Good evening everyone. Thank you for joining us for the special meeting of the Prior Lake Savage Area School Board. The purpose of this special meeting is to consider the negotiated employment contract for the superintendent position and as appropriate discuss and determine any remaining steps in the hiring
process. I now call this meeting to order. Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance as you're able. I pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All board members are present with Director Olszewski joining us remotely. Thanks for making it, Jessica. Um so I'm going to appoint Director Mason as the
clerk for this evening. Is there any objection to that? Okay, hearing none. Thank you. Uh going on to our business of the evening. Um at the last special meeting of the
board, we adopted a motion to proceed with a plan A plan B approach to selecting our next superintendent. Pursuant to that motion, we first entered into negotiations with Dr. Schmidt. While those negotiations were conducted in good faith, we were ultimately unable to reach a mutually
agreeable employment contract. In following the plan A plan B direction, we then entered into negotiations with Dr. Wagner and were able to reach a mutually agreeable employment agreement. The proposed contract was shared with board members in advance for review.
As provided in the board's earlier motion authorizing negotiations, the proposed employment agreement is still subject to satisfactory completion of the required background check and approval by the full board. Is there a motion to approve the
negotiated employment agreement with Dr. James Wagner as superintendent of the Prior Lake Savage Area Schools? >> So moved. >> By Director Olson, do we have a Oh, sorry, Mason. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> By Director Johnson.
The motion has been made and seconded, and I will now open it up um for discussion. Board members, is there any discussion on the um on the contract? >> Yes, I believe the contract was changed to 2 years.
Is that a correct? >> The contract is a 2-year contract. >> And we only agreed to 1 year. >> The um I'm going to have Barb come up. Barb Dorn is here from MSBA. Uh I will just say in the deliberations
um it was it was apparent that we were open to a 2-year. The motion that um we had on the table for the AB approach did not have any term limit in that motion.
Um and so the negotiation process went with that motion in mind. Barb, is there anything that you have Do you have a question or do you have any other clarifying >> Yeah, we voted for the AB option with 1
year cuz I specifically asked for that clarification before I voted. Um so that was that's a little confusing. >> Okay. Is this mic on or do I need to turn it on? No, good. is on. good. >> Good. >> Um so, I double-checked the motion that was made and the motion itself did not
specify 1 year. It said to a mutually agreeable employment contract is negotiated. And then it did say in the event the chair determines a mutually agreement employment contract is not attainable, the chair's authorized to extend the offer of employment contract, etc. Uh contingent
upon the following a mutually agreement employment contract is negotiated. So, in the motion itself, the discussion did center around who supported 1 year, who supported 2 years. There was quite a bit of discussion. I don't know if the word compromise was actually used. I haven't watched it again since then, but there was some
discussion of it at the table. Um that made it into the paper that there was discussion about a 2-year as a possibility, and so I think from a candidate's perspective, they were open to that asking for it, negotiating for that as possible. But, I don't have it in my
records that it was a 1-year contingent agreement. I know that was definitely your preference, and you were very clear >> No, I only voted for it, and I clarified what I voted I said this is a 1-year um on the AB, and it was said yes. I said yay. Actually, I said yes, and then I said
yeah, and then I said yay, actually, in the actual video. So, I did clarify it. It was confirmed that we only agreed to a 1-year. Um and this is a 2-year contract, and it that is that is not acceptable to me. Um
>> I'm not a parliamentarian. I don't know if the motion was amended as part of that conversation or if the motion was not amended and the conversation was understood in that regards. >> I believe Director Olstad made the motion.
