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