Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools — Transcript
Monday, July 20, 2026
Board Member Conduct and Fiscal Responsibility
Student Athletics and Activities Recognition
Academic Performance and Strategic Planning
District Operations and Facility Transitions
Minnesota State High School League Membership and Policy
School Board Elections and Referendum Authorization
Votes (13)
Open Forum
Aaron Pvancha, a parent and taxpayer, criticized specific board members for their alleged 'performative posturing' and use of social media to spread 'misinformation and push exclusionary agendas.' She cited invoking Supreme Court rulings on Title 9 without understanding the law as 'unfit behavior.' Pvancha also questioned the approval of a 'massive salary and benefits package' for the interim superintendent, arguing funds should instead go to classrooms and frontline staff, calling for board integrity or resignation.
Resolution for Acceptance of Gifts
Moved by Director France [00:36:10] · Seconded by Director Mason [00:36:15]
The board considered a resolution to accept several donations totaling over $45,000, designated for 'Everybody's Playground.' Donors included Unified Donation, Jeff Pond PTC, Burnsville Savage Lions Club, RH and TH, Glendel PTC, The Dogs and Lobos of PLSAS, and Boat House Brothers Brewing Company.
Prior Lake Savage Area Principles Association Agreement (2026-2028)
Moved by Director France [01:16:40] · Seconded by Director Olstead [01:16:45]
Executive Director Catherine presented the proposed 2-year agreement for the Prior Lake Savage Area Principles Association. Key changes included removal of cell phone stipends, updates to severance language, a 2% increase plus steps in 26-27, and 2.75% plus steps in 27-28, and maintenance of current healthcare and dental coverage. The negotiations were noted for being completed efficiently in two meetings.
Prior Lake Savage Federation of Administrative Assistance Agreement (2026-2028)
Moved by Director France [01:19:20] · Seconded by Director Smith [01:19:25]
Executive Director Catherine presented the 2-year agreement for Administrative Assistants. Highlights included updated seniority language, increased 403b lifetime maximum, language for internal candidates' interviews, overtime coverage options, removal of wellness compensation, a 2.3% increase in 26-27 (no step), and 1% increase with step movement in 27-28. The agreement maintained single Viva healthcare and dental coverage.
Confidential Group Contract (2026-2028)
Moved by Director France [01:21:00] · Seconded by Director Mason [01:21:05]
Executive Director Catherine presented the 2-year confidential group contract. Changes included removal of early retirement incentives, a 4% increase in health insurance for both 26-27 and 27-28, salary schedule enhancements (2.5% plus steps in 26-27, 2.9% plus steps in 27-28), and an increased 403b lifetime maximum cap.
Personnel Items (Removed from Consent Agenda 13C)
Moved by Director Smith [01:23:45] · Seconded by Director Mason [01:23:50]
Director Olstead acknowledged the retirements of Mr. Haden, Miss Schwingler, and Miss Vanderplats. She also inquired about the new format for listing employment candidates, resignations, terminations, and non-renewals, which Executive Director Catherine clarified was a shift from individual typing to attaching pre-formatted lists for efficiency.
Professional Development Annual Report (Removed from Consent Agenda 13E)
Moved by Director Smith [01:23:45] · Seconded by Director Mason [01:23:50]
Director Atinson noted that this was the first time the annual professional development report, a statutory requirement under Minnesota statute 122.A60, was presented to the board. She suggested that while it was a good start, more details might be needed to ensure full compliance, particularly regarding how money is spent and its alignment to outcomes (general fund vs. grant).
Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan
Moved by Director Olstead [01:25:50] · Seconded by Director France [01:25:55]
Director Ryder presented the FY28 revenue and expenditure 10-year projections for the Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) plan, including the statement of assurances. The plan had no substantive changes from its review in June, and its approval was a procedural step required for submission to MDE.
Approval of the 2026-27 Student Handbook
Moved by Director France [01:29:05] · Seconded by Director Olstead [01:29:10]
Executive Director Catherine presented the parent student handbook, explaining it is a live Google document reflecting current board-approved policies. Director Olstead noted a need to update 'parents' to 'parents and/or guardians' and to clarify meal program language for high school students. Director France sought confirmation that hyperlinks ensure policies are already board-approved.
