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Forest Lake board approves $3,600 in payments for Open Minds and GSA advisers after public comment
Summary
After public comment and debate about potential grievances, the Forest Lake Public School District board voted to approve $3,600 in payments for two noncurricular advisers — the middle‑school Open Minds co‑advisers and the high‑school GSA adviser — with two members abstaining.
The Forest Lake Public School District Board of Education voted to approve $3,600 in payments for noncurricular activity advisers on June 9, following public testimony in support of the clubs and discussion among trustees about potential legal and personnel consequences.
Supporters told the board the Open Minds Club at the district’s middle school and the high school GSA provide safe spaces for students and deserve compensation. “Open Minds Club helps develop a safe and welcoming climate in our school,” said Laura Livermore, a co‑advisor, reading the club’s purpose as posted on the school activity site. Livermore said 22 students signed up for the club this year and that participation is allowed only with parental permission.
The payments covered adviser work performed during the just‑concluded 2024–25 school year, district administration said. Superintendent Dr. Massey recommended approval, saying the requests were for services already provided.
Board debate focused on two lines of concern: whether the district should pay advisers for clubs some trustees find controversial, and whether refusing payment could expose the district to grievances or discrimination claims. “We need to pay people for work that is performed,” Member Christiansen said. “They went into the year assuming that they would be paid for work that they were asked to perform by their employer.” Member Tyson said withholding pay for the Open Minds Club and GSA could prompt a grievance or discrimination complaint and called payment “black and white” for hours worked.
Chair Rebelein said the total under consideration was $3,600 and noted members’ discomfort with the timing: the advisers had expected compensation earlier in the year. Several trustees said they did not want to withhold pay for work already done even if the board is changing policy going forward.
At roll call, the board recorded four votes in favor, two abstentions and one absence; the motion carried. The clerk recorded Ayes from Member Christensen, Member Tyson, Member Anne Thompson and Member Castle; Member Haglund and Member Revaline abstained; Member Corcoran was absent.
The board did not indicate additional follow‑up on ongoing policy for noncurricular advisers during the meeting. Several trustees said they would consider policy changes to adviser compensation for future years, but no formal direction or amendment was adopted at the June 9 session.
