In a rare show of unified concern across Hennepin County, Andrew Mullin and Jamie Baker have joined dozens of mayors and police chiefs in signing a joint letter urging continued funding and support for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
The letter—addressed to county commissioners—comes in response to recent public comments by Marion Greene, who stated she is “not willing to fund the sheriff to provide public safety for Hennepin County” and suggested that street-level safety should rest solely with local police departments.
For Wayzata’s leadership, that assertion prompted a clear and immediate response.
A Shared Responsibility
In the letter, local leaders emphasize that public safety across Hennepin County functions as a shared system—not a set of isolated departments.
“Public safety in Hennepin County is a shared responsibility, and the Sheriff’s Office is an indispensable part of that ecosystem,” the letter states.
That system includes critical services many residents rarely see but rely on daily:
911 dispatch
crime lab and forensic analysis
investigative support
regional task forces
Some cities, including smaller communities like Greenfield, rely entirely on the Sheriff’s Office for primary patrol services. Even in well-resourced cities like Wayzata, those county-level systems form the backbone behind local policing.
Why It Matters for Wayzata
Mayor Mullin and Chief Baker framed the issue in practical—not political—terms.
While Wayzata maintains a high-performing local police department, it does not operate in isolation. From major investigations to emergency response coordination, the city depends on county infrastructure that would be difficult—if not impossible—to replicate locally.
The letter underscores that point with real-world examples, citing the Sheriff’s Office response to major incidents across the county, including shootings, hostage situations, and complex forensic investigations.
Budget Context
The concern also centers on proportion.
According to the letter, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office accounts for approximately 6% of the county’s operating budget—a relatively small share for what local leaders describe as essential, countywide infrastructure.
“We need that investment,” the signatories write, urging commissioners to fund the office appropriately.
A System Under Strain
The letter also points to broader staffing realities across the metro.
Leaders note that the Minneapolis area already ranks among the lowest nationally in police staffing per capita. Removing or reducing the Sheriff’s role, they argue, would not shift responsibilities smoothly—it would create gaps.
“This is not a hypothetical,” the letter states, warning that without adequate support, crimes could go unsolved and emergency response systems could be strained.
A Regional Voice
The signatories span nearly every corner of Hennepin County—from Minneapolis to Minnetonka, Plymouth to Orono—reflecting a rare consensus among local governments.
For Wayzata, a city shaped by cooperation—from its earliest days along the north shore of Lake Minnetonka to its modern role within a regional network—this moment fits into a longer civic tradition.
Founded in 1854 as a small settlement along Dakota hunting grounds and later connected by rail and steamboat, Wayzata has long depended on shared systems—transportation, commerce, and public safety alike—to thrive.
Looking Ahead
For residents, the debate may feel distant—but its implications are not.
At its core, the issue is about how public safety is structured, funded, and sustained across a growing and interconnected region.
Wayzata’s leadership, alongside their peers, is making a clear case: the system works because it is shared—and preserving that system is essential to keeping communities safe.
Wayzata.com will continue to follow this story as Hennepin County officials consider budget priorities and the future role of the Sheriff’s Office.
“Defending state Class AAAA boys basketball champion Wayzata won’t get a chance to repeat as the Trojans were upset 75-73 in the tournament quarterfinals Tuesday. The Trojans, seeded second, jumped out to a 16-3 lead in the game’s opening minutes only to see the seventh-seeded Eagles rally to briefly take the lead 23-22. Wayzata went back ahead by halftime and led by nine early in the second half before Apple Valley came back again. The Eagles led 71-64 with 2:32 to play before the Trojans went on a 9-2 scoring run to tie the game at 73 with 27.5 seconds to play. Ryan Christensen’s rebound basket with 4.9 seconds to play gave Apple Valley a 75-73 lead. Christian Wiggins drove the length of the court for Wayzata for the tie but had his shot blocked by Trey Parker at the buzzer. Wiggins led all scorers with 27 points.Wiggins led all scorers with 27 points. Xavy Ivey added 16 for the Trojans. Parker was one five Eagles players to score in double figures, leading Apple Valley in scoring with 17 points. Apple Valley (20-10) plays Maple Grove (24-6) in the semifinals Thursday at 8:00 pm at Williams Arena. Wayzata (25-4) meets Alexandria (21-8) in the consolation semifinals Thursday at 12 noon at the Gangelhoff Center at Concordia University. It will be the first time in six seasons that the Trojans won’t play for a state championship.” via CCX Media.
Class AAAA State Quarterfinal Preview Tuesday, 2:00 PM — Target Center
Wayzata opens the Class AAAA state tournament Tuesday afternoon at Target Center against Apple Valley, with both teams arriving in good form after strong section runs.
