Communicator APRIL 2017
From the Superintendent By Superintendent CHACE B. ANDERSON
WHAT AN EXCITING time of change it is for Wayzata Public Schools! I hope you take some time to read more about the recent work of the Growth Task Force, made up of 25 parents and community members, in this issue of the Communicator. After reviewing extensive data, the Growth Task Force recommended building a ninth elementary school to accommodate our growing resident student population. We are proud that families are choosing the Wayzata Schools to provide an excellent learning experience for their child. You can learn more about the growth on our website at www.wayzata.k12. mn.us/growth. This issue also provides more information about the funding we receive from state and local sources to operate our schools and the challenges we face. As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions. Send me an email at chace.anderson@ wayzata.k12.mn.us
Growth Task Force Recommends Adding an Elementary School
IF CURRENT TRENDS continue, the Wayzata Public Schools can anticipate another 1,000 students in grades K-12 by the year 2019. That projection, along with additional housing, enrollment, capacity and construction data, led a community Growth Task Force to recommend the school district build a new elementary school as soon as possible. The Growth Task Force, made up of 25 parents and community members, met four times in January “to review objective data and information in relation to the continued housing growth in our cities, and the capacity of our schools/facilities, and provide a recommendation as to whether additional facilities may or may not be needed, when the facilities may be needed and to what extent.” Growth based on demand
According to city leaders, new housing developments in the north are being completed 2-3 times faster than originally planned by developers due to consumer demand. There is also steady growth in the south due to housing turnover bringing in young families. While the district has capacity issues at the elementary level, projections
State and Local Funding are Key for Schools THE LEGISLATURE IS in session, and school funding is an item on the budget agenda. What the Legislature will ultimately decide is not clear, but here are some relevant facts: • For years, state funding has not kept up with inflation nor with increasing student needs and educational costs. • School districts rely on State funding for the vast majority of their operating funds. • Since 2009, state funding increased an average of just over 1 percent per year while costs have increased by 3 percent – forcing Wayzata Public
Excellence. For Each and Every Student.
Schools to cut more than $16 million from its operating budget during that same period. • Regardless of likely State legislative action this spring, more cuts will be needed in Wayzata for 2017-18. The district has done its best to keep cuts away from the classroom, but that becomes increasingly difficult. Demand for Wayzata Public Schools has never been greater (see related article, “Growth Task Force Recommends Adding an Elementary School” on page 1). District Funding… (continues on page 2)
show there is adequate space
Recommendation at the middle schools and from the Growth high school through at least Task Force:
2030. This is due to the recent expansion of Wayzata High School and moving early childhood programs out of Central Middle School to make space for middle school students. “We believe that building a new elementary school is a necessary next step for the Wayzata Schools,” said Allison Storti, Growth Task Force member. The Growth Task Force also recommended that the Board consider the following additional recommendations: • It is a priority to maintain smaller class sizes throughout the district. • It is important to look at equity of facilities among schools in the district. “Due to our school district’s continued robust growth, the members of the community Growth Task Force believe that a new elementary school needs to be available as soon as possible.”
Growth Task Force… (continues on page 2)