Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board candidates Jon Conlon and Dustin Smith cited many of the same concerns during the forum hosted by the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 25. Primary differences expressed came down to fiscal management, academic outcomes and staffing concerns.

Approximately 50 people attended the forum held at Prior Lake City Hall. Moderator and chamber member Cheryl Leitschuh posed 10 questions to each candidate. Both candidates were respectful to one another during the event and responded to broad topics.

Conlon has lived in Prior Lake for 15 years and comes from a family of educators. He has a 20-year career in finance and currently serves as the chief financial officer for WAEV, an electric vehicle manufacturing company located in California. He has three children attending local schools. Conlon said his top priorities if elected would include promoting academic excellence, fiscal responsibility and being a strong steward of the district’s strategic plan.

Smith has been a lifelong resident of Prior Lake and attended local schools, as does his children. He is a human resources executive for a statewide nonprofit organization. He said his top reasons for running include rebuilding trust between the community, board and the district, while ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. Smith said the district does not have an expense problem, but rather, schools are underfunded which has led to revenue challenges.

When asked about the most pressing issue being faced by the district, Smith expressed concerns about budget shortfalls and the number of recent staffing cuts and top administrators leaving the district. He said revenue must be thought of in a way that supports and funds the mission to educate all children.

Conlon indicated the challenges of balancing the need for academic excellence and fiscal responsibility, suggesting that more resources be devoted to core academics that have the greatest impact, such as math, science and reading.

Both candidates were asked about the manner in which they would handle challenging and divisive issues. Conlon said a person’s “reputation is defined by their actions,” and each board member must taken accountability for their words, actions and core beliefs, while keeping students at the center of every decision.

Smith, too, said board members must listen, collaborate and consider all options. He added that no individual board member is the final decision-maker, and the board as a whole determines the final outcome which “takes collaboration, trust and belief in each other.”

Both candidates indicated student safety should be a top priority within the school district. Conlon said he supports safety officers being stationed in school buildings, while Smith said the district must provide a positive and safe learning environment in order for students to do their best.

Leitschuh posed the question pertaining to where each candidate saw the district in the next five to 10 years, and what role the school board will play during that time. Much will depend on adherence to the strategic plan, according to Smith, and the district must ensure it makes defined goals. He predicts PLSAS will continue to have a tremendous reputation, it will achieve academically and present a positive learning environment for students. “If we want to be the best, it will take an investment, not just monetary, but personal, as well,” he said.

Conlon said the current board has already worked through some difficult issues and continued success will depend on the effectiveness of the board and its commitment to its mission. He said there must be sharper focus applied to academics, more opportunities for growth, respect by board members for the role, and financial accountability.

In closing comments, Smith said local schools are at an important crossroads, and the board must confront the serious budget challenges which are significant. He added that “no one person has all of the answers,” but he was committed to listening, understanding, learning and adjusting with that information.

Conlon’s final comments suggested the board must hold itself to the highest standards. He said he was not running as a career politician, but rather, a Laker parent and dad. He said the board must focus on achieving academic excellence, being stewards of the strategic plan and making smart fiduciary decisions.