Prior Lake‑Savage board approves superintendent separation after contested discussion

The Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools Board of Education on Monday approved a mutual‑separation addendum that will end Superintendent Michael Thomas’s contract on June 30, 2026, after a contentious public and board discussion about notice, legal exposure and transition planning.

Board members debated whether the change should be characterized as a resignation or a mutual separation and whether the district should require a written cooperation agreement covering pending and potential litigation. Director concerns centered on whether shortening the notice period would leave the district without enough time to recruit or transition a replacement and whether the addendum altered the superintendent’s contractual entitlements.

District counsel Marcus Dardeen told the board he read the contract and saw the difference as largely procedural: “I don’t really see any difference” between the resignation framing and a mutual separation for the purposes of contractual triggers such as benefits and indemnity, he said, adding that the district typically provides indemnification and counsel for employees named in litigation. The superintendent confirmed he had submitted a letter of intent and sought to exercise a contract clause allowing termination by mutual written consent.

Board members pressed for assurances about cooperation in litigation. One director moved to amend the addendum to include a cooperation agreement for future claims; that amendment failed on a roll call. After further discussion the board approved the addendum as presented. The motion to accept the termination (moved by Director France, seconded by Director Smith) passed on a roll-call vote, 4 in favor and 3 opposed.

Board members who voted against the addendum raised procedural and timing concerns, arguing that a longer notice period better protects students and gives the board time to organize a search and ensure continuity. Supporters argued the mutual‑separation addendum was within the superintendent’s contract options and that the district’s legal posture would not be compromised by the change.

Next steps: the board instructed administration to proceed with the personnel timetable and to coordinate with MSBA on next steps for an expedited search process (see separate coverage). The addendum sets the superintendent’s exit date and does not include a severance payout beyond contract terms; unused leave and typical payout language were discussed as not entitling the superintendent to additional compensation under the contract language presented.