StoryPersonnel approvals and candidate employmentJuly 15, 2025

Prior Lake-Savage Board Approves New Hires Amidst Key Executive Departure

The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Board of Education recently gave unanimous approval to new employment candidates and accepted the resignation of a long-serving Executive Director.

Published Sep 27, 2026

The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a slate of new candidates for employment and accepted the resignation of Executive Director Emily Herman during its recent business meeting. These decisions mark a period of personnel transitions for the district, with the board signaling its confidence in new additions while acknowledging a significant departure from its leadership team.

The approval of new candidates for employment was carried with a decisive 7-0 vote. The motion was brought forward by Director France and seconded by Director Johnson, reflecting a unified board decision to bolster district staff. While specific roles were not detailed during the public session, the vote signifies the district's ongoing efforts to ensure adequate staffing across its various departments and schools.

In a separate but equally significant action, the Board also unanimously accepted the resignation of Executive Director Emily Herman. The motion to accept her resignation was made by Director Bullion and seconded by Director Johnson, again passing with a 7-0 vote. Ms. Herman's departure is effective June 30, 2025, allowing for a transitional period as the district prepares for this change in its executive leadership.

Superintendent Dr. Thomas plays a central role in overseeing district employment and resignations. During discussions surrounding his recent annual evaluation, the importance of leadership in fostering a cohesive environment was highlighted. Board Chair Dan White commended the Superintendent's approach to district culture and cooperation.

One of the most consistently recognized strengths of your leadership is the culture of cooperation you are building across the district.

— Dan White, Chair

Dr. Thomas himself acknowledged the continuous process of self-improvement and adaptability in leadership, particularly important when managing a dynamic workforce. His reflection underscores the commitment to thoughtful decision-making in personnel matters.

I pride myself on being a very reflective leader.

— Dr. Thomas, Superintendent

The dual actions of approving new employment candidates and accepting a key resignation demonstrate the Board's active role in shaping the district's human capital. As the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools moves forward, these personnel changes will be integral to its continued operational effectiveness and pursuit of educational excellence.

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Full analysis

Areas of Interest (4)

  • Superintendent evaluation highlights need for academic improvement and fiscal strategy as the district weighs future levies.
  • District shifting to high-leverage data dashboards and 'stoplight' reports to monitor academic and financial progress.
  • Concerns over inconsistent instructional blocks at the elementary level prompt new 'instructional rounds' strategy.
  • Board and administration pivot toward a five-year academic framework to manage curriculum adoption and state standard changes.

Votes (4)

Accept the agenda as presented with flip-flopped items 11 and 13

Carried6-1

Moved by Director Bullion · Seconded by Director France

Approve candidates for employment

Carried7-0

Moved by Director France · Seconded by Director Johnson

Accept the resignation of Emily Herman

Carried7-0

Moved by Director Bullion · Seconded by Director Johnson

Adjourn the business portion of the meeting

Carried7-0

Moved by Director France · Seconded by Dr. Atinson

Notable Quotes (3)

One of the most consistently recognized strengths of your leadership is the culture of cooperation you are building across the district.

— Dan White
Leadership evaluationSuperintendent performance review

I pride myself on being a very reflective leader.

— Dr. Thomas
Professional developmentResponse to performance review

This conversation is going to be a little bit tricky because the fine details of this have not been entirely worked out.

— Dr. Zumbush
Strategic metricsData presentation

People (4)

Dan WhiteChair

Presiding over the board meeting and summarizing the superintendent's evaluation.

1 quote

“One of the most consistently recognized strengths of your leadership is the culture of cooperation you are building across the district.”

From the superintendent's annual performance review statement.

Dr. ThomasSuperintendent

Reporting on employment, resignations, and district academic/strategic progress.

1 quote

“One of the things that's very important to me is the power of evaluation. And I pride myself on being a very reflective leader.”

Response to the annual performance review.

Dr. ZumbushN/A

Leading the presentation on strategic metrics, dashboards, and data frameworks.

1 quote

“This conversation is going to be a little bit tricky because the fine details of this have not been entirely worked out.”

Introducing the working draft of strategic metrics.

Emily HermanExecutive Director

Resigning from the district effective June 30th, 2025.

Places Mentioned

Prior Lake Savage Area SchoolsEdgewood

Events & Meetings (2)

  • Business meeting: Date not specified
  • Superintendent evaluation session: Last Monday
Source document

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Other Topics from This Document

  • Board of Education meeting procedures and agenda changes

  • Resignation of Executive Director Emily Herman

  • Superintendent 2024-25 yearly evaluation results

  • Strategic academic progress indicators

  • Review of 900 and 200 series board policies

  • Development of five-year academic framework

  • Math pathway discussions and secondary curriculum updates

  • ANI funding transition for student support services

  • Strategic planning for district dashboards and metrics

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