Board opens applications to fill vacancy, sets July 24 deadline and rubric discussion

The Forest Lake Public School District board agreed on June 25 to open applications to fill a board vacancy and to set a short timeline for review.

Legal guidance presented at the meeting explained the board has a statutory duty to make an effort to fill a vacancy unless the resignation occurs within 90 days of an election. The board was advised it remains outside the 90-day window for the Nov. 3 election and therefore must attempt to fill the seat until Aug. 3.

Member Tyson proposed limiting discussion of individual candidates in public sessions and instead having board members each send five priority selection criteria to the chair and vice chair; the board generally supported developing a rubric that will be discussed at the July 16 meeting. The board then moved and seconded a motion to open applications using the same application form from the previous process, with applications due by close of business on July 24; the motion carried.

The timeline discussed at the meeting anticipates developing selection criteria on July 16, reviewing applications and interviewing candidates, and a possible appointment vote on Aug. 6 so the appointee could become a voting member approximately 30 days after appointment. Board members emphasized following a transparent rubric-based process and avoiding public discussion that could disparage applicants.