The Forest Lake Area Schools board has selected three finalists to fill a vacancy following a tumultuous series of meetings. The decision came after a lengthy session on December 4, 2023, which ended in stalemate and was marked by significant tension among board members.
During the initial meeting, board members struggled to agree on a candidate, leading to the postponement of other critical agenda items. Board member Jill Christenson described the experience as “extremely difficult” and expressed concerns regarding trust within the board.
As a result of procedural complications associated with a resolution passed on November 20, 2023, the board was unable to proceed with its agenda. That resolution had defined the vacancy-filling process but was criticized for creating unnecessary delays. Board Chairman Curt Rebelein stated that other business could not be conducted until the issues surrounding the special order were resolved.
In a follow-up meeting held on December 6, 2023, the board unanimously voted to rescind the November resolution. This change allowed candidates who received at least four votes to advance in the selection process. The three candidates chosen for further consideration are Andi Courneya, Princesa Hansen, and Paul Pease.
Candidates Scot Doboszenski, Laura Ndirangu, and Jim Smith were eliminated from contention due to failing to secure majority support in the previous meeting. Additionally, Kenneth Rutford and Daniel Tuott were removed from consideration after receiving fewer than four affirmative votes on December 6.
Board member Tessa Antonsen expressed gratitude to all applicants for their patience throughout the process. “We apologize for that unknown, and appreciate so much public involvement and interest in this whole process,” she noted during the meeting.
Several board members also addressed the public’s concerns regarding the tension observed during the December 4 meeting. Gail Theisen emphasized the importance of a collaborative environment, stating, “We do not want that to happen again. That was stressful, that was exhausting, and it was so void of why we’re here.”
During the discussion, Rebelein acknowledged his challenging role as chairman in managing the previous meeting’s dynamics. He remarked, “It’s much easier to preside over a meeting where there’s agreement rather than disagreement and gridlock.”
With the candidate list now narrowed to three, Rebelein suggested that the board and the public take time to reflect on the finalists. He indicated that next steps would be outlined by December 8, 2023, and presented at the next board meeting scheduled for December 18, 2023.
The Forest Lake Area Schools board is now poised to move forward in this important selection process, with community engagement playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the district.
