The Forest Lake Public School District board voted to accept four additional finalists for the vacant trustee seat and discussed procedures for choosing the appointee at its next meeting.

Board President (Speaker 2) moved to add Jim Smith, Andy (name spelled variably in the transcript), Daniel Tuat and Scott Dobosinski as finalists; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote, after which Speaker 2 announced the motion carried. The board noted Mrs. Durango had already been named a finalist under the Nov. 20 resolution, bringing the total to five.

The board framed the process that will be used at the special selection meeting: informal rounds of expressed support (for example, shows of hands or stating who each trustee would prefer) may be used to narrow candidates before a formal resolution is prepared. Speaker 2 said only the formal resolution would constitute the board’s official vote to appoint a candidate; prior rounds of hand-raising or informal polling would guide deliberations but would not be binding.

Several trustees asked for procedural clarity. Speaker 1 asked whether the resolution must be written before voting and whether time limits or a limit on the number of motions to eliminate candidates would be imposed. Speaker 3 said the existing two-speaker limit had been controversial and urged more opportunity for trustees to speak during this important decision. Speaker 2 said speech limits apply to official motions at the table and recommended delaying any official motion until a majority preference emerges.

Board counsel/Advisor (Speaker 4) advised the trustees that if the board encountered an impasse or tie they could move to table the special order and proceed with other business; Speaker 2 noted tabling a special order of business requires a two-thirds majority vote. Speaker 4 also reminded the board of time-sensitive items the district must handle soon, including the 2026 tax levy and audit-related matters.

Speaker 2 asked trustees to review the five applications and interview notes before the Dec. 4 meeting and, if needed, contact candidates in advance. The board agreed to try to reach consensus on one candidate at the selection meeting. With the finalists accepted and next steps clarified, a motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved.

What happens next: The board will take up the selection as the special order of business at the scheduled meeting (per the previously passed resolution referenced in the transcript). Any final appointment will be made by formal resolution at that meeting.

Sources: live transcript of the Forest Lake Public School District special board meeting, Dec. 3, 2025.