Annual Minnesota State High School League Resolution for Membership (Amendment)
Dissent: Director Smith, Director France, Director Olstead, and Chair Bullion voted against the amendment, citing that it was not the board's document to change and could jeopardize student participation.
Moved by Director Atinson [01:32:00] · Seconded by Director Mason [01:33:00]
Director Atinson proposed an amendment to the MSHSL membership resolution to include language stating that league provisions must be consistent with and not conflict with applicable federal law, specifically to protect female athletes and ensure fair opportunity. Discussion arose regarding whether the board could legally amend an MSHSL form and the implications of such a change on student eligibility, as well as the ongoing conflict between state and federal law on transgender issues.
Annual Minnesota State High School League Resolution for Membership (Original)
Dissent: Director Atinson voted against, expressing concern over the MSHSL's lack of policy to protect female athletes and potential litigation risks for the district.
Moved by Director Smith [01:36:30] · Seconded by Director France [01:36:35]
Following the failed amendment, a motion was made to approve the MSHSL resolution as presented in the packet. Director Atinson voiced strong opposition, expressing disappointment that the MSHSL and state legislators had not addressed concerns about protecting female athletes in light of Supreme Court rulings, and warned of potential future litigation if a female athlete were harmed.
Resolution relating to the election of school board members and calling the school district election
Moved by Director Smith [01:39:00] · Seconded by Director Olstead [01:39:05]
Director Ryder presented the resolution required to formally call for the general election of school board members. The board's approval was noted as having an August 11th deadline.
Resolution relating to revoking the existing referendum revenue authorization, approving a new authorization, approving a capital project levy authorization, and calling a special election
Moved by Director Olstead [01:41:20] · Seconded by Director France [01:41:25]
Director Ryder outlined the resolution to replace the current referendum revenue authorization with a new, higher amount ($1,740.97 per adjusted pupil unit) for a 10-year term, and to approve a contingent capital project levy authorization. This aligns with prior board discussions to place these questions before voters in November.
Notable Quotes (7)
Specifically, and most recently, invoking Supreme Court rulings on Title 9 as a shield for discriminatory rhetoric, often without a basic understanding of the law, is a clear sign of unfit behavior for this role.
Semantics have clouded your judgment on critical decisions as most recently demonstrated by not understanding the meaning of interim and approving a massive salary and benefits package that our taxpayers must now shoulder. All this in a time when we should be investing in classrooms and frontline staff and you chose to inflate administrative costs instead.
Director Ryder, did we receive feedback on the capital projects area from MDE? We have not yet seen their their response to our review and comment. We're still awaiting that. If they come back and ask for changes, do we go and re-revote this or how does that work?
This is the first time that we're seeing this professional development annual report. It's something that I was advocating for because it is a statutory requirement. Minnesota statute 122. A60 requires that we annually report back to the board on how we're spending our professional development money and how it aligns to outcomes. Also whether or not we're using general fund or if it's coming from a grant.
I support language where we're stating that it does not conflict with federal law. I think it is extremely important to preserve the safety of females and the fairness and opportunity that our athletics offer them.
This is the MSHSL's form. It is not our form. We either join the Minnesota High School League as it stands with their own form or we don't.
I'm really surprised that after the Supreme Court ruling where Kavanaaugh gave an opinion that said this is up to local school districts, that the Minnesota State High School League has not figured out a way to protect female athletes in the state of Minnesota. It's unfortunate. It puts us in a terrible situation because there will be further litigation and I hope to God our school district is not involved because all it will take is one female athlete get hurt and the school district will get sued.
Ordinances & Resolutions (16)
Agenda item removed and moved to August 10th meeting
Guiding document for district and school continuous improvement plans
Mentioned regarding Open Meeting Law and professional development reporting
State requirements guiding literacy resource adoption and teacher training
Statutory requirement for annual professional development reporting to the board
Two-year contract for 2026-2028 approved by the board
Two-year work agreement for 2026-2028 approved by the board
Two-year work agreement for 2026-2028 approved by the board
MDE-required Excel file for LTFM application
MDE-required Excel file for LTFM application
Long-Term Facilities Maintenance 10-year projection
Document requiring superintendent signature for LTFM plan
Parent student handbook reflecting current board-approved policies, approved by the board
Annual resolution for district membership to the MSHSL
Required resolution for the general election of school board members
Authorizes placing proposed questions before district voters in November