The Trojans come in at 25–3 out of the Lake Conference, while Apple Valley enters at 19–10 from the South Suburban. Both teams have been tested throughout the season and have shown they can play at a high level on both ends.
Wayzata
Wayzata has been steady all season and is playing well heading into the tournament. They’ve consistently scored in the 80s and 90s down the stretch, including a 105–70 win over Hopkins in the section final.
They average just over 84 points per game, but it’s not just about scoring—it’s how they play. They’re balanced, they share the ball, and they’re comfortable in different types of games.
Christian Wiggins and Nolen Anderson lead the group, with Wiggins providing scoring and Anderson contributing across the board. Around them, Wayzata has multiple players who can step in and make plays, which allows them to stay consistent over the course of a game.
At their best, they take care of the ball, defend, and make teams work on both ends.
Apple Valley
Apple Valley brings a group that can score and plays with confidence. They’re averaging just over 74 points per game and have shown the ability to put up points in a hurry.
Recent wins over Eastview (94–64), Como Park (94–49), and Hastings (89–63) reflect how effective they can be when they get into a rhythm.
Trey Parker and Camare Young are key pieces offensively, with Tyrese Hutton providing size inside. They have several players capable of contributing, and they’re comfortable playing at a quicker pace.
They shoot around 45% from the field and do a good job creating scoring opportunities, especially when they’re able to get out and play in space.
What to Watch
This game will likely come down to execution.
Both teams have shown they can score, so things like taking care of the ball, rebounding, and defensive consistency will matter. Each team will be looking to play to its strengths while limiting easy opportunities for the other.
It’s a matchup between two teams that are playing well and capable of advancing, which should make for a competitive quarterfinal at Target Center.
WAYZATA — The City of Wayzata began a snow emergency parking ban at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, as crews prepare to clear streets following the day’s projected snowfall.
The parking ban will remain in effect through Monday, March 16, and applies to all public streets in the city. Officials said the restriction is intended to give plow crews room to clear the full width of roadways.
AI-generated illustration for Wayzata.com
Residents are asked not to park on the street until snow has been removed curb to curb.
The city also said plow crews will be pushing snow to the south side of Lake Street between Broadway Avenue and Barry Avenue. No parking will be allowed in that area until the snow has been removed.
City officials thanked residents for their patience as crews work to clear streets safely and efficiently.
The Wayzata Musicales will conclude its concert season on Saturday, April 11, with a special performance by the acclaimed vocal and guitar duo Jennifer Grimm and Joe Cruz. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 15600 Old Rockford Road in Plymouth.
Jennifer Grimm has been performing since childhood, first appearing alongside her mother at local venues before launching a solo career that has taken her to stages across the region and beyond. Her repertoire spans jazz, blues, and classic American standards, delivered with a style that has earned her devoted audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. Many in the area may remember Grimm from her standout performance at last summer’s Music in Plymouth.
Grimm frequently performs with her husband, guitarist Joe Cruz, a longtime fixture of the Twin Cities music and theater community. With more than four decades of experience as a performer, Cruz is known for his versatile playing and deep musicality, making the pair a dynamic and engaging duo on stage.
Together, Grimm and Cruz create an intimate concert experience that blends storytelling, expressive vocals, and masterful guitar work. The performance will run approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.
The April 11 program marks the final Wayzata Musicales concert of the season, continuing the organization’s tradition of presenting high-quality chamber and recital performances for the west metro community.
Tickets are available online through Wayzata Musicales. Admission is $26 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $16 for students.
WAYZATA — The Wayzata Trojans are headed back to the state tournament after a commanding 105–70 victory over Hopkins to win the Class 4A, Section 6 championship.
The Trojans showcased the offensive firepower that has made them one of Minnesota’s top teams, breaking open the game early and never looking back. Wayzata’s balanced attack and fast pace overwhelmed Hopkins as the Trojans surpassed the 100-point mark on their home floor.
Senior standout Christian Wiggins led the charge with a remarkable all-around performance, finishing with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Wiggins shot 9-for-14 from the field, hit five three-pointers, and went 7-for-8 at the free-throw line. The performance was historic for the program, as Wiggins also became Wayzata’s all-time leading scorer.
Nolen Anderson added 23 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 9-for-13 from the field and knocking down four three-pointers. Wayzata’s perimeter shooting helped stretch the Hopkins defense throughout the night.
Additional scoring came from Max Beeninga, who contributed 14 points while going 5-for-6 from the field, including four three-pointers, and Xavy Ivey, who added 11 points.
Hopkins was led by Tre Moore with 18 points, while Ahmed Nur recorded 14 points and 9 rebounds. Kyree Nelsonadded 12 points, and Jayden Moore finished with 9 points and 5 assists.
The decisive victory sends Wayzata back to the Class AAAA State Tournament, which begins March 24. The Trojans enter the tournament as one of the favorites to defend their state title after another dominant postseason performance.
