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

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.