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