confirmation of delivery.

Separately, the board considered an “emerging status school commitment form” for a girls team dual wrestling season under the Minnesota State High School League. Dr. Steve Massey said the form expresses district interest in participating if MSHSL sponsors girls wrestling. The board approved that commitment on a voice vote.

Discussion at the meeting included legal and procedural concerns: several members urged legal review and raised process questions about adding the letter to the agenda at short notice. The transcript indicates the OCR document is 61 pages and that the state has a 10‑day response period. The board’s motion to send the letter noted federal enforcement could jeopardize federal funding to schools if state compliance is not achieved.

Actions recorded in the meeting transcript
• Motion to adopt and send the Chair’s Title IX compliance letter to MDE, MSHSL leadership and the Minnesota Attorney General — Outcome: approved (recorded roll call; several members voted no; chair announced “The ayes have it”).
• Motion to approve the district’s commitment form for Minnesota State High School League girls team dual wrestling — Outcome: approved (voice vote).","After a federal Office for Civil Rights opinion, the board voted to send a letter urging the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League to accept federal remediation and to protect girls' sports; the board also approved a commitment form supporting a girls team dual wrestling season with MSHSL.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Forest Lake superintendent Steve Massey to retire; board accepts, launches search

Bleacher captains, Spirit Bus and homecoming highlight high‑school student engagement

Forest Lake Middle School welcomes sixth graders, expands interventions and launches Best Buddies chapter

Forest Lake board urges state to comply with Title IX after federal finding; approves girls wrestling commitment