Embedded Files
3/25/2026
Forest Lake Times
"Christenson started the board discussion by pointing out that Morehead is a longtime community member, former school board member, a member of the Forest Lake Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as the Forest Lake Rotary Club and Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Christenson also highlighted that Morehead was inducted into the Forest Lake Area Schools Hall of Fame in 2019.
“She is also tested and has won several elections [and] been chosen by the community,” Christenson said. “She won her elections with solid support. She’s active in local government, lots of Forest Lake Area connections. I would argue there really isn’t anywhere you could go in Forest Lake that you don’t run into Karen Morehead.”
Christenson also highlighted that Morehead’s reference letters came from former Forest Lake superintendent Linda Madsen, Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Nannette LaNasa, and Republican Sen. Karin Housley."
2/11/2026
St. Paul Pioneer Press
"The roadblock resulted from a "special order" resolution, crafted by Rebelein, that effectively required the vacancy to be resolved before any other business could be conducted. That meant that bills were not paid, the levy was not certified, and the audit was not accepted."
1/28/2026
Forest Lake Times
Before the board started voting, Theisen said it was a “tough decision” because all three finalists are “very well,” but she said Courneya was her top choice — citing his STEM and mentorship work, as well as positive feedback she heard from people who serve on the policy committee with him. Corcoran also commented on Courneya, saying he has “a collaborative way about him” and is a “very good listener” and “very knowledgeable.”
12/9/2025
Forest Lake Times
"Forest Lake Area School Board President Curt Rebelein, Jr. made the motion to set a special meeting date for Wednesday, Dec. 10 after school board members Gail Theisen, Julie Corcoran, and Jill Christenson left the meeting at roughly 2 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 after the board could not come to a consensus on an appointment for the empty school board seat."
12/5/2025
Pioneer Press:
Forest Lake school board deadlocks on filling vacancy, holding up other business
"The decision to appoint Doboszenski came from discussions with Hagglund around mid-October, Rebelein said, as Hagglund began to realize he likely would be moving out of the community.
Past councils and other precedent, Rebelein said, have appointed the past top vote-getters from the most recent election, which would’ve been Laura Ndiragu. However, according to Rebelein, they both agreed that Ndiragu would’ve been “too polarizing” and that’s when Hagglund suggested Doboszenski to Rebelein. The potential for Hagglund to vote on the appointment of Doboszenski prompted a letter by lawyers from Education Minnesota that said that would be illegal."
“However, before member Hagglund’s resignation becomes effective, the board will vote on an appointment to fill his vacancy that does not yet exist,” attorney Jonathan Reiner wrote in a letter to School Board Chairman Curt Rebelein on Wednesday. “Further, Hagglund himself could vote on the appointment to fill his vacancy. Voting on an appointment that does not exist and allowing Hagglund to vote on his successor violates the law. … Only remaining members of the board may vote to fill the vacancy. If the board “violates the law,” Reiner wrote, the Forest Lake Education Association has authorized Education Minnesota to file a writ of mandamus in Washington County District Court “to order the board to comply with the relevant law and to pursue any other available legal remedies.”
10/4/2025 Minnesota Star Tribune
"Jill Christenson, Julie Corcoran and Gail Theisen voted against it, saying the letter had not been included in the meeting’s agenda and they had not seen it beforehand.
They also said the district’s lawyer had not been consulted on the letter.
Rebelein said he drafted it with the help of private attorneys and rushed to do so because of the 10-day timeline set by the federal government.
He said he was not aware of a transgender athlete currently participating in girls' sports in the district."
9/11 Forest Lake Times
8/28 Forest Lake Times
“I think it is good to review the board bills and, of course, to be good stewards of the district’s finances, but I just want to remind us all that was not the genesis of this discussion,” Christenson argued, saying that the real genesis of discussing vendors was after Hagglund recommended that review, noting some of the public speakers at the June 26 meeting were local business owners — who identified themselves as such — each spoke against the policy proposals on removing student groups and removing the explicit ban on KKK insignia, the confederate flag, and the swastika.
“They were not out of order. They were not shouting. They were not yelling profanities. They all three — the three I’m thinking of — are also parents in the district, community members, business owners, and they were critical — just to remind the board — they were critical of the policy that was being discussed. They were not critical of the district in and of itself. So, I think it’s fine to have this kind of discussion, but I just want to remind us all what brought us here,” Christenson said, adding she feels that the vendor review can be handled in the finance committee or behind the scenes.
