[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6273910,"mediaKeyId","2997068-fac15ec6dda9ec15c1cfde9d8208a450","parentId",2997068,"title","Board adopts revised 'Appropriate Communication' policy after extensive debate; vote 5‑2","audioSeconds",1497,"startMs",4181000,"endMs",5678000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2997068-fac15ec6dda9ec15c1cfde9d8208a450&start=4181&end=5678","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2997068-fac15ec6dda9ec15c1cfde9d8208a450/thumbnail_4181000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6273910/Minnesota/Board-adopts-revised-Appropriate-Communication-policy-after-extensive-debate-vote-52","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273910-153d4fb863a3415be72445551ccc4ff5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143366&Signature=EBYO-IPgUy6n0Eeu-r8P11tnq8~eFCttbqcvJOnbDsXAeGOZ6iIb9pvh6VQY1NI06vR-4v67Zh-H5Go4m172901nGrB9EIBfqTxCyKR5vPN1uD7DE-ktOGLbmPUaxEnO1z~lsgWuRXEdePJy2LV-idraVnxKNu5nGUnW9AiUegNG37XTsSkBvJuJz0RHdSblP~4nq1wFubshPHnV2uXSZIIYi7m2YqSdWWVMxM2awbCHkwjJpqJGTQCRmhEerYAP~eDTTESuocqRohU5Gzycfc2SNqr~~ceixddOJ3ffqMPwouE6uYsmLu3Bg~lXMvO3XjHBQR-1~guLh~Zilz6TFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","PRIOR LAKE-SAVAGE AREA SCHOOLS","date","2025-04-15T16:58:49Z","article","The Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools board approved Policy 903 (Appropriate Communication) on April 14 by a 5‑2 vote after an extended debate about whether the policy should list specific examples of unacceptable behavior.

Directors who supported the language said the policy provides administrators a clear reference to end disruptive meetings or interactions, document incidents and rely on existing statute and procedures when behavior escalates. Supporters said the revised text intentionally aligns expectations with the district strategic plan and provides a broad standard that school administrators can apply.

Opponents argued that removing concrete examples — such as shouting, using obscene language, or making physical threats — would create enforcement ambiguity and make it harder for staff to identify and justify actions to address inappropriate adult behavior in schools. Some directors said most comparable districts keep example language in their policies to reduce ambiguity for the public and to give staff an evidentiary baseline for enforcement.

Administrators told the board they expect to implement the policy consistent with existing practices: end a meeting or conversation when behavior is disruptive, document the incident and involve law enforcement if a situation meets the statutory threshold. The policy text as adopted references state statute and the district strategic plan as context for what constitutes appropriate communication.

The motion to adopt Policy 903 was moved by Director Atkinson, seconded by Director Johnson, and passed on the second and final reading by a 5‑2 vote. After the vote, administrators said the policy would be posted and used by building staff when enforcing standards for conduct during meetings and on school property.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - Part 2","oneSentenceSummary","After extended discussion about enforceability and examples, the Prior Lake‑Savage board approved Policy 903 (Appropriate Communication) on a 5‑2 vote, removing several example phrases and tying expectations to the district’s strategic plan and existing statutory authority.","taxTitle","PRIOR LAKE-SAVAGE AREA SCHOOLS, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",38260,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6273914,"APAC issues letter of non‑concurrence; committee urges district action on native student supports and retention of equity director",605,2734000,3339000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2997068-fac15ec6dda9ec15c1cfde9d8208a450&start=2734&end=3339","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2997068-fac15ec6dda9ec15c1cfde9d8208a450/thumbnail_2734000.jpg","/articles/6273914/Minnesota/APAC-issues-letter-of-nonconcurrence-committee-urges-district-action-on-native-student-supports-and-retention-of-equity-director","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273914-1e98af4ccfd61b7689904484e158a3d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143366&Signature=N5ez7EePTmZQZe8E8ObRk18-4fPFq309HEFodM99z3i864wiQ6VdBE1cach5HjklJ2d1it~mQINmUicVXm8ip3nUu9IfKQcM-Gl9lb6ruedU~zO6ZTnTiZX~EJO4b2DuAbYwgfHGMi52Mtb54BlcOBwgB5jyQ3NAdjUwgPv881ZUE6uPtNaKsixqLGbCAYSNw47tJWYtJON4M-ICEqZN1n0o6kvlhNs4rB6h9EaHo6hpAsPYOT49Ace5HhDCcEyAQ3AnLr~AeErb~Fsqyd7QHRjl~6TEU02hoG6MBRNlyW7bF5p2qZ6H1928PanT3WUoSJNxJZxot8mo8JyuiHCd2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Prior Lake American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC) presented a written letter of non‑concurrence to the Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools board on April 14, saying the district’s Indian education program plan for 2024–25 is not sufficient and requesting specific actions and financial transparency.