>> I know it was Director Mason. >> Well, um and I would say to I am I'm also not a parliamentarian, and um I hear I I know that from the very beginning, Mary, you were very adamant
on the one year. That was where your you stood. Um the motion on the table though, the motion was read. We all had this paperwork and Director Mason uh read the motion just as given to us. I
think right before Director Mason read the motion, uh Director Johnson had some um you know, if this is a one and a two-year um with a candidate we had in our deliberations,
we had a lot of discussion regarding um term limit and preferences, but it was not part of the motion. >> I did make the clarifying statement. I was told yes. >> Um because >> yes, and I was told yes, and that's why
I voted. So um that is a little bit not okay with me. Not actually, it's a lot not okay with me. Um I also would like to make um just a statement, you know, going through this
process um you know, I want to commend our um previous administration quite a bit cuz as I was comparing contracts and looking through it um you know, our previous administration actually uh volun- they put it in the budget and then they
voluntarily furloughed their own vacation payout uh because our budget was so um underwater um that they gave the money back and I know in the past 3 years several board members have um um also um
abdicated their stipend in order to fund uh things from like last year's uh retirement party and a few others. So um this um I in I if I I could agree to the one year with
these terms, uh um these terms are very expensive. Very expensive. Um and um you know, given um our current financial situation, I I glad I'm not running for office this
year and going door-to-door to defend this. That's all I can say. >> Any other discussion? >> Um I have I have just a couple comments. Um couple couple things talking about the two year versus the one year. We don't have any other employee employment group
in our district that we give them a one year contract. So, I think based on, you know, my understanding was always if we were going to end up with an interim, that would be a one year contract type of um situation.
Um I'm happy with the contract. Um I think when you look at the compensation and I remember I went back and watched the video when we were talking about conversation about the compensation. And Dr. France, you you actually advocated for a higher amount than I did within the contract and I think that
this lands right within where I feel is a fair [clears throat] contract for the years of experience that this candidate brings to the table and the challenges that we have in our district. Um I also think several years ago the precedent was set with a
previous administrator who came in at a very high level of compensation. So, when you look at how do we how do we bring someone in and give them a fair compensation to do the work that's required in this district that we all know is very challenging. I'm I'm very happy with the contract as
written and I I'd like to thank those involved in the negotiation process cuz I'm sure it wasn't easy. So, thank you. >> Dr. Johnson. >> Yep. Uh appreciate you um chair, uh Director Mason, uh Director Cawthorn, uh all the work that you guys
have have done with this. Um I know we went back and forth a lot on 1 or 2 years. Um Director Smith brought it up, right, as a thing, right, and it seemed like we had uh some work with it.
And um ultimately, right, we had large parameters as far as money when it came down to it. And I think this falls within there. And we talked about trust, and I think this is giving you know, our next superintendent that
that realm of trust that we want. >> Anyone else? Director Smith. >> Sure. Um Yes, thank you, Chair Bolling. Um I I don't have much to say other than I I do think that there are safer, more
suitable options for us to look at. Um I do agree that uh a 1-year um would be my preference. Um and I can't help but think about how this decision
might play out. Uh I don't have a crystal ball. Um if I did, I'd be on my way to Vegas with a suitcase full of five mortgage payments, but um the ramifications of this of this decision will have an effect on our district for years to
come, and they're not small. Um there is a levy that we have discussed being on the ballot uh to provide our district with critical funding. Uh we have seen instability within our leadership team, within our
administrators, teachers, staff. Um and there are not one, but two district moves happening. Um And we also have the community to think about. And the last time we were at this table deliberating this topic, I commented
that uh it seems like every single decision we make is filtered through the prism of earning the support of our community. And we need to start listening to what the community And in fact, it's been articulated by
members at this table that we are in their current situation because we did exactly that. We didn't we didn't listen to our community. And now we're leaving our community out of the most critical decision our district can make.
Now, as Director Johnson said, uh did I float a 2-year possibility uh during deliberations? Sure, I did. I did. Uh it was a calculated risk on my part. Probably a mistake on my part. Won't be the last one I make.
Um but there were reasons I did that and uh like I said, that was a roll of the dice that didn't pay off. So, cancel that trip to Vegas.
