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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

Schools

Two new members joining PLSAS leadership team this month

July 2, 2025

Two new members have been added to the executive leadership team for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, pending School Board approval, according to Superintendent Michael Thomas. They are Dr. Tim Anderson, Executive Director of Academic Services,...

Affidavits of candidacy must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Aug. 12.

School board discussion on policy revisions lengthy and contentious

Renee Winick
June 25, 2025

After six months of reviewing the governing policies of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board, discussion during its most recent study session was at times contentious, went on for three hours, and will be continued at the next regular board meeting...

WestWood Elementary School

Academic update, tracking data, student progress discussed by PLSAS board

Renee Winick
June 25, 2025

Superintendent Dr. Michael Thomas and administration members presented information on a new academic data tool for staff, the current math pathway options, and a brief update on the academic intervention cycle during the Prior Lake-Savage Area School...

Four Prior Lake students graduate from MN Connections Academy

June 25, 2025

Nearly 800 graduating seniors from communities across Minnesota were awarded their high school diplomas as members of Minnesota Connections Academy’s Class of 2025. The tuition-free, online school recently recognized graduates during a traditional,...

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar congratulates Marin Harvey who will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Harvey accepts appointment to U.S. Military Academy at West Point

June 25, 2025

Recent graduate Marin Harvey of Prior Lake will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point after being nominated by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Twenty-one Minnesota students nominated by Klobuchar accepted their appointment to either the...

Prior Lake High School students who competed at the national speech tournament included, from left to right: Mason Baas, Katie Weaver, Makenzie Bounds, Jayden Nelson, Chloe Erickson, Lindsey Madsen, Ingrid Olson. and Leo Choi. (Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools)

Top team finish

Staff report
June 25, 2025

The Prior Lake High School Speech Team made history at the 2025 National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Tournament, held recently in Des Moines, Iowa. The team earned a coveted School of Excellence Trophy, awarded to the Top 20 teams in the nation....

Taylor Hendrickson (left) and Mataya Smith will be on the Laker varsity soccer team through next year and then play for Concordia University in St. Paul.

Heading to college — on the same team

Laurie Hartmann
June 18, 2025

Mataya Smith and Taylor Hendrickson met each other on the soccer field as preschoolers and have been teammates and great friends ever since. That was nearly 14 years ago. The girls will continue to play on the Laker varsity soccer team as seniors next...

Prior Lake High School is located at  7575 150th St W, Savage.

Prior Lake makes magazine’s list of top high schools in state

Staff report
June 11, 2025

Prior Lake High School ranks among the best high schools in Minnesota, according to a recent story published by Money Inc. Prior Lake ranks 15th on the 2025 list, as reported by Money Inc.’s story, “The 30 Best High Schools in Minnesota: Top-Ranked...

Protesters line up to show support of the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools resolution of equity and inclusion at the District Services Center on June 9, 2025. Robb Jeffries / PL News Compass

PLSAS board eliminates DEI resolution

Robb Jeffries
June 11, 2025

The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board chose to eliminate its resolution in support of equity and inclusion, removing the guiding document that directed the district and its board to commit to governing in a manner that prioritizes diversity, equity...

Pictured, from left to right are: Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coordinator Lisa Sitzmann, Emma Marshall, Calvin Capelle, Hannah Helberg, Joseph Schoemer and Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar. Not pictured is award winner Jessica McConnell. (Scott County Attorney's Office)

Scholarships awarded by Scott County Attorney’s Office, Choose Not To Use

Staff report
June 10, 2025

The Scott County Attorney's Office and Choose Not To Use organization announced the first recipients of its local scholarship program. Recipients with the college they will be attending in the future noted were: Emma Marshall (Winona State), Calvin...

WestWood Elementary School. Laurie Hartmann / PL News Compass

School district ironing out details of proposed school closure

Renee Winick
June 10, 2025

During the PLSAS school board June 9th study session, Superintendent Michael Thomas and other district administrators presented more details and answered questions regarding the proposed closure of WestWood Elementary and consolidation of district facilities. In...

The video board at Dan Patch Stadium honors the PLHS Class of 2025. Jill Kufrin / PL News Compass

PHOTOS: The PLHS Class of 2025 has their day in the sun

Staff report
June 7, 2025

The Class of 2025 has finished its journey through high school, with nothing but promise and potential awaiting them. Prior Lake High School graduated nearly 700 students on Thursday at Dan Patch Stadium, with another 56 seniors graduating from Bridges...

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