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FAKE STUDENT: Arrest warrant issued after no-show in court PAGE 7
What do you love most about Mom? Ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, Press Publications asked students in the White Bear Lake School District about what they love about their mom. See more entries on page 14.
District leaders say multiage classrooms will help maintain target class sizes BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Seven elementary schools in the White Bear Lake district will move to fourth and fifth grade multiage classrooms next fall. A design team was tasked with using research, evidence-based practices and feedback to develop the framework for the fourth and fifth grade programming. The team included classroom educators, special education personnel, intervention specialists and multilingual staff members, among others. “At the center of every decision we make is our responsibility
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for student outcomes. That responsibility is shared across teachers, principals and district leadership, and it guides how we design learning experiences for students each day,” said Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Alison Gillespie. “Each year, staffing decisions are made at the building level based on student needs, enrollment, (and) the professional judgment of the principal with clear district expectations and support. This is a comprehensive and often complex process that requires balancing enrollment, academic and social SEE MULTIAGE CLASSROOMS, PAGE 9
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FINALIST Best of the Press White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — After a 29-year career in law enforcement, Police Chief Dale Hager will hang up his badge. Ahead of his retirement May 8, members of the City Council and city staff are taking time to reflect on all he has done for the city and say thank you. And what better way to do that than with a white bear? “Throughout his tenure, Dale has made a lasting impact not only on the police department, but on our city as a whole,” said City Manager Lindy Crawford. “Your dedication, integrity and steady leadership
SEE POLICE CHIEF, PAGE 19
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have without a doubt left a positive impact. Our city is safer, our community is more connected and our department is stronger because of you.” Hager has served the White Bear Lake community for the past 12 years and as chief of police since August 2023. During his tenure, he also served as department’s administrative captain. His law enforcement career spans 29 years. Crawford noted one of the police department’s “hallmark achievements” under Hager’s leadership is the implementation of a successful Community Emergency
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Police chief honored by council ahead of retirement
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