Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools — Transcript
Monday, August 10, 2026
Story
School board splits on policy committee restructuring proposal
Policy Committee Structure and Public Engagement
Support for Girls in Sports and Athlete Well-being
School Nutrition Services Operations and Achievements
Kindergarten Enrollment and Financial Updates
Votes (4)
Approval of Consent Agenda (excluding 12C and 12F)
Moved by Director Olstead [01:30:04] · Seconded by Director France [01:30:18]
Two items were removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion, indicating their non-routine nature. The remaining items, including various financial, personnel, and routine administrative approvals, were then considered together.
Resolution for Acceptance of Gifts
Moved by Director Smith [01:32:00] · Seconded by Director Johnson [01:32:10]
A resolution was presented for the formal acceptance of a gift from a community organization.
Tabling of Budget Calendar (Item 12C)
Moved by Director Mason [01:35:54] · Seconded by Director Olstead [01:39:10]
The budget calendar was removed from the consent agenda to discuss potential adjustments to align finance and operations advisory committee dates with study sessions. Board members debated the interdependency of the budget calendar and committee meeting schedules, ultimately deciding to postpone the approval to allow for further discussion at a future work session.
Tabling of 2026-27 Board Committee Roster (Item 12F)
Dissent: Director Atkinson, Director Johnson, Director Mason voted against tabling the item.
Moved by Director France [01:40:11] · Seconded by Director Olstead [01:40:48]
The board committee roster, specifically pertaining to the proposed changes for the Policy Committee, was removed from the consent agenda. Discussion ensued regarding the level of public engagement and transparency in the proposed new policy review process, with some members advocating for more time to discuss the structural changes, while others believed sufficient work had already been done by administration.
Notable Quotes (3)
I respect the fact that Dr. Cawthorne has worked with a lot of parties to bring this proposal forward. I think it's very well thought out. Um, we've got a lot going on on our district. So I think to take more time on this also going back to I can't go back I was only I've only been on this board four years, but I do recall when it came to the board before and it was the conversation was well we'll try this and if it doesn't work we'll go back and try something different. And so I just respect the work that you've done and I think spending any more time on this um is kind of a discredit to the work that's already been done by not only the committee members who provided feedback but also by Dr. Cawthorne, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Wagner. Many people have had touch points on this as well. So I don't support that.
I would like to add that that is um factually incorrect. A board committee is a board committee and that is governance. Um and this 12F is the committee established by the board not by the manager the managerial.
I am not seconding this motion to table to discredit anything. Um I know that this took a lot of work. These weren't conversations that we were privy to. So, I I just would like some more time because this is a board committee. Um, and policies are important obviously. Um, and I agree we do have a lot going on in our district and this is important and I would just I I do not see the harm in waiting two more weeks for more discussion.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Board policy regarding citizen input
Case law referenced regarding social media as an open public forum for elected officials
Board policy stating individual board members do not speak for the board as a whole
Minnesota State High School League, mentioned in discussion about sports
Legislation impacting girls' participation in athletics
Minnesota School Boards Association, referenced for policy recommendations and templates