The following information was sent out to parents and school personnel last week following board approval by the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools to restructure school facilities beginning in the 2026–27 school year. This decision is part of a broader effort to address the district’s ongoing financial challenges by optimizing resources and realizing cost savings, according to Superintendent Michael Thomas.

The approved plan includes the following changes, effective fall 2026:

● WestWood Elementary will close as a neighborhood school in fall 2026. WestWood students will attend nearby elementary schools, based on a future attendance boundary configuration that will be determined at a later date.

● La ola del lago at Grainwood will relocate to the WestWood building beginning in fall 2026.

● The District Services Center (DSC) will close and be sold. DSC staff will move into the current La ola del lago space at Grainwood. The plan provides the greatest cost efficiency and requires the least amount of remodeling.

● Community Education will remain at La ola del lago at Grainwood. No changes are being made to its current office location or programming.

Thomas said the district wanted to reassure families and staff that no changes will take place during the 2025–26 school year. Classes, programs, and activities at WestWood, La ola del lago at Grainwood and the District Services Center will continue as planned.

“We understand that these decisions are significant and may be difficult, particularly for those directly impacted,” Thomas said. “In the coming weeks, we will provide additional updates, including timelines and new elementary attendance boundaries for 2026–27.

More information can be found on the district Site Consolidation web page. To learn more about the budget and school finance, click here.

“Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding as we navigate these necessary changes with a focus on long-term sustainability and student success,” Thomas said.