But what I will say is I I do um I do think that there are better decisions. I don't think that 2 years is is the way that we should go and what we should offer for this contract. Um but what I will say is
um as we've talked about, there are no other third options. There's no third options, right? So, once this is uh if this is approved this evening, uh this will be the last time you hear me
talk about my voting no on this. Um I I'm not in this role or this position to constantly say I told you so. Uh I'm in this position to ask how can I
help? And while I don't agree with the direction that this contract has taken, um there are other decisions that I have advocated for and that this body has
endorsed. Um so I can't very well raise my hands and cheer when those decisions happen and stomp my feet and throw a tantrum when a decision goes away that I don't prefer. So, um
so I've had my moment. I've had my chance to uh state my case as to why I don't think this is the best decision for our district, but uh I guess we'll just see how it goes when we when we start voting.
>> Director Wallace said, do you have anything that you want to share? >> Uh thank you and thank you for your patience as I dial in virtually today. I was, you know, very strong in my opinion of a one-year as well,
and I still feel that way. Um however, I know the work that was put in and the conversations that have been had over the Um and I respect those. Um over to the board chair and the board
members for listening. Um I am also not you know, again, a huge fan of the one-year contract, but I want to vote for a lot of reasons, mostly because of the community
that voted it and staff that voted it. Um and um I however this goes, I welcome a new superintendent, you know, with open arms and 100% support uh because we have a lot of work to do. Uh we have a lot of work to do. We have
a levy to pass. We have a move. Um and oh yeah, a new school school year starts in the fall. Um and so um I will base my vote on those factors um when it comes time to say yes and no and uh of course the yes and a no doesn't
come with the caveat. So, we have to say yes or no. Uh we can't say yes and or no but. Um so, I have to take all of that into consideration and I truly do thank Director Caughern and Chair Boykin and Director Mason for their conversations
because you've had them. Um also in consultation with MSBA, uh Barb, thank you so much, especially as you're just returning from vacation yourself. Um and thank you for being part of the conversations. Um and I think I have to trust in that. Um
and we have to unify. We're all about unification, right? So, let's prove it and let's let's move forward as a unified front and welcome whoever that is. Um which I will do. So, I will base my vote on all of that. >> Absolutely.
Um our typical process of hiring any staff member is at least three interviews. Um and uh our previous superintendent hires also
um met with staff. Um because the risk of the hire is on the district. Um with this size of a contract on the top end with um minimal experience in our size
district, um we're [snorts] taking a huge risk. Huge risk. Um and there's things in here that I would agree with for the one year and one year only. Um there's a vacation package in here
that's wow. Uh the one of dreams. Um which is I I feel that we have to keep in mind that we're not desperate. There are other
options. We can do interim still. We can you know you know in again I said this before in my world um one of the reasons why you want a
short-term is in case you do make that mistake uh on both parties. Not just us. I mean it could go either way. Um and um without all the pre-emptive work that normally goes into something like this
uh where you start early and uh sometimes you go through multiple rounds of finalist candidates uh which is fine because it's it's so important you get that right fit and mix and also keep in mind that while we are trying to uh you
know obviously the the some of the claims about our administration costs were not true but we are actually adding quite a bit to it um and the sacrifices um for everyone remembers when Dr.
Thomas went on vacation he actually did it without pay. Because we were we are that broke. And then uh Dr. Edwards had to take over. Um you know I I find it somewhat irresponsible of us
to be making this level of a contract. Um in that area. So I'm not going to mince words. I have nothing against uh the candidate. Nothing at all. Um but we are we are assuming 100% of this risk.
And it's a costly one. And when the range was given out, it's because we did also have a range of candidates with different levels of experience. Some of them um with districts our size, uh our demographic makeup, our budget,
our budget constraints, and some of them who had nothing even close to it. Um that doesn't mean they can't do it, but it does mean that there is a a different level of financial commitment that goes into that because again,
we take that risk, and it is a huge risk. So, um for that, um like I said, the risk would be mitigated if we did 1 year. And um you know, if we don't pass this levy, we
not we may not even be able to afford this contract. So, I I just want to put that out there cuz that is that is the job of the board. Um and we need to take that responsibility, that financial responsibility very seriously, as well.
