By Joanna Miller, Staff Writer

Sue Ann Gruver, assistant superintendent of Mahtomedi Public Schools, has been selected as the new superintendent of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District.

After hearing presentations Tuesday and Wednesday from both finalists, Gruver and Leslie Steinhaus, district administrator of the Whitewater Unified School District in Wisconsin, the School Board reached consensus on Gruver as its choice.

All board members agreed that either candidate would have been an excellent fit for the position. Board members noted Gruver's enthusiasm for the district, communications abilities and curriculum knowledge as assets that set her apart.

The board extended the offer to Gruver, who over the phone told the board she was "thrilled, excited and ready to start tomorrow," said Ken LaCroix, the consultant for the search process.

Gruver will join the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools to replace resigning Superintendent Tom Westerhaus.

The board will officially approve Gruver as its selection at the April 28 board meeting. Gruver's contract with the district will be finalized in May.

Look for more about Gruver online and in upcoming editions of the Prior Lake American.

 Joanna Miller can be reached at (952) 345-6375 or jmiller@swpub.com.