Forest Lake board votes to close open enrollment for out-of-district students for 2026–27

The Forest Lake Area Schools Board voted Thursday to close open enrollment K–12 for the remainder of the 2026–27 school year, effective Monday, Sept. 21, with the exception of STEP and the district's community school programs.

Superintendent Jacobson explained that open enrollment refers to students who live outside the Forest Lake district and choose to attend its schools; the recommendation was intended to preserve classroom seats for district residents and prevent class-size spikes that can strain teachers. "This proposal or recommendation in front of you would be to do that in all of our schools other than STEP and our community school," Jacobson said.

Board members debated the trade-offs. Some trustees noted the district cannot deny enrollment to families who move into the district during the year, and members discussed reopening enrollment later in the year if capacity permits. Member Castle asked about the drawbacks and benefits; members argued closing open enrollment helps preserve seats for resident students and stabilize classroom composition.

Chair moved approval and Member Clark seconded; the motion carried on an affirmative voice vote.