APAC chair Sierra McAllister told the board the committee’s vote of non‑concurrence followed longstanding concerns that, the committee wrote, have persisted since at least 2022. The letter acknowledges positive developments — hiring a liaison to assist work by the district’s American Indian student support coordinator, tutoring and student cultural events including a student‑organized powwow — but lists continuing deficiencies that led to the non‑concurrence vote.

Key concerns in APAC’s letter: the committee requested an administrator who will work directly with APAC and respond to requests beyond an annual letter and response cycle; APAC asked for full, unredacted accounting and regular budget updates for Indian education funds; the committee said lack of progress on curriculum development and representation on district advisory committees has hindered work to reduce the achievement gap; and APAC reported ongoing incidents of racism, bullying and harassment affecting Native students.

APAC also urged the district not to eliminate the director of equity and inclusion position. In public comments, committee members and community speakers said Sam Oak’s role has built relationships and supported Native students; APAC called the proposed elimination a step backward and urged retention of the position as part of broader cultural and educational supports.

District response and next steps: Superintendent Dr. Thomas and administration told APAC that they would begin senior leadership review of the concerns immediately and would work with APAC members in meetings to prepare a written district response within the 60‑day period required for a formal APAC letter response. Administration said the response would be refined with APAC input and then presented to the full board within the 60‑day window.

What APAC asked for: immediate budget accounting for Indian education funds, expanded APAC representation on district advisory committees (teaching and learning, equity and excellence advisory committees), proactive anti‑bullying work districtwide, and a strategic plan that specifically addresses the achievement gap for Native students. APAC emphasized that tribal sovereignty and political status of Native students create distinct obligations under state law and programs.

No vote was taken on APAC’s letter; administrators committed to engage APAC in follow‑up meetings and to provide a formal response within 60 days.","The Prior Lake American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC) voted non‑concurrence on the district’s Indian education program for 2024–25, citing concerns about budget transparency, achievement gaps, limited committee input on spending, ongoing bullying incidents and the district’s proposed elimination of the director of equity and inclusion.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6273920,"Board reviews cash‑flow and fund‑balance; finance director cites timing of property‑tax receipts",368,149000,517000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2997068-fac15ec6dda9ec15c1cfde9d8208a450&start=149&end=517","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2997068-fac15ec6dda9ec15c1cfde9d8208a450/thumbnail_149000.jpg","/articles/6273920/Minnesota/Board-reviews-cashflow-and-fundbalance-finance-director-cites-timing-of-propertytax-receipts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273920-1846b03c0157b50a5240946dad5d5b84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143366&Signature=P0zpxLtc2V6EgP8XteFxBMwFLzmazzJ29k008WGjlGfI6FYKIhwB7uHbRdQW6qwwyhextzApo7bmlmV96IoDhIXGdUQDr6xhjSRtbjFQn3lPURU-ZmB3Artwt-kfsUYFoI3uKRoyQGNkm9X97dHXn3EbP7TaCR06ZqvEWW-erl26Lv1IcpNb9Jjq2gbg0XmqD1TWpsloj8cVwdDcJBtvLSAJGthAC~XDQvu-xe9SCEcHFlUwc2c5-WuXXOwr-1tchqFP6A6DoaKItjjA2eEQvHUnJQAv1kMyZfVMWL-4lu88qigabKvCccdDGhIjlrVGIvQoXIXgD0xaRpCAeu5TPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools Board of Education accepted the district’s monthly financial report and discussed the unassigned fund balance and cash‑flow timing during the April 14 meeting.

