Carlton board 'slightly discouraged' by tone

The Carlton school board met Monday in a working session devoted mostly toward preparing for the next night’s consolidation committee meeting with Wrenshall.

Carlton was still smarting from a set of emails exchanged primarily between the board chairs regarding information and agendas. The messages are terse, and like all emails had the potential to stir up raw emotions if written or received in a tone not intended.

A March 4 meeting between the consolidation teams was intended to smooth over the disagreements and was partially successful, but Carlton board members expressed disappointment on Monday.

“I was just slightly discouraged,” said board member Ryan Leonzal. “I expected it to go a little smoother than it did. … I genuinely worry about how future meetings are going to go. And that was slightly heartbreaking to me.”

Laura Nilsen acknowledged the same feelings, but added, “But I also don’t want to give up.” Leonzal agreed.

Nilsen reminded the group that the process is not going to be perfect.

The frustration expressed was exacerbated by an incident last week when a message went out to Wrenshall and Carlton parents about transportation to and from team sports.

According to superintendent Donita Stepan, a communication from Wrenshall’s activities director was sent to Carlton parents and students reminding people that all athletes had to ride the school bus to practices and games, a long-standing policy for Wrenshall — but not for Carlton, which had a long-standing policy allowing private transportation.

The message was relayed by Carlton’s administrative assistant, bypassing superintendent Stepan and Carlton’s athletic director. In the end, Stepan reiterated that Carlton’s policy had not changed, but she had to spend considerable time countermanding the order.

There was broad agreement among the Carlton board on moving forward on consolidation and on finding an experienced consultant to mediate the merger process. The board wanted the business managers of the two districts to meet at an early date to discuss financials.