Members of the Prior Lake-Savage School Board discussed during the April 27 study session two different paths to find the district’s next superintendent.

The role became open when the district’s current superintendent, Dr. Michael Thomas, announced that he accepted the superintendent position at Hopkins Public Schools that is projected to begin on July 1, 2026.

Barb Dorn, Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search for the Minnesota School Board Association, presented the options that included initiating a full search for a permanent role or selecting an interim superintendent as soon as possible, while taking more time to find candidates looking for a permanent position.

The school board did, however, approve using a search firm to aid in the superintendent selection process.

Dorn pointed out that a superintendent search to fill a role on a permanent basis typically takes three to four months. Given there is little more than two months before Thomas departs, it would mean less time for the board to find and assess qualified candidates.

The board has the option to hire a search firm to help select eligible candidates and lead posting of the position, vetting applicants, working with the board to choose which candidates to interview, scheduling interviews and aiding in the final selection of the superintendent. The board can also use the search firm for select portions of the hiring process.

If the board decides to do an interim search, Dorn said that there would most likely be two types of candidates interested in the opportunity. An interim candidate would most likely be interested in stepping in for only one year and keeping operations steady but not propose any new initiatives or goals. The second type of interim applicant is one who is looking for a chance to “audition” for a superintendent position on a long-term basis and demonstrate desirable skills once the search begins for the permanent spot.

Dorn stated that either type of interim superintendent can be found internally or externally. The hiring process, however, differs for each type of interim applicant. An interim candidate search is much shorter, much less formal and generally takes two to four weeks.

The interim role may attract a former or retired superintendent who is typically not interested in going through a competitive, public interview process. The board would usually vet them prior to offering an interview, but the process would be less intensive than what is used to fill the role on a permanent basis.

An external candidate looking to “audition” as an interim superintendent would be taking a risk, since they would likely be leaving a position with no guarantee that they’d have a permanent spot after the one-year contract is complete. An internal interim candidate would have contract rights, so they would usually have to ability to go back to their original position if the permanent role is not offered. Dorn said an internal candidate hired for the interim role may also lessen the future candidate pool because other potential applicants may feel that person has an advantage since they are already well-known in the district.

All applicants must hold a current Minnesota superintendent license. The open meeting law would also apply, so search committee meetings would be open to the public. Applicants’ names would only go public if the board decides to interview them for the position.

Board chair Amy Bullyan and board members Jessica Olstad, Mary Frantz and Dustin Smith said that due to the limited time frame, they would favor pursuing the interim option. Board members Lisa Atkinson, Charles Johnson and Jessica Mason indicated they would prefer a full search, and if it was not successful, pivot to the interim option.

Board members are expected to make the final decision at the May 4 school board meeting.