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At our most recent School Board Meeting, held on Monday, September 13, the decision was made to cancel the optional Public Forum and close the board meeting early after approving the consent agenda that contains items necessary for the operation of the School District. These decisions were made because community members entered the board room without following COVID safety measures that were clearly communicated and posted, making the meeting unsafe for participants.

White Bear Lake Area Schools’ average proficiency rates remained above the State rates in all subject areas for Spring 2021, with Reading scores at 56%, Math scores at 45% and Science scores at 47%. WBLAS grade 5 had the highest proficiency rate in Reading (68%), Grade 3 in Math (57%) and Grade 5 in Science (54%)

The district recently mailed an end-of-the-year Bear's Update to all district residents.

White Bear Lake Area Schools are currently accepting enrollment for the 2021-22 school year. Families can choose traditional in-person school or the district's Distance Learning Academy.

Thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Nutrition Services is able to extend free meal pickup this summer to any child 18 and under who is not receiving meals during on-site programming. Meals are also available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs for people who are mentally or physically disabled. 

At the April 16, 2021 School Board Special Session, the School Board approved the School Start Time Change proposal to be implemented in the fall of 2021-22.

Key factors of the proposal include:

• Alignment with Strategic Plan.
• Alignment adolescent sleep research.
• Mitigation of traffic impact.
• A more efficient, three-tiered transportation system.

The 2021-22 Academic Calendar was approved at the January 11, 2021 School Board meeting. 

Principals, Board liaisons, district leaders and construction partners gathered recently to celebrate groundbreakings at construction sites currently underway throughout the district. 

The projects include an additional gymnasium at the current South Campus; additions at Lincoln, Matoska International, Vadnais Heights and Willow Lane Elementary Schools; and a brand new Transportation Building.

The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named White Bear Lake Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak as the 2021 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year. Dr. K was selected for this honor by a panel of representatives from a variety of Minnesota education organizations. Nominees are evaluated on how each candidate demonstrates leadership for learning, communication skills, professionalism, and community involvement.

As the district continues the planning process for the new elementary school in Hugo and the new unified high school, an important component of the design and construction phases is to have a principal named for each building so that key decisions can be made to ensure a successful opening. 

At the July 13, 2020 School Board meeting, the School Board ratified the sale of the refinancing of leases related to the 2013 and 2014 gymnasium additions at Lakeaires, Matoska and Willow Lane Elementary Schools.