Um and that risk. We have 8,700 students. We're going into a levy, a school move, or a actually a building move. Um a lot of changes, a lot of changes at the legislature. We could have one change with special ed, and we are in statutory operating debt in a
blink of an eye. Um This The risk is is is just too high for me to go 2 years. >> If I may, yeah. >> Director Mason. >> Um thank you. So, um I just first want to say thank you uh
Director Olstad, Chair Bullion especially, and Director Cothard um for so many hours put into this, especially Director Cothard. I know you came in early and left late. And so helpful through the process. You know, I just want our community to
know that this process was I mean this was extensive negotiation. It was many meetings. We explored all options. Um you know, we looked at all of the terms of the contract including vacation and other benefits and compared them to
current contracts and others. Um we did cost compares and definitely took, you know, this very seriously and ensuring that this is a cost-effective contract. Um and you know, I think that
Dr. Wagner is is up for the challenge and I will welcome him to the district if if this should pass and you know, just want to say that this this process was done very carefully and thoughtfully and so I appreciate everyone's work that went into it.
>> Anybody else? Any final thoughts? Um thank you all for for your engagement in it. I think that every one of you have extremely valid points. You know, we talk about support of our
you know, Director Smith, you talked about you know, in so many cases we want the support of our community and we want the engagement and of our community. Um you know, and and the community put us here in the in
these in these seats to make these decisions which aren't easy. But I think that with every perspective and every comment made there is there's validity. There's real concern. I don't
think that there's a perfect superintendent. Um I don't think that we could have a perfect contract. And so, walking through this process, it has been done very carefully. Um it has been done
with many hours of of careful thought, lots of conversations, lots of input. And so, I just appreciate the process. I appreciate the engagement. I appreciate each of the board members um perspectives and input. Um
And I Yeah. So, that we are at the space if there is no other discussion. Um I will enter I will take us into a roll call vote for the for the motion on the table, which is to approve the
negotiated employment agreement with Dr. James Wagner as superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. I will start with you, Director Atkinson. >> Aye. >> Director Johnson. >> Aye. >> Director Mason. >> Aye. >> Director France.
>> Nay. >> Director Smith. >> Nay. >> Director Olstad. >> I think it was a >> Sorry. I thought I was unmuted. Um aye. >> And I am an aye. So, that passes five two. Um
So, with action on the proposed employment agreement complete, I'd like to invite our search consultant Barb Dorn from the MSBA to share any additional information or recommendations regarding the remaining
steps in the in the in this process or just to share um anything that you would going leading us through this process. Thank you, Barb. >> Absolutely. Thank you, Chair Plahn. So, um I'm thinking back like a month and a
half ago, maybe two months ago. I don't know when we first met. From the very beginning, this was a complex and challenging search with a lot of options. So, we talked about all sorts of different possibilities. So, I'm not surprised that the end was
complex and challenging as well. From the beginning, this was an unusual search. Um I've heard sometimes this board, either referring to itself or others referring to it as a split board. I'm not buying that.
Your votes are not always 7-0. And it's actually, as we've discussed, becoming more and more rare that there is a 7-0 vote on pretty much any board in Minnesota these days. But, I'm going to ask you a question. And I'm going to ask you to raise your hands. And I can't see Director Olstead.
So, to inspire and empower each student to reach their full potential. That's the mission of your district. How many of these board members sitting here and remote believe in that mission? Unanimous.
You believe unanimously in the most important thing is the mission of this district to inspire and empower each student to reach their full potential. I want to congratulate you on wrapping up a complex and challenging search.
Every step of this was different. I think that this district is poised for some really wonderful things. You definitely have challenges ahead of you. You had 12 interested applicants. You had four very different and talented
finalists. You selected two to negotiate with. You saved time with a plan A, plan B motion, so that was successful. There were compromises made, which is constant in any negotiations on both behalf of the candidates, I believe, and also especially on behalf of the
district. So, I do want to congratulate you on that. I have a couple of closing comments here. Um, I will have a press release done very shortly, and I will send it to Christie. Uh, I'll also copy Chair Bullion and Liz and Danny on that press release. So, that is ready to go,
and the word will get out. Um, remember we'd like to turn in all of your board notes to Director Katherine. Those are subject to data requests, so any of your notes from the files when you were looking through the applications yourself, your notes from the interviews, please turn them all in
tonight if you've got them. If you don't have them, please try to get them to the HR department within a week. They really need to file those in accordance with all of your data retention policies uh, for personnel private data. I would like to give um, a shout out to Chair Bullion because I don't know if people
can recognize the amount of extra work for a board chair during a search, even a truncated search such as this one. It is a lot of extra heavy lifting, and it requires almost a 24/7 responsiveness, and I really enjoyed working with you, Chair Bullion. I think you did a great job. Thank you for all of your help with the search here.
