About Dustin Smith
I grew up in Prior Lake, attending Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools until 9th grade. Though I have lived all over Minnesota, I maintained strong ties to this community. In fact, it was my deep affection for this community, the incredible experience I had attending school here, and the district’s stellar reputation that ultimately led my wife, Kaylee, and me to move back in 2021. With two boys entering kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year, it made this the perfect community to call home and raise our kids in.
As a Human Resources professional, I know that every position of an organization has its own responsibilities. From the C-Suite, to directors, to supervisors, to the workers on the floor; everyone has their specific role that helps an organization succeed. People add value to their workplace and their communities by utilizing their strengths, expertise and knowledge every day. No one person is responsible for an organization’s overall success. It is only through each individual’s unique contributions that an organization can achieve its desired results.
In my role as an executive at a 75-year-old non-profit, I understand that it is critical for everyone to be unified in their drive to achieve the collective mission and vision. Just as each employee has their role in an organization, so too do the stakeholders in our district. I firmly believe that the strategic plan, that this community collaborated to establish in 2024, lays the foundation to create excellent outcomes for our students and staff. The priorities I have for this district are no different than yours. The needs and direction I am advocating for are in direct alignment with our strategic plan. My approach puts students and educators first, ensuring that I do my part to work towards the goals we desire as a community.
We are not in this by ourselves as individuals, but collectively operating together as members of the school board, school administration, educators, student support services, parents, students, custodians, bus drivers and the community of Prior Lake-Savage. We are in this together, and together we are capable of truly great things!
“As a parent of two children entering kindergarten, I refuse to leave their future to chance.”