Poplau withdraws as candidate in South Washington County

By Chuck Kajer

New Prague Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Frankie Poplau withdrew her name from consideration as superintendent of the South Washington County School district last week.

Poplau, who last month was selected from among three finalists as the preferred candidate of the South Washington County Board, said she withdrew because of concerns with how the board was conducting its hiring process. The board had arranged to visit the New Prague District on April 1, but Poplau learned that several board members would not be coming to New Prague to meet with the board members, staff members and community members.

The South Washington County district covers the communities of St. Paul Park, Cottage Grove, Woodbury and Newport.

In a letter to the South Washington County Board, Poplau wrote that she was proud of the New Prague district and its accomplishments. When I heard that a significant number of you did not see a value in observing these achievements or directly communicating with more than 40 people who I have served