Poplau ready to move on after 12 years in New Prague
Chuck Kajer, Managing Editor
After 12 years, Dr. Frankie Poplau’s last day with the New Prague Area School District will be Friday, July 7.
Poplau was hired by the district in 1994 as business manager, and later was named Assistant Superintendent before succeeding Dr. Robert Stepaniak as superintendent in 1999.
She started her education career as a teacher, in Bloomington, St. Paul and Farmington. She went to graduate school and worked for a time as a consultant in Illinois, then taught curriculum and supervised student teachers at Minnesota State University-Mankato before coming to New Prague.
Different place
Poplau leaves a district much different than the one she joined 12 years ago, both in size and demographics. The population and number of students has increased dramatically and the population in the eastern portion of the district has seen tremendous growth.
Noting the many changes that have taken place, Poplau says, The thing I’m most proud of is that when I walk out the door