The White Bear Lake Area Schools board has approved a policy change to its consent agenda policy, which allows specific items to be removed from the consent agenda for a separate discussion and vote. This move has raised concerns about transparency and potential restrictions on speech. Board member Dan Skaar, who was the lone 'no vote' when this policy change was approved, believes it could limit free speech by those seeking accountability over spending. However, those in favor of this policy argue that there is time before meetings to ask questions and some items don't need discussion. University of Minnesota media ethics and law professor Jane Kirtley calls the policy change "bad governance" but doesn't think it violates the First Amendment. The Minnesota School Board Association (MNSBA) has responded to inquiries about this policy, stating it does not track every board's agenda protocol and does not know if this violates the state's open meeting law.