Forest Lake board closes open enrollment for remainder of 2025–26 school year, сiting strains from boundary changes

The Forest Lake Area Schools board voted to close open enrollment for kindergarten through 12th grade for the remainder of the 2025–26 school year, with an exception for the community school.

Dr. Massey, speaking for administration, said the district welcomed transfer students earlier in the summer and first quarter but that continuing to accept open‑enrollment applicants now would create "an ongoing strain" given current enrollment and pending boundary adjustments for the 2026–27 school year. He told the board that the district will still accept transfer students from local charter and private schools, homeschooled students returning to the district, and students who move into district boundaries.

The motion to close open enrollment was made, seconded and approved by voice vote without further amendment.

Provenance: The open enrollment recommendation and vote are recorded at SEG 400–SEG 444 in the meeting transcript.