Applications accepted for Forest Lake school board vacancy – Twin Cities

Forest Lake Area Schools is accepting applications to fill the seat vacated by board member Luke Hagglund, who resigned last week, citing a move out of the district.

Hagglund’s term expires on Jan. 4, 2027. His replacement will serve on the board for the 2026 calendar year.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 20. Depending on the number of applicants, the board will assemble two or three subcommittees, each to select one candidate to be interviewed by the board.

An additional finalist also will be offered an interview from the pool of people who ran for school board last year but did not win a seat, starting with Laura Ndirangu, who received nearly 11.8% of the vote in 2024, coming in fifth behind current board member Tessa Antonsen (12.2%). If Ndirangu declines, the board will offer interviews to Rob Rapheal (11.2% of the vote), Jim Smith (11.2%) and Daniel Tuott (10.6%), in that order.

The applicants selected to be interviewed will be identified by Dec. 1. During the regular board meeting on Dec. 4, board members will interview the selected candidates with the goal of appointing one to fill the vacancy.

Once a candidate is selected, there is a 30-day waiting period prior to final appointment to the school board made on Jan. 3. Orientation of the appointed school board member will be Dec. 5-Jan. 5; a ceremonial oath is planned for the Jan. 8 board meeting.

Minnesota statute mandates applicants meet the following requirements:

• A legal citizen and eligible to vote;
• At least 21 years old;
• Resident of School District 831 for at least 30 days;
• Does not currently occupy any elected public office;
• Does not expect to make over $20,000 as an employee of the district in any fiscal year;
• No record of criminal sexual misconduct for which registration is required.

Luke Hagglund resignation

The original plan for appointing Hagglund’s replacement caused a stir earlier this month.