The Minnesota Administrators for Special Education has named Michelle Cuka, Director of Student Support Services for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, as the recipient of the 2025 Special Education Administrator of the Year Award.

The award recognizes Cuka’s outstanding leadership, dedication to students with disabilities, and contributions to the field of special education, according to Michael Thomas, Superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.

“Michelle works tirelessly to ensure our district’s mission of inspiring and empowering each student to reach their full potential is realized for every student, regardless of challenges that may exist for students. She and her team dedicate themselves to developing high-quality educational experiences that have a profound impact on the lives of our students,” wrote Thomas, in his letter of recommendation.

According to a press release from the district, Cuka has played a pivotal role in expanding inclusive programming within Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. Under her leadership, the district’s Unified Champion Schools initiative through Special Olympics grew from two to eleven schools within a year, increasing opportunities for students with disabilities to engage with their peers. The district now offers Unified Advisory programs in middle schools, Unified classroom activities in elementary schools, and expanded Unified Physical Education and Family and Consumer Science courses at the high school level. Her leadership is credited for strengthening a culture of inclusion across all grade levels.