Prior Lake-Savage board authorizes contract talks with Dr. Jeremy Schmidt, names Dr. Jim Wagner as fallback

The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Board of Education voted 6-1 on June 2 to authorize contract negotiations with Dr. Jeremy Schmidt as its preferred candidate for superintendent, and designated Dr. Jim Wagner as a backup if negotiations fail. The authorization is contingent on negotiating a mutually agreeable employment contract and on a criminal-background check with results acceptable to the board.

The action followed nearly four hours of deliberations in which board members reviewed strengths of the four finalists, debated whether to seek a 1-year interim-style contract or a longer term, and discussed the political and practical implications for an upcoming levy. Barb Dorn of the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA), who facilitated the search, reminded directors that "no matter what you do, you will disappoint people" and urged them to keep comments factual and positive because the deliberations were recorded.

Why it matters: The board's choice will shape district leadership heading into a year described repeatedly as one of intense, near-term priorities, including preparing for a levy. Several directors said the length of the first contract could affect a candidate's willingness to accept an offer and the district's ability to build community trust.

Board split over contract length

Directors were divided on term length. Director Smith said she "strongly believe[d] that we should be looking at a 1 year term," arguing a shorter contract gives the district and community time to evaluate fit and gather feedback. Several other directors echoed concerns about the accelerated timeline for the search and described a 1-year contract as a way to protect the district and its staff while the board pursues a full search if needed.

By contrast, Director Johnson and others argued a longer term (two or three years) would better signal stability and help win community confidence ahead of a levy. At one point a director said they could not "in good conscience offer 3 years to somebody without community input," underscoring the tension between acting quickly and seeking broader engagement.

How the board moved: plan A / plan B

Faced with a split, the board adopted an approach Barb Dorn had suggested earlier: authorize negotiations with a top candidate (plan A) while identifying a second candidate (plan B) to avoid delays if talks break down. After a final round in which directors named the individual they were leaning toward, the board moved and carried a motion authorizing the chair to enter negotiations with Dr. Jeremy Schmidt and to begin background checks; a separate fallback designation named Dr. Jim Wagner as the person to contact if plan A falls through.

Vote and next steps

The motion passed on a roll-call vote, 6-1. Director Smith cast the lone negative vote; directors voting to authorize negotiations included Directors Olstad, France, Mason, Johnson, Atkinson and Chair Bullion. The authorization does not constitute final hiring: any offer remains contingent on successful negotiations and a background check. The board asked MSBA to contact the other two finalists and recommended that notes from deliberations be turned in to HR for the record.

What the facilitator and board said

MSBA's Barb Dorn framed options for the board and urged care in deliberations, noting the unusual, compressed timeline and encouraging the board to focus on candidates' strengths. "So much of this . . . depends on the contract," Dorn told directors as they weighed 1-, 2- and 3-year options. The facilitator recommended considering a limited press release that simply notes the board has authorized contract negotiations pending agreement.

Looking ahead

The board instructed staff to contact Dr. Schmidt for contract talks and to pursue Dr. Wagner as a backup if negotiations stall. MSBA indicated it will follow up and the board left a placeholder special meeting for June 15 to receive updates and potentially finalize an employment contract. The board emphasized that any hire will be contingent on successful negotiations and background clearance.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Authorize chair to enter negotiations for an employment contract with Dr. Jeremy Schmidt and to authorize criminal-background checks; contingency plan to negotiate with Dr. Jim Wagner if negotiations fail. - Outcome: Approved, 6-1 (Director Smith opposed).

The board adjourned after confirming a plan to continue negotiations and to keep public communications limited while contract talks are underway.