Virtual Question & Answer Session with MSBA

The Minnesota School Boards Association hosted a virtual Question & Answer session on May 13, 2026, to provide the public with an overview of the superintendent search process, timeline, and expectations. The meeting was recorded and can be accessed here: PLSAS Q&A with MSBA

The PLSAS School Board seeks an experienced and respected educational leader with a strong record of sound fiscal management and academic improvement. Skilled in collaborative governance, the superintendent will work closely with the School Board and community to build trust, advance student achievement, and transform challenges into opportunities.

Key attributes desired include:

• Experienced in School Finance: Demonstrates fiscal responsibility, including strategic resource allocation, long-range planning, and effective oversight to ensure alignment with district priorities. 

• Ethical and Honest Leadership: Leads with integrity, honesty, and professionalism in all interactions with the school board, staff, students, parents/guardians, and community members. 

• Collaborative Board Relations: Works cooperatively with the school board, providing clear options, data-informed recommendations, and professional guidance to support effective decision-making. 

• Commitment to Academic Achievement: Uses curriculum alignment, student performance data, and evidence-based practices to improve instructional quality and raise student test scores. 

• Respect for Community Values: Implements the school board’s chosen educational philosophy, ensuring district decisions reflect community expectations and values. 

• Strong Academic Background: Possesses a solid academic foundation with experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives

Vacancy Brochure

PLSAS School Board Enters Superintendent Contract Negotiations

At a special meeting on June 2, 2026, the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Board of Education voted to begin contract negotiations with Dr. Jeremy Schmidt to serve as the district’s next Superintendent. Dr. Schmidt currently serves as the Superintendent of Becker Public Schools.

The School Board will be conducting negotiations with Dr. Schmidt and a contract is tentatively scheduled to be approved by the Board at the June 15 meeting. If an agreement is not reached, the Board has authorized contract negotiations to begin with Dr. James Wagner, current Superintendent of Le Sueur-Henderson Public Schools.

The pending start date for the district’s next Superintendent is July 1, 2026.

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Four Finalists Selected to Lead Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

At a special meeting held May 26, 2026, four finalists were selected by the school board to interview for the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools superintendent position. The finalists are:

• Dr. Jeff Fleig, former Superintendent, Fond du Lac School District, WI
• Dr. Nicholas Kremer, Principal, Eden Prairie Schools, MN
• Dr. Jeremy Schmidt, Superintendent, Becker Public Schools, MN
• Dr. Jim Wagner, Superintendent, Le Sueur-Henderson Public Schools, MN

The finalists were selected from a pool of 12 applicants based on a leadership profile and hiring criteria established by the school board at the beginning of the search. Watch the May 26 Special Meeting recording here.

Interviews for the four finalists will begin at 4:00 pm on Monday, June 1, 2026 with board deliberations beginning at 6:00 pm the next day on Tuesday, June 2.

All interviews will take place in-person at the District Services Center (4540 Tower Street SE, Prior Lake) and are open to the public. To ensure a level playing field for all candidates, the interviews will not be livestreamed; however, a recording of the candidate selected as the next superintendent will be posted for viewing on the district website.