Finance director (presenter) explained that the district had expected a property‑tax remittance in February but did not receive it; that timing difference reduced the reported unassigned fund balance to about 6.86% for February, below board policy 701.2’s 8% threshold for review. The director told the board the levy for the year remains unchanged and that the district has levied approximately $2,020,000,000 (as stated in the packet) and expects to receive the full levy over the fiscal year.

On expenses, administration said projected February spending was lower than anticipated (actual February expenses about $10.1 million versus a prior projection of about $11.7 million), improving the year‑end net cash flow projection from a negative $2,400,000 to about negative $1,400,000. The board previously authorized use of $957,000 of fund balance; administration said, based on current projections and anticipated audit adjustments, the year‑end unassigned fund balance is expected to be within policy range.

Board members asked for clearer, less redundant monthly reporting and discussed whether the finance overview should remain a standing agenda item rather than part of the consent agenda. Several directors recommended keeping the monthly reports available and providing a brief verbal overview at meetings; others suggested converting some manual monthly highlights to quarterly to reduce staff workload.

Mural payment: During approval of the monthly check detail (which passed 7‑0), a director asked about two payments related to a student mural project at Prior Lake High School. Administration said the district’s portion — roughly $7,000 — came from an E&I (equity and inclusion) grant, with the total mural cost about $18,000; students and community partners (including Prior Lake Rotary and other service clubs) are fundraising to cover the remainder, and the business office will record incoming donations to the gift fund when received.

Administrative details: The finance director noted cash‑flow timing differences tied to state aid being paid in monthly installments, property taxes arriving in uneven installments, and federal reimbursements that follow spending. The director also reminded the board that Minnesota statute 471.425 requires school districts to pay vendors within 35 days.

Outcome: The board voted 7‑0 to accept the monthly financial report and 7‑0 to approve the monthly check detail; directors asked administration to provide the combined summary/detail report in the packet going forward and to consider reducing redundant manual highlights.","The district’s finance director told the board that a missing property‑tax receipt expected in February caused a temporary drop in the unassigned fund balance to 6.86%, but cash‑flow projections improved due to lower‑than‑expected expenses; the board approved the monthly financial report 7‑0 and asked for clearer recurring reporting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6273925,"Prior Lake-Savage board approves furlough option, non‑renewals and multiple unrequested leaves of absence",409,1569000,1978000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2997068-fac15ec6dda9ec15c1cfde9d8208a450&start=1569&end=1978","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2997068-fac15ec6dda9ec15c1cfde9d8208a450/thumbnail_1569000.jpg","/articles/6273925/Minnesota/Prior-Lake-Savage-board-approves-furlough-option-nonrenewals-and-multiple-unrequested-leaves-of-absence","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273925-13ddbba3e007887c309c3c8a68824809/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143366&Signature=mURn2UMWE0LcaInXd56tDZcu2g6kLEWjZdgyto-WaHeGtDm0NWEOy0QZgjxremnOY8mH3ltggWXT5nFEyplInMrN3b182dREclC5ZLpK-X~nEeuzNT958uDwZofNneqcYqXSFopDyaH0UXuU~F~0rMz1ygBbYMNZNtHx2MEnmPWluf02LzhKvjcoYDhh9ZswNXInqtYYMUza2eqJyUz41KbLaKOWlnJwCrHU76L3D1P7Sn-LTgj9WkZtfHjhxHAHGuQR-qRmyUZ~70Fo3KCXwtCJtnqr0BBO74wtmXED0u-mpTo60M4fl-fKngyHg15XkErhwnxzSYhQQUE6iSWlwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools Board of Education on April 14 approved a one‑time voluntary three‑day furlough option for 12‑month employees, accepted a list of probationary teacher non‑renewals and adopted several resolutions placing individual certified staff on unrequested leave of absence effective June 5, 2025.

