Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools board approves two‑year contract for incoming superintendent over 5–2 vote

The Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools board approved a negotiated employment agreement to hire Dr. James Wagner as superintendent in a 5–2 roll‑call vote, concluding a contested discussion about whether the district had intended a one‑year term under its earlier 'Plan A/Plan B' direction.

Board members opened the special meeting by explaining that negotiations first with Dr. Schmidt did not yield an agreement and that, under the board’s Plan A/Plan B motion, they then negotiated with Dr. Wagner and reached a mutually agreeable contract that remains contingent on a satisfactory background check and final administrative approval.

Director Smith objected to the two‑year length, saying she understood the board’s earlier direction to mean a one‑year arrangement. "Um and this is a 2‑year contract, and it that is that is not acceptable to me," she said during discussion, adding concerns about the district’s financial situation and an upcoming levy. Other directors disputed that the earlier motion specified a term and said negotiations proceeded with a two‑year offer because the motion commissioned a mutually agreeable contract without an explicit term limit.

Supporters of the agreement defended the contract as appropriate for the candidate’s experience and the district’s needs. Director Mason said the negotiation process was "extensive" and that the team compared compensation and benefits to peers before recommending the offer. Several directors said they preferred a one‑year term but would vote to approve to provide leadership continuity ahead of the levy, building moves and the next school year.

The board conducted a roll‑call vote. Directors Atkinson, Johnson, Mason, Olstad and Olszewski recorded "aye;" Directors France and Smith recorded "nay." The motion passed 5–2. The approved agreement remains subject to the routine background check and administrative finalization specified earlier by the board.

Barb Dorn, the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) search consultant who assisted the district, called the search "complex and challenging," congratulated the board for completing the process, and said MSBA would prepare a press release and requested that board members turn in interview notes to HR for records and data‑retention compliance. Dorn said MSBA’s official role in the search was complete but offered an optional, paid transition workshop for goal‑setting with the new superintendent; she also noted the board could proceed with transition work internally.

The board thanked staff, the search consultant and members involved in the negotiations. Dorn and board members said they expect the new leadership team to begin working together on July 1.