Also want to thank the many staff that contributed to the success of this search. It was a very busy time of year to do a search because school was wrapping up, and they were buried and busy, and they still came through and did everything that the search required. So, thank you to everyone on staff who
helped with this. Uh, is it okay if I send you all a survey? Uh, that's part of our process to always ask the board and the district contact folks how we did, what went well, what could have gone better. Doesn't take more than 2 minutes, even less if you're succinct, but um, I'll
get that out to you probably tonight. So, thanks in advance for your help um, helping MSBA create new processes cuz this was brand new for us as well, and I kind of experimenting on how this sort of flexibility and a bare-bones search would work. So, thank you for that. I'll
get you that survey out. Um, our official role in your search is complete. With the truncated search. I will not be back for a transition workshop. However, if you would like to do that and go through a goal-setting process with Dr. Wagner and the board, I'm happy to come back. We do charge for
a transition workshop. For a full search, it's included. For this search, it's not. However, I believe Dr. Wagner has a lot of experience in setting smart goals. He's very driven by goals and metrics. So, it's very possible you'll have that conversation, not need any assistance. But, if you would like us to
come back, I would be more than happy to do so. But, we really appreciate you partnering with us. You have plenty of options to think about when you have a search undergoing, and we want to thank you for allowing MSBA to support you in the process. You have my phone number and email, and any of you at any time
can reach out, please, to me by text or phone call or email. Anyone else at MSBA that can be of assistance, we are there to support you ongoing. And, congratulations. I am very happy for this board, and I look forward to seeing the new board team start to work together on July 1st. Congratulations.
>> Thank you, Barbara. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, [clears throat] Barbara. >> Okay, before we would Before we adjourn, before I take a motion to adjourn, I'd just like to extend my sincere gratitude for everyone who contributed in the
process. There was so much work, and um Director Cathern, you were so responsive, and you know, just thank you for your support and leadership throughout this process. Director Mason, for your willingness to
be part of every conversation and every meeting, I really appreciate that. Director Olmstead, I'm sure there's plen- Danny, uh uh Christie, Liz, I'll I'll get I'll get emotional
because there just all of you. There has been so many conversations. Director Smith, Director France, um so much conversation. Director Atkinson, Director Johnson, your input, all of it mattered. And, um, I just thank everyone
for their for their engagement. Um, it really was a growing experience to go through. And, and so, um, I want to thank Dr. Wegner. His patience, um, through the negotiation process, um, his responsiveness throughout the, um,
throughout the process it to. Um, I'm excited for his commitment in serving Prior Lake Savage Area Schools. And, and look forward to partnering with him in service of our students and our staff and our community. Um,
I'd also like to express deep gratitude for Barb and her leadership. Um, I I just have to leave it there. >> [laughter] >> You have been you incredible. So, thank you. And to Amy who filled in
seamlessly in when you were out of the office. So, uh, you two were incredible and it was a real help, um, throughout this process. So, thank you. Um, the district staff, legal counsel, um,
the professionalism and the assistance in helping us reach this important milestone. Um, just thank you. With that, is there a motion and a second to adjourn this meeting? >> So moved. >> By Director Johnson. >> Second.
>> By Director Smith. All in favor, say I. >> I. >> Or do I have to do a roll call? I'm going to do a roll call and I'm going to start with you, Director Allstead. >> I. >> Director Smith. >> I. >> Director France. >> I. >> Director Mason. >> I. >> Director Johnson. >> I.
>> Director Atkinson. >> I. >> And that's I for me. We are now adjourned. >> Hey, everyone.