Chisago Lakes board approves community-education rate increases, ends charter-authorizer role; students raise bathroom-access concerns
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Summary
At its meeting the Chisago Lakes School District board approved modest community-education fee increases and several routine personnel and program actions, voted to end the district's role as a charter-school authorizer, and heard student representatives raise concerns about restricted bathroom access in the high school.
The Chisago Lakes School District Board of Education on Wednesday approved a package of routine and substantive actions including a 2% increase to some community-education fees, accepted multiple donations, and voted to end the district's role as a charter school authorizer while hearing student representatives report on extracurricular activities and problems with bathroom access.
Director of business services Robert reported enrollment and budget trends to the board. "PCR enrollment is going down again...we're at 32 19, I believe, right now," Robert said, and told the board that the DBS monthly report shows general fund revenues and expenditures "in line with the other years" and that he is preparing a revised budget for the current year to bring back to the board.
The report matters because it frames near-term budget choices. Superintendent Brad Deetz said the district is "seeing a lot of cuts that are gonna come down the road for districts across the state" and that local advocacy is ongoing with lawmakers.
Student representatives provided updates on school events, activities and competitions and called attention to a recurring student concern about limited bathroom access. Gabe, a student representative, said the district's current approach has left many students struggling to use restrooms during the day: "the bathrooms are closed, and I think it's extremely, difficult for people throughout the day to simply use that resource." Gabe said some bathrooms that are open lack doors and students face long walks between classes and available facilities.
The board took several formal actions during the meeting. The consent agenda passed; the board separately approved a volunteer seventh-grade basketball coach contract with a recorded abstention by board member Sarah because the volunteer is her husband. The board accepted donations from local organizations by roll call (Laura: yes; Josh: yes; Ren: yes; Jen: yes; Jeff: yes; Laurie: yes) and approved the annual American Indian Education form.
In a notable procedural action, the board voted to notify the Minnesota Department of Education that the district will end its role as a charter school authorizer, citing Minnesota Statute 124E.05, subdivision 7. The letter — read to the board during the meeting — says the district will cease authorizer duties effective June 30, 2026, and that the district has informed the charter school it currently authorizes, Trio Wolfrey.
The board approved the community-education rate adjustments presented by Dan, director of community education. Dan said the district is proposing a modest, phased set of increases to avoid larger jumps in future years, including a 2% increase for some preschool options and a change to the registration fee and summer program rates. Specific changes discussed include raising the standard registration fee from $25 to $35 and modest per-session and daily adjustments intended to keep prices competitive with neighboring districts; Dan also told the board the district will begin offering monthly locker rentals at the WCC for $12 per month (rental includes the lock). Board members noted comparisons showing Chisago Lakes' fees remain lower than many nearby programs and described the increases as carefully calibrated.
On special education administration, the board approved transferring oversight of a program principal position to the outside provider that operates the district's Level 4 program. The district's staff said the contract change is meant to streamline supervision and clarify accountability where an external agency provides most program direction; staff indicated the program serves a small but steady caseload and that the change followed review by legal counsel and discussions with partner districts.
The board also set a work-session date to address budget reductions and related timelines; members emphasized the need to schedule the meeting promptly to align with the budget calendar.
The meeting closed after routine business. Several board members and staff commended community-education offerings and community partnerships that support mentoring and student-teacher pipelines.
Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: approved (voice vote). - Volunteer seventh-grade basketball coach contract (pulled from consent): motion passed; Sarah abstained. - Donations resolution: approved by roll call (Laura: yes; Josh: yes; Ren: yes; Jen: yes; Jeff: yes; Laurie: yes). - End charter authorizer agreement (notice to Minnesota Department of Education under Minn. Stat. 124E.05, subd. 7): approved (voice vote). - American Indian Education form: approved (voice vote). - Community-education rate increases and policy changes (including registration fee change and locker rentals): approved (voice vote). - Transfer of Level 4 program principal/administration to external provider (as described in meeting): approved (voice vote).