Sartell–St. Stephen board elects Matt Morley as chair after heated debate over trust
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Summary
After a fractious organizational meeting marked by repeated nominations and a brief recess, the Sartell–St. Stephen School Board elected Matt Morley chair and later unanimously authorized the chair to seek legal counsel. The session included sharp exchanges about trust among board members.
The Sartell–St. Stephen School Board elected Matt Morley chair on voice votes during its January organizational meeting after prolonged discussion and a short recess.
Acting chair (Speaker 2) opened nominations earlier in the meeting and the board considered several candidates, including Jen Smith and Tricia Milling. The conversation turned contentious as some board members said they lacked confidence in particular nominees to “speak on behalf of the board,” while others pushed for moving past internal divides. At one point Speaker 2 called a five-minute recess to allow members to regroup.
When the meeting resumed, several nominations were withdrawn. Speaker 2 announced the outcome by voice: the board elected Matt Morley as chair and later elected Jen Smith as vice chair by unanimous voice vote.
Following the leadership votes, the board formally authorized — by a subsequent unanimous vote — the newly elected chair to seek legal counsel on the board’s behalf. Speaker 3 moved the authorization and Speaker 1 seconded; the motion passed without opposition.
The election capped a meeting in which members debated whether personal and political differences should disqualify colleagues from leadership roles. Speakers on both sides framed their arguments in terms of trust and the board’s ability to represent the district. No formal censure or disciplinary motions were raised during the meeting.
The board adjourned after completing organizational business.