School Board Considers Budget Reductions for 2025-26

On Monday, the School Board continued its discussion on identifying $4-5 million in potential reductions and cost-saving measures districtwide for the 2025-26 school year and beyond.

The immediate focus was on preparing for enrollment and course registration for the next school year. To support this, the Board has directed district administration to begin planning for staffing adjustments across K-12, which will include slightly larger class sizes and fewer elective options for students in grades 6-12. Courses/electives will be offered based on enrollment numbers. 

The Board determined that an additional study session before winter break is not necessary as there is sufficient time to plan for upcoming registration. 

To view the full Dec. 9 Board presentation with additional budget reduction considerations that will continue to be discussed, click here. A recording of the Dec. 9 School Board meeting will be posted to our website on Wednesday, here. The School Board will continue to have budget discussions during their monthly meetings with the final 2025-26 budget being approved in June.

2025-26 School Year Calendar

On December 9, the School Board approved the 2025-26 school year calendar, which you can view here. Please note that two staff in-service days—September 26 and February 13—will replace early release days and will be no-school days for students.



Safety Spotlight

At Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students and staff is a top priority. During the school day, all visitors must use the intercom system located outside the main entrance to notify front office staff for access. This allows our staff to communicate directly with visitors and ensure only authorized individuals are admitted.

Once inside, visitors are required to sign in using our visitor management system before proceeding beyond the front office or check-in area. As part of this process, visitors will need to present a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The ID will be scanned for an on-the-spot background check against the national sex-offender database.

Approved visitors will receive a photo ID sticker badge to wear during their visit. Upon departure, badges must be returned to the main office or check-in desk. These measures help us track visitors and enhance the safety of our schools.



We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our school community safe!

Tree of Warmth - Thank You

Once again, our community has shown incredible generosity through the success of the Prior Lake Chamber's Tree of Warmth clothing drive! Thank you to everyone who donated warm clothing to the drive. These new coats, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves and mittens will keep students across our district warm this winter. Special thanks to the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring and organizing this initiative, while facilitating the collection of these essential items for PLSAS students in need.



Laker Pride

Fall Sports

Congratulations are in order for our Lakers who participated in fall sports and activities! 

During the Laker Pride segment of the December 9 School Board meeting, Prior Lake High School (PLHS) Activities Director Jeff Marshall highlighted the remarkable achievements of PLHS fall sports and activities programs. Several students attended the meeting to receive special recognition for their exceptional performances at the state level in their respective sports or activities. Teams recognized were:

Girls' Tennis

Girls' Swimming & Diving

Girls' Cross Country

ACDA Honor Choir 

PLHS Percussion Ensemble

Laker Pride

School Board Recognition

During the December 9 School Board meeting, the Laker Pride segment also included a heartfelt recognition of two outgoing and one former Board Director for their leadership and dedication to Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools:



• Julie Bernick: 4 years of service
• Amy Crosby: 4 years of service
• Enrique Velázquez: 5.75 years of service

Each Board Director shared reflections on their journey as board members and expressed gratitude for the teachers and staff they had the privilege to work alongside. Please join us in thanking them for their hard work and commitment throughout their years of service on the PLSAS School Board.

“Teachers and Social Workers are responsive and supportive to ensure my child has a great experience at school and feels comfortable."

- Anonymous comment from 2024 stakeholder survey

PLSAS recognizes the important role every staff person plays in making a difference in the lives of students and families. Throughout the year, we promote designated employee appreciation days as just one way to show our thanks. 

• Inclusive Schools Week, December 5-9,. 2024
• School Safety and Security Staff Appreciation Week, January 6-10, 2025