8/14 Forest Lake Times
“In 2022 during the Linwood car show, your campaign ad with some of your faces appeared under the Confederate flag,” Nelson said, referencing Rebelein’s car — a replica of the General Lee vehicle from the fictional show “Dukes of Hazzard” that has a Confederate flag painted on the roof, and that Rebelein brought to the Linwood Family Fun Days in 2022. “When questioned, you claim no one had a problem with it,” Nelson continued. “Well, I’m someone, and I had a serious problem with it then, and I have a serious problem now.”
7/31 Forest Lake Times
"While Hagglund did not specify which businesses he was referring to, invoices from both Forest Lake-based Lakes Floral (owned by Forest Lake Mayor Blake Roberts) and Big Apple Bagels (owned by local resident Ashley Bulmer) were on the list to be approved by the board that night, and both owners had criticized the board publicly at the June 26 meeting.
Christenson then asked Hagglund if people have First Amendment rights.
“Absolutely but they’re coming in here not as a community member, but stating themselves as a business owner, and some of those are the same business owners that we do business with as a district,” Hagglund said. “So, adding to the disruptions that we’ve had over the last few months, maybe we just need to look at [it], that is all I’m saying.”
7/23 Forest Lake Times
“Comments about community members “screaming the loudest,” “screaming at the board,” “the disruption is from anti-bullying group,” “those groups are the same ones that have been sending threatening messages, harassing, and getting upset," it is clear that they have no intention of representing the community. These comments are unfounded, inflammatory, and disrespectful. The students, staff, and taxpayers of the district deserve responsiveness and accountability, not retaliatory policies intended to mute criticism of harmful policies."
"If the goal is to reduce drama, this board might start by reducing provocation. Surprise punitive policy, threats to businesses, and intolerance to applause are escalating the chaos they claim to oppose. Rebelein and Hagglund say they’re restoring order. What I see is a deepening division and a purposeful dismissal of community voice. Forest Lake deserves steadier leadership."
"It broke my heart to see the standing room only group of our citizens who had given up their time to come and show their support for the students and school administration and then listen to 25 of our great parents, teachers and community leaders speak up with one voice, only to be ignored. The arrogance of those four to go against the Administration, fellow board members, and the community they vowed to represent was too much for me."
7/22 Forest Lake Times
“Twin Cities-based first amendment lawyer Mark Anfinson called the resolution “extremely draconian” and unconstitutional, saying it was bound to fail in a court, putting the district in jeopardy of a lawsuit.
The resolution, which wasn’t on the meeting agenda, was introduced by school board president Curt Rebelein, Jr. The resolution, he said, addresses members of the public who are removed from a meeting because of disruptive behavior, specifically noting the disruptions at the June 26 meeting."
7/2 Forest Lake Times
“Given this history, it is relevant and important that the district continue to prohibit these specific symbols from being displayed in any matter on school grounds or school activities,” Massey said. “Furthermore, listing them in the policy enables administration to address issues proactively before disruptions occur or harm is caused to others.”
6/27 CBS News
6/27 St. Paul Pioneer Press
About 25 people spoke during the open-forum portion of the meeting, including former Mayor Mara Bain, who said she could not believe she had to attend the meeting.
“I can’t believe we’re here,” Bain said. “I kept telling myself, ‘This is going to die down. Someone is going to stand up and is going to say, ‘No, wait, this isn’t what we meant. This isn’t the path that we want to be on. This isn’t the path that we should be on here in 2025.’ And yet, here we are again. … I keep telling myself that no elected official is possibly going to vote to remove language that prohibits hate speech. This just isn’t something that elected officials who are in tune with their hearts and their community are going to do. And yet, here we are.”
(Current Mayor) Roberts also spoke during the open-forum portion of the meeting.
“I find it necessary to speak out against the potential removal of the language of the dress-code policy that takes out symbols of hate, genocide and lynching,” Roberts said. “The current policy has served Forest Lake well since it was put in place over 25 years ago. The idea, in 2025, that we are even considering taking those symbols out of this policy is absolutely sickening. How the potential change affects students is most important, but even consideration of this is absolutely counterproductive to everything we do to promote and celebrate Forest Lake. People and businesses do not want to live and do business in communities that are not welcoming and don’t discourage hate and racism.”
6/27 FOX News
"Forest Lake residents who spoke up made it clear they don't want the ban on confederate flags, swastikas and KKK signs or symbols to be removed, with some speakers taking aim at school board members.
"If you are unable to leave your personal religious ideology or racist, transphobic, homophobic etc. views at the door when sitting in those chairs, I cordially invite you to resign from your position immediately," Jenny R. added."
6/26 Forest Lake Times
UPDATE 11:30 P.M.: Policy 1801 has been adopted to include high schoolers and 8th-graders only at the middle school. The vote was 6-1 with Hagglund voting no.
