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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

Schools

Superintendent Michael Thomas hopped on the bus with Emanuel Hosmer and other students Sept. 4 during the first week of the school year.

‘Growing to succeed’

Laurie Hartmann
September 17, 2025

As Dr. Michael Thomas began his fourth year in recent weeks as Superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, his mantra for the new year includes the phrase "growing to succeed." As the leader of close to 8,600 students and 1,300 staff members,...

Smith files as candidate for PLSAS board

September 17, 2025

Dustin Smith has announced his candidacy for the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board. Smith said he believes this is a pivotal time for the local schools. With his children starting kindergarten in the district, he says he feels a personal responsibility...

Five Hawks Elementary School

School board, administrators discuss progress on meeting deadlines for curriculum changes

Renee Winick
September 17, 2025

The Learning, Achievement and Innovation (LAI) team for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools presented its student data and curricular resource updates to the school board during its regular meeting on Sept. 8. Dr. Jennie Zumbusch, Director of Assessment...

PLHS volleyball team to host fundraiser for 2025 graduate

September 13, 2025

The Prior Lake High School girls' volleyball team will host its second annual "Helping Our Community" event on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. This year's honoree is Brooklynne Thorson, a PLHS gymnast who competed at the state level. She is...

The Scott County Sheriff's Office is located at 301 Fuller St. So. in Shakopee.

Scott County participating in law enforcement scholarship program

September 10, 2025

The Scott County Sheriff's Office, along with the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, is participating in the 2025 Law Enforcement Scholarship Program that will award up to 18 scholarships in December, each totaling $2,000. The scholarships are made possible...

Laker Hall of Fame to honor eight new inductees Sept. 19-20

September 10, 2025

The Laker Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be honored on Sept. 19-20. The annual tradition provides recognition for deserving graduates and staff of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools for their accomplishments while a student in the district and as an adult....

Jeffers Pond is one of several elementary schools within the district for students in kindergarten through grade 5.

Lawsuit filed by Jeffers Pond teacher alleging First Amendment rights violated by PLSAS

Laurie Hartmann
August 27, 2025

A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools teacher who was suspended without pay in December following a post she made on a social media site. The lawsuit, filed on Aug. 20 by the Upper Midwest Law Center representing...

Koehlmoos nominated, accepted into national band directors association

August 27, 2025

Keith Koehlmoos, Band Director at Prior Lake High School for 26 years, has been accepted into the prestigious American School Band Directors Association. Membership in the organization is by peer nomination and reserved for directors who demonstrate...

Youngsters attending the Back-to-School Celebration held Aug. 18 enjoyed many tasty treat options.

It’s time to get back on the bus

August 27, 2025

The summer months have flown by and most children in the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District will return to the classroom sometime next week. For the second year in a row, staff, students and parents were invited to the Back-to-School Celebration...

PLHS German students visited Linderhof, one of the palaces built by King Ludwig in southern Germany in the late 1800s.

European adventures

Renee Winick
August 20, 2025

Prior Lake High School German teachers Mary Dooley and Lisa Becker shared photos and highlights from the German Club’s recent 12-day trip to Germany, Switzerland, France and surrounding regions. The presentation occurred during the “Laker Pride”...

Two file for PLSAS board seat; some polling places temporarily changed

Two file for PLSAS board seat; some polling places temporarily changed

August 13, 2025

The Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board will have a new member come January who will serve for one year. Two newcomers filed as candidates for the special election that will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Affidavits of candidacy were filed by the 5 p.m....

Laker Educational Foundation to celebrate 20 years of supporting schools

August 13, 2025

The Laker Educational Foundation will celebrate 20 years of supporting staff and students within the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District on Thursday, Aug. 21. The event is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center,...

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