By Joanna Miller, Staff Writer

A new director of curriculum, instruction and assessment will join the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District this school year.

The School Board unanimously approved Mary Noel for the position Monday.

Noel worked as director of curriculum and instruction in the Inver Grove Heights Community Schools since 2004 and prior to that has 17 years of classroom experience.

Noel worked with new Superintendent Sue Ann Gruver in Mahtomedi, where she worked as a first-grade teacher from 1987 until 2004.

Members of a 17-member committee spent from 20 to 24 hours each reviewing applications for the position, Gruver said.

“I’ve been very impressed at all of the good things that have happened in Inver Grove because of her presence there,” Gruver said.

Gruver said Noel has been a “champion for student groups” that are sometimes overlooked.

Noel said she looks forward to beginning the new position in August.

“I’m honored to be here,” Noel said.

Noel will begin meeting with principals on Friday, Aug. 8, when she officially takes her post.

Board Members Michael Murray and Dee Dee Francis participated on the hiring committee.

Murray said there was an impressive candidate pool.

“There were many good candidates. I think we made the best choice and the right choice,” Murray said.

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