Dr. Michael Thomas unanimously chosen to lead Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools (PLSAS) Board of Education is pleased to announce it has extended an offer to Dr. Michael Thomas to become the next Superintendent of Schools for the district. Dr. Thomas has accepted, and pending contract negotiations, he will begin his new role with PLSAS on July 1, 2022. 

Originally from Minnesota, Thomas brings 25 years of experience in public education to the role, most recently serving as Superintendent of Colorado Springs School District 11. Prior to that, Dr. Thomas held leadership roles in Minneapolis Public Schools where he served as the Chief of Academics and Leadership, Interim Superintendent, Chief of Schools and Associate Superintendent. Dr. Thomas has also held leadership roles in Osseo Area Schools serving as Principal of Osseo Junior High School and Fair Oaks Elementary School, as well as the Equity/Integration Coordinator. He has also served as a faculty presenter at the University of Minnesota College of Education; School of Social Work, and held Coordinator and Social Work positions with Achievement Plus in St. Paul.   

School Board Chair Michael Nelson said, “We are thrilled that Dr. Thomas has accepted the Superintendency position. He is an experienced leader who will be a strong unifier in our community and has a deep commitment to students and staff. I would like to thank the community for its engagement in the process and the tremendous amount of input we gathered from stakeholders.”

Thomas earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas and his Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota. He holds Superintendent licenses in Minnesota and Colorado and received his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas.  

Thomas was chosen from a highly qualified field following a rigorous selection process that included the Superintendent search services of BWP & Associates, along with stakeholder input given through a survey and focus groups.

Last February Superintendent Dr. Teri Staloch announced that after serving the district for the past seven years, she has accepted a new position that will allow her to pursue a career opportunity in the private sector at the end of the 2021-22 school year.