The board approved the voluntary furlough paperwork — four memoranda of understanding tied to bargaining units with 12‑month employees — in a vote on the first MOU (item 12A) that passed 6-to-1. Director Frantz moved the motion and Director Johnson seconded it. Director Atkinson recorded the lone nay during the roll call.

Why it matters: Board members and district leaders said the furlough option is voluntary and not yet counted into the district’s formal budget reduction totals. Administrators said final savings will depend on how many employees opt in; the board will incorporate actual numbers into future budget presentations.

The board then approved a comprehensive list of probationary teacher non‑renewals — a single motion covering multiple names and reasons tied to licensure, staffing adjustments and budget constraints — by a 7‑0 vote. Director Bullion moved that action; Director Mason seconded it. Administration explained that non‑renewals may reflect licensure tiers, expired substitute agreements, performance issues, or reductions tied to enrollment and class offerings.

Several formal resolutions proposing placement of individual teachers on unrequested leave of absence also passed unanimously. The board read each resolution aloud and approved them by roll call vote: a communication/literature teacher (Kelly Dietzler) was proposed for placement on a 0.6 FTE unrequested leave effective 06/05/2025; a German teacher (Mary Dooley) was proposed for placement on a 0.2 FTE unrequested leave effective 06/05/2025; and a French teacher (Mary Boniface) was proposed for placement on a 0.5 FTE unrequested leave effective 06/05/2025. Each resolution cited Minnesota statute 122A.40, subdivision 10, and the 2023–25 collective bargaining agreement between the district and the Prior Lake‑Savage Education Association.

The board also approved a separate resolution discontinuing or reducing certain programs and positions (including a 1.2 FTE reduction in a Grama Online program) and other position reductions described in the packet. That resolution passed 7‑0.

Board context and next steps: District leaders said the staffing actions are part of a complex staffing process that includes retirements, resignations, leaves, and placement rights; some tenured staff could be placed on unrequested leave if enrollment or program needs change. Administrators told the board they do not anticipate further non‑renewals for certified teaching staff at this time, and that the unrequested leave list remains a five‑year recall pool that the district will contact should openings arise.

Votes at a glance

• Voluntary furlough MOU (12A): mover Director Frantz; second Director Johnson; result 6 yes, 1 no (Atkinson) — outcome: approved.

• Probationary teacher non‑renewals (12B, omnibus): mover Director Bullion; second Director Mason; result 7 yes, 0 no — outcome: approved.

• Resolution reducing/discontinuing programs (communications/language FTE changes; Grama Online 1.2 FTE): mover Director Johnson; second Director Atkinson; result 7 yes, 0 no — outcome: approved.

• Resolution proposing placement on unrequested leave — Kelly Dietzler (communication/literature), 0.6 FTE beginning 06/05/2025: result 7 yes, 0 no — outcome: approved.

• Resolution proposing placement on unrequested leave — Mary Dooley (German), 0.2 FTE beginning 06/05/2025: result 7 yes, 0 no — outcome: approved.

• Resolution proposing placement on unrequested leave — Mary Boniface (French), 0.5 FTE beginning 06/05/2025: result 7 yes, 0 no — outcome: approved.

What administrators said: Director Herrmann and other board members thanked staff for their professionalism while the district worked through difficult staffing decisions. Administration and board members repeatedly described the staffing process as “a very complex puzzle” that depends on retirements, resignations and student enrollment to determine final placements.

The actions are administrative and statutory in nature; the board cited the 2023–25 collective bargaining agreement and Minnesota statute in its motions. Notices of proposed placement on unrequested leave and copies of the adopted resolutions will be forwarded to affected staff as required by the agreement and statute.","The Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools board approved a one‑time voluntary furlough option for 12‑month employees, accepted a list of probationary teacher non‑renewals, and voted on several resolutions placing specific certified staff on unrequested leave of absence tied to program reductions and lack of pupils.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board adopts revised 'Appropriate Communication' policy after extensive debate; vote 5‑2

APAC issues letter of non‑concurrence; committee urges district action on native student supports and retention of equity director

Board reviews cash‑flow and fund‑balance; finance director cites timing of property‑tax receipts

Prior Lake-Savage board approves furlough option, non‑renewals and multiple unrequested leaves of absence