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RATE INCREASE: Xcel Energy schedules public hearings PAGES 12-13
Graduation rate among highest in area
Nextera Packaging marks 50 years with new headquarters
The 2025 reported graduation rate at White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) is 97.32%, topping the state rate by 12.38 percentage points. It has increased by 0.80 percentage points from last year, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). WBLAHS’ graduation rate ranks among the highest in the Twin Cities metro area, surpassing neighboring Mahtomedi, Centennial, Mounds View, Stillwater, Irondale, Forest Lake Area, North Senior and Roseville high schools. “I am incredibly proud of our Class of 2025,” WBLAHS Principal Russ Reetz said. “They stepped into leadership roles as we came together in our beautiful grades 9-12 building, and their hard work has led to truly outstanding accomplishments — this graduation rate among them.” Districtwide data, which includes students from WBLAHS as well as the district’s Area Learning Center (ALC) and Transition Education Center (TEC) programs, shows a 93.9% four-year graduation rate for the class of 2025 – 8.96 percentage points above the state average. The Area Learning Center achieved a graduation rate of 82.22%, the highest ALC rate in the area and an increase of more than 30 percentage points since 2021. “While it reflects important progress, it is just one of many ways we measure the quality of our students’ experiences and learning. As students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they are prepared to pursue futures they have thoughtfully designed for themselves — guided and supported every step of the way by a community of adults deeply invested in their success,” Reetz said. Several student groups at White Bear Lake Area Schools exceeded statewide averages by double-digit margins, including English Learners (+22.05), Black students (+12.84), Hispanic or Latino students (+18.47) and students receiving special education services (+9.45). Black students at WBLAHS achieved a 100% graduation rate. Students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals also outperformed the state average by 13.11 percentage points. The district also provides specialized programming through the TEC for students ages 18-22 whose individualized education plans (IEPs) support extended learning. At the TEC and ALC, with these pathways, 98.3% of students completed their WBLAHS experience as intended — either by graduating or continuing in transition programming. “The Class of 2025 holds a special place in our district’s history,” Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak said. “As the first class of Bears to graduate from a grades 9-12 high school in more than 40 years, they have helped shape a new chapter — one defined by high expectations, strong relationships and an inspiring learning environment. Their impressive achievement is a testament to their hard work and to the educators who have created spaces — both physical and relational — where students can truly thrive.”
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
What began as a small operation run out of a garage in Vadnais Heights in 1976 has grown into a food packaging company that now needs a 114,000-square-foot warehouse and office facility. Nextera Packaging’s move into the
new facility has begun, and “opening day” is planned for April 13. The building, located at 5200 Centerville Road in White Bear Township, is a part of Endeavor Development’s Park 35E development. “It’s perfect, serendipitous. We are getting into this new headquarters, and it's our 50th anni-
versary,” said Ethan Cook, vice president of brand and culture. Nextera has been a family-owned company since its inception. The company, founded by Roger Adams, was originally called Machine Sales and Service. For a time, it was known as Packaging Sales and SEE NEXTERA, PAGE 7
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Nextera Packaging’s new building is located at 5200 Centerville Road.
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
White Bear lands ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ White Bear Lake Area High School students Eli Murphy and Ethan Christensen practice a scene as the characters Evan Hansen and Connor Murphy during a recent rehearsal for the upcoming spring musical. See story on page 9.
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