03:12A key moment in the meeting was the attempt by a board member to introduce a discussion about compliance with Executive Order 14201 related to Title IX. This order pertains to the district’s policy that allows biological boys who identify as girls to participate in girls’ sports. The board member noted that the district had received a letter from Representative Enen, identifying White Bear Lake as one of 15 districts adopting such a policy. Additionally, a letter from the Minnesota Attorney General confirmed the district’s compliance with state laws. Concern was expressed about potential budgetary consequences should the district fail to comply with the executive order. Despite these concerns, the motion to add this item to the agenda did not receive a second and thus did not advance to further discussion. This highlighted ongoing tensions and differing opinions within the board regarding gender identity policies and their implications.

18:45Another topic was the approval of a bid for a roofing project at White Bear Lake Area High School, part of a ten-year long-term facilities maintenance plan. This project aims to address deferred maintenance needs, and the district received four bids for the construction slated for summer 2026. The lowest bid, $353,400 from Peterson Brothers, was recommended due to the company’s previous experience with the district and their understanding of its facilities. After a discussion about funding and timelines, the board unanimously approved the bid.

15:30The meeting also explored several operational aspects, including a review of policy changes scheduled for approval on May 12th. A notable policy under consideration was Policy 512, which involved removing a sentence about editorial control over student expression in school-sponsored publications. The removal was linked to statutory changes, and it was confirmed that the district aims to align policies with state statutes as a standard practice.

07:59In terms of educational initiatives, the board recognized achievements in student activities and programs. The Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence awarded the high school’s automotive career pathway program for its exemplary partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions. Additionally, special education teacher Erica Florzac was celebrated for achieving national board certification, a distinction shared by only a few teachers in Minnesota.

10:04Further discussions extended to community engagement activities. Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak announced an upcoming middle school musical event, “Beetlejuice Jr.,” and a community coffee session aimed at fostering dialogue between the community and the district. The board also acknowledged the efforts of the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation, which submitted 13 Glazer grants for acceptance.

33:47The board forum segment shed light on various community initiatives and programs. The board also emphasized the importance of administrative staff during Administrative Professionals Appreciation Week.