Forest Lake School Board Reverses Course on Replacement Process
A contentious resolution proposed by the Forest Lake School Board has been withdrawn from the agenda, following concerns over its legality. The original plan was to accept the resignation of board member Luke Hagglund and immediately appoint his successor, Scot Doboszenski, at Thursday night’s meeting. However, an attorney for Education Minnesota raised objections, stating that this approach would be in violation of the law.
Resignation and Replacement Process
Instead, the board will now vote to accept Hagglund’s resignation, effective at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, and then determine the process and timeline for filling the resulting vacancy. By law, the vacant seat must be filled by appointment, with the appointee serving until the next school board election. Hagglund’s term was set to expire on January 4, 2027, and he cited “personal reasons” for his resignation.
The original agenda item had proposed the appointment of Doboszenski to fill the remainder of Hagglund’s term, with Hagglund himself intending to vote on the appointment. However, Education Minnesota’s attorney, Jonathan Reiner, argued that this would be illegal, as Hagglund would be voting on his own successor. Reiner stated that only the remaining board members are permitted to vote on filling the vacancy.
A New Approach
The board has now revised its approach, with a new agenda item calling for discussion and determination of the process and timeline for filling the vacancy. The revised plan is seen as more transparent and democratic, allowing for greater public input and scrutiny. According to the revised agenda, the vacancy must be filled by board appointment, with the appointee serving for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Board Chairman Curt Rebelein welcomed the change, stating that it would “work out for the better.” Rebelein acknowledged that the original plan had been based on precedents from other boards, but recognized the need to pivot and adopt a more transparent approach. The attorney for Education Minnesota, Jonathan Reiner, commended the board for its decision to change course, citing the importance of compliance with the law and a more democratic process.
The Forest Lake Education Association has also expressed support for the revised approach, with President Rich Elliot stating that the association’s members are “pleased the board has decided to approach filling the vacancy with more transparency.” Elliot emphasized the importance of public input and credibility in the process, noting that “more discussion and opportunities for public input can only help to give this process the credibility that it deserves.”
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