June 26th Pioneer Press
"Rebelein, in turn, said Wednesday that he was "very disappointed" that the mayor was inserting himself in the discussion.
He should take his own advice and stay in his own lane," Rebelein said."
6/21 Star Tribune
6/13 Forest Lake Times
6/13 Forest Lake Times
from 6/9 Board Meeting
The vote to approve payment for the advisors of Open Minds Club and the GSA passed on 6/9. Although this board speaks about open transparency again and again, transparency was lacking again at this board meeting.
Members Theisen, Christensen and Antonsen all vocalized their support in paying these advisors for the importance work they provided to students this year. Shout out to member Antonsen, for visiting the Open Minds club and hear from students directly the importance of the club. Member Kassel did support the passing of the stipends, but made no comments. Board Chair Rebelein and member Hagglund "abstained" from voting. Why? Member Kassel did support the passing of the stipends, but made no comments. Board Chair Rebelein and member Hagglund "abstained" from voting. Why?
The public does not know as both would not share. Seems to be the opposite of transparent. Former board member Karen Morhead summed it up nicely when speaking to the board. “You’re taking on a role that is not yours to take on. …As a board you’re not here to fill your own agenda,” Morehead said.
Originally in response to the activity policies changes, the policy meeting added fuel to the students' outrage by introducing the dress code changes that would allow hate symbols until they "caused a disruption".
Students walked out at 1 p.m. on May 23, 2025.
walkout.mp4
5/21 Forest Lake Times
5/21 Forest Lake Times
Forest Lake Times gives a great accounting of the proposed changes in 515 by Member Curt Rebelein, Jr.
His discussion of the 515 (dress code) was in the same final policy committee meeting discussed below. A 45-minute meeting with protesters for the activity policies, where this and 2 other policies were intended to be discussed...you can imagine, there was very, very limited discussion, and he purposely sat with his back to the crowd. The brief introduction by the admin and the note that the language previously banning KKK, swastikas' and Confederate Flags was struck - followed by his ramble of things he finds objectionable (rainbow flag, Black Lives Matter) and then further talk of what 'someone' might find objectionable; crosses, etc. - all in front of a large group of teens who could not hear him well (remember, back to the crowd avoiding eye contact with the protesters). This created a situation in the schools where there were rumors of endless things, from hair dye to graphic shirts that the school board was going to ban. The trust in Member Rebelein, Jr. is eroded to the point that these rumors spread like wildfire, creating more drama in the school.
5/20 Forest Lake Times
5/20 Forest Lake Times
Forest Lake Times (link to their NewsBreak portal) gives a great accounting of the final policy committee meeting, where 100% of the committee says that middle school should retain access to student interest clubs (Policy 1801).
Our opinion - as people in the room - Member Curt Rebelein, Jr. sat with his back to the group of students and community members assembled protesting this and other changes to the activities policy. He talked freely about how he would not necessarily follow the advice of the policy committee. The discussion of the policy that will absolutely change how clubs will be run at both levels was miserably brief as the chair seems to be employing the 'flood the zone' tactic of bringing forward so many policies at once that careful review in the time given is nearly impossible.
Achievement and Integration Plan
April 6th, 2023:
April 6th, 2023:
Rebelein and Hagglund Walk Out on an A&I Vote
“The purpose of the Achievement & Integration, A&I, … is to pursue racial and economic integration, increase student achievement, create equitable educational opportunities and reduce economic disparities based on students’ diverse racial and ethnic and economic backgrounds,” Superintendent Steve Massey said.
April 13th, 2023:
April 13th, 2023:
Rebelein and Hagglund Walk Out on an A&I Vote AGAIN
March 2025
March 2025
Board Chair Rebelein's 2025 proposal (mid-cycle) removed academic achievement goals for the district's BIPOC students. Rebelein states in a subsequent listening session that he would be willing to sacrifice the $800,000 of state funding if the plan continued to include goals for our BIPOC students.
September 2022
September 2022
2022 election coverage has Curt's thoughts on how "ok" it is to drive his General Lee with the Confederate flag around town.
When asked about what he thought about the flag’s offensiveness, Rebelein said, “That can be said for any and every symbol that’s used anywhere today. I mean, to some people the Black Lives Matter fist, they have a problem with that. To other people, they find the gay pride flag offensive.”
When asked about what he thought about the flag’s offensiveness, Rebelein said, “That can be said for any and every symbol that’s used anywhere today. I mean, to some people the Black Lives Matter fist, they have a problem with that. To other people, they find the gay pride flag offensive.”
This phrase sounds very familiar and was used in the 5/15/25 policy meeting. I think we all know that yes, 'some people' find BLM and the rainbow flag offensive, and they likely include Curt Rebelein, Jr.
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