School Board to decide on technology levy request for fall
The School Board has been discussing whether to place a technology levy request on the ballot this November to secure a dedicated source of technology funding for our schools. If approved by voters, these dedicated funds would help ensure the district is able to provide students and staff with the tools, technology infrastructure and support they need to maximize classroom learning and enhance safety and security in our buildings. A voter-approved technology levy would also free up money in the operating budget for other student and classroom needs.
 
Technology is increasingly critical for classroom learning. A recent community survey found that 90% of our residents believe that technology is either very important or absolutely essential for students. Whether it’s the devices that students and staff use, the instructional software for curriculum, or the infrastructure that keeps our technology working, up-to-date technology is key to ensuring students have connection to anytime, anywhere learning and the resources they need.

State law allows districts to request dedicated technology funding from their local community, yet we are one of the only comparable districts that does not have a voter-approved technology levy. That means we have to draw from our operating budget to support technology needs - putting more pressure on all the other needs our schools and students have.

We rely heavily on state funding to provide the education our students deserve and our community expects. While the state has periodically made investments in education, including the most recent passage of the state budget, the per-student amount of revenue has not kept pace with inflation for nearly 20 years. If it had, we would be receiving about $5 million more each year than we do right now. We are also grateful for federal COVID relief dollars, but recognize they are one-time funds designed to help schools cover pandemic-related costs and will not help with our long-term budget sustainability or technology needs.
 
After a year of discussion, planning and listening to our staff, students and community, a final decision on the technology levy request is expected at the July 12 School Board meeting. You can review the recommendation presented at the June 14 Board meeting here. 
Alternate Bus Stop Request form due July 15
Please complete an Alternate Bus Stop Request Form each year for any of the following reasons:
 
  • Daycare pick-up and drop-off location
  • Open Enrolled student
  • Dual household/two stops for students grades 6-12
 
To access the Alternate Bus Stop Request Form, click one of the following links that applies to you: 
 
 
Forms can be emailed to Jody Swedberg or mailed/delivered to the District Services Center, 4540 Tower Street SE, Prior Lake, 55372. 
 
Bus stop information will be available approximately 2 weeks before school starts. An email will be sent to families when the information is posted in Infinite Campus under the Transportation tab. For dual household stops, your additional information will be found under the Other Transportation tab. If you do not know how to access your account information, please contact ithelpdesk@plsas.org 

For more information about transportation, click here.  
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications available now
Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Applying is easy and only takes a few minutes. A new application must be filled out each year to qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Meals. Applications are now available on SchoolCafé for the 2021-22 school year.
 
To download printable applications, please access the following links:
For Spanish, Somali and Hmong versions, click here.  

Parents and guardians may also pick up a paper application at the District Services Center at 4540 Tower St SE, Prior Lake, MN, 55372.
Student and staff technology survey results
Recently PLSAS conducted student (grades 3-12) and staff surveys to gather feedback on the technology and devices used for teaching, learning and job responsibilities.
Students responded that they primarily use their district-issued device to:
  • Access Seesaw or Schoology
  • Google Meet
  • Access apps
  • Create documents
  • Access the internet for resources and research

Students also gave examples of how their use of devices has changed or improved over the past year.

“I have become better at using technology and problem solving.”

“I’ve gotten way more used to the daily homework and I feel confident about my abilities on the device.”

“All of my assignments are now in one place so it’s easier to find them and turn them in.”

“Being able to download documents right from Schoology into Notability and being able to write with my finger. For the Chromebook I enjoyed the keyboard.”
Staff responded that the main technology programs and/or tools they use to complete their job responsibilities are as follows:
  • Internet for resources and research
  • Create and edit documents
  • Collaborate with colleagues

Staff also gave examples of how technology impacts the way they teach or do their job.

“It enables me to use a wider variety of resources to teach reading. It helps me assess and record data. It helps me to communicate effectively with colleagues.”

“I use technology everyday to teach students, to communicate to parents in meaningful ways and support their understanding of what is happening. Students are able to do work on their iPads that is whole group, but all differentiated to meet their needs. It is a huge support to what I do daily.”

“I use it everyday. It's crucial. The thing that can be improved the most is Chromebooks for students. They're often glitchy. We also need extras for students who forget their devices.”

“Allows for increased collaboration.”
2021-22 school year district calendar
The district calendar is available on our website. You can view a month-to-month version or a calendar-at-a-glance. Please check our website often as we continue to add school-year events.
Welcome
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is pleased to announce the following administrative staff hires, pending School Board approval:
  • Jeff Marshall, Activities Director
  • Sambath Ouk, Director of Equity and Inclusion
  • Emily Rosengren, Assistant Principal at Prior Lake High School