Kare11
Investigation: Robbinsdale School Board ‘dysfunctional’
The investigation started after several members filed complaints against one another in April for offensive and disparaging comments.
ROBBINSDALE, Minn. — The Robbinsdale School Board had its first meeting Wednesday since the results of a scathing investigation into its members was released.
The group, Red Cedar Consulting, found the members’ conduct is so dysfunctional that they aren’t fulfilling their duties and their actions are disrupting the district.
The drama dates back months when some members first filed a series of complaints against one another in April. Three months earlier Board Chair ReNae Bowman admitted to KARE 11’s Jennifer Hoff the board was already in disarray then.
And despite the admonishment from that consulting group that performed the investigation, and the board’s own lawyer when the results were first read publicly last week, the chaos continued at Wednesday’s meeting.
Some board members seemed confused about the process to make a motion and amend the agenda, while others stated they wanted to censure another. Ultimately, the group approved to continue discussing the investigation results.
“I don’t know what the magic potion is to have an olive branch stick at the table,” said Bowman. “What’s worse is we all believe in public education. All seven of us have ideals exactly the same.”
Four members were elected last year and Dr. Teri Staloch was approved as the district’s newest superintendent in May. Many are hopeful she can right the ship as the district did hire dozens of new teachers and nearly closed a $17 million budget deficit this year.
“She is qualified, she is competent, she knows what she’s doing, but what’s clear to me as this board chair, is we have work to do,” said Bowman.
A recent external investigation into the board found six of the seven members responsible for violating its values and norms agreement. The district’s lawyer telling them they are not leading by example.
“It’s demoralizing to the organization as a whole,” said James Martin, Robbinsdale’s counsel. “Regardless of the genesis of the dysfunction or conduct perpetuating this, it’s my professional opinion, it’s got to stop.”
Martin recommended six actions the board could take next that included passing a resolution to follow the rules and undergoing training to re-engaging in mediation or removing certain members. The board isn’t required to take any action.
Two school board members are up for reelection this fall and another isn’t running again. Bowman said there are five new candidates vying for those three spots. She promised the school board members and parents, students and staff that they are focused on finding peaceful resolutions to move forward.
“It can be challenging, it can be trying, but I’m in for the kids,” said Bowman. “They deserve a future.”
Sylvester Hudson walks with a limp and was last seen early on Saturday morning at Millers Landing Senior Living in Minneapolis.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police are asking for the public’s help finding a missing elderly man last seen early on Saturday morning.
According to officials, 74-year-old Sylvester Hudson is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs around 130 pounds. He has gray hair and brown eyes.
Hudson is possibly wearing a black hat, jeans and socks. he walks with a limp and police said he would likely appear confused or disoriented.
The missing man was last seen around 3 a.m. at Millers Landing Senior Living in Minneapolis.
Anyone who sees Hudson is asked to contact officials in one of the following ways:
The annual celebration will feature wagon rides to cider making and sheepdog herding.
MINNETRISTA, Minn — Celebrate the changing of the seasons at Gale Woods Farm.
Located on Whaletail Lake in Minnetrista, Gale Woods Farm offers visitors an educational opportunity to gain an understanding of agriculture, food production, and land stewardship.
Fall Fest will be celebrated Sunday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The annual celebration will feature wagon rides to cider making and sheepdog herding.
Admission is free as is parking which is available throughout the park.
The mocktail is inspired by pumpkin pie spice and Minnesota Grown apple cider.
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — In anticipation of the influx of holiday parties and alcohol consumption that happens in November and December, consumers are increasingly participating in “Sober October.”
A lot of ready-to-drink, new, seasonal, clean non-alcoholic options are in store now, including:
- Nozeco (pronounced like prosecco!) is a sparkling drink made from dealcoholized wine, maintaining the true flavor and experience of wine, without any next-day consequences.
- Sayso looks like a tea sachet that you simply “steep” in cold water (or alcohol).
- Mingle RTD cans are naturally infused, low-calorie botanical beverages in your favorite cocktail flavors, with no artificial sweeteners
- Recess Zero Proof cans are low-sugar, low-calorie mocktails infused with 10mg of naturally occurring caffeine from guayusa and balancing adaptogens like L-theanine and lemon balm.
We’re celebrating Sober October with a mocktail inspired by pumpkin pie spice and one of fall’s best bevvies – fresh pressed, Minnesota Grown apple cider! This is a great drink for sipping at a tailgate, a bonfire or a Halloween porch party.
SPARKLY CIDER-PUMPKIN MOCKTAILS
- 2 tbsp. superfine sugar
- 1 ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice, divided
- pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 lemon wedge
- ½ cup Kowalski’s Minnesota Grown Apple Cider
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée
- 1 tbsp. Kowalski’s Cinnamon or Bourbon Maple Syrup
- 2 tsp. Kowalski’s Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp. Kowalski’s Organic Madagascar Vanilla Extract or Paste
- ice
- non-alcoholic sparkling wine (such as Nozeco) cold, to taste
- fresh Minnesota Grown apple slices, for garnish
- Pour sugar onto a flat-rimmed dish; whisk in 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice and cayenne.
- Moisten the rims of 2 martini or coupe glasses with the lemon wedge; dip the rims in spiced sugar. Set glasses aside.
- Add cider, pumpkin purée, syrup, lemon juice, vanilla and remaining pumpkin pie spice to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice to fill the shaker ⅔ full; shake until the mixture is very cold (about 30 sec.).
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer evenly into the prepared glasses.
- Top each glass evenly with wine; stir gently.
- Garnish mocktails with fresh apple slices.