Wayzata High School’s boys basketball program has captured four Minnesota State High School League state championships, winning titles in 1959, 2021, 2023, and 2025. The most recent victory marked the Trojans’ third Class AAAA state championship in a five-season span, underscoring one of the most successful eras in program history.
For now, the Trojans’ focus turns to the state tournament—where they will look to carry their momentum and once again compete for the biggest prize in Minnesota high school basketball.
For more information on the upcoming state tournament, view the brackets at the MSHSL website here:
WAYZATA — A proposed subdivision at 190 Gleason Lake Road and 121 Gleahaven Road will return to the Wayzata City Council next month after the developer requested additional time to work with nearby residents and address concerns raised during the review process.
During a recent council meeting, city officials noted that the applicant’s attorney had requested the item be tabled until April 21, 2026, postponing consideration of Resolution 14-2026, which would formally deny the preliminary plat. The council amended its agenda to reflect the request.
Lake West Development has proposed a 4 lots subdivision off of Gleason Lake Road.
The proposal, submitted by Lake West Development, seeks to subdivide two existing residential parcels near the entrance to Gleahaven Road into four single-family home sites. According to the developer’s attorney, the proposal complies with the dimensional standards of Wayzata’s R-3 zoning district, including requirements for lot size, width, density, and impervious surface coverage.
In a letter to the city, attorney Megan C. Rogers of Larkin Hoffman, representing the applicant, wrote that the proposed subdivision satisfies the objective requirements of the zoning code and aligns with the density framework outlined in Wayzata’s Comprehensive Plan.
The four proposed parcels would average approximately 15,363 square feet, which the applicant argues falls within the range of existing lot sizes in the surrounding neighborhood.
Despite those arguments, the Wayzata Planning Commission has recommended denial of the preliminary plat, citing concerns tied to the city’s subdivision ordinance. Those concerns include the project’s relationship to the character of the surrounding neighborhood, as well as questions related to grading, topography, and preservation of natural features on the site.
Developer Seeks Time for Dialogue
The request to delay the council vote was made through the applicant’s attorney and provides time for the developer to continue discussions with neighbors and consider whether modifications could address concerns raised during the public review process.
Subdivision proposals in established neighborhoods often involve multiple layers of review, including both the measurable standards contained in the zoning code and broader planning considerations outlined in the city’s subdivision ordinance.
Neighborhood Residents Voice Opposition
Several residents of Gleahaven Road submitted written comments and a petition asking the city to deny the proposal.
The petition argues that replacing two existing homes with four new residences could significantly change the character of the small cul-de-sac neighborhood and require the removal of mature trees. Petitioners also raised concerns about drainage, grading, and the overall scale of the development compared with surrounding properties.
In a letter to the city, Ryan Schultz of 108 Gleahaven Road wrote that his family chose the neighborhood because of its quiet setting and mature tree canopy, stating that replacing two homes with four would permanently alter the feel of the street.
Other residents cited traffic and safety concerns near the intersection of Gleahaven Road and Gleason Lake Road, where sight lines are limited by the hill and curve along the roadway and where children often wait for school buses.
In a separate letter, Pete Trinh and Morgan Kaufman of 167 Gleahaven Road said the addition of four homes could increase traffic and change the established character of the cul-de-sac.
Residents Kumar and Kathy Das Gupta of 110 Gleahaven Road also expressed concerns about potential impacts to neighborhood safety and property values if the subdivision were approved.
Recent Decisions Provide Context
The debate over the Gleason Lake Road subdivision comes amid several recent land-use decisions in Wayzata where questions about zoning standards and subdivision review have drawn public attention.
Taken together, those cases illustrate the balance cities often weigh between objective zoning requirements—such as lot size and density—and broader planning considerations, including neighborhood character and natural site conditions.
Next Step
With the Gleason Lake Road proposal now tabled, the Wayzata City Council is expected to revisit the preliminary plat on April 21.
In the interim, the developer and nearby residents may continue discussions about the proposal and whether revisions could address the concerns raised during the public review process.
The council will ultimately determine whether to uphold the Planning Commission’s recommendation of denial or allow the subdivision to proceed.
Wayzata’s two charitable gambling organizations — the Wayzata Lions Club and Wayzata American Legion Post 118 — reported strong financial performance and growing community impact during an update to the Wayzata City Council on March 10.
Leaders from both groups described how charitable gambling revenues are helping fund local nonprofits, youth programs, veteran services, and community improvements across the region.
Wayzata Lions report record year
Tim Anderson of the Wayzata Lions Club opened the presentation with a review of the club’s community service work over the past year.
The Lions continue a long list of local initiatives, including Salvation Army bell ringing — an effort the club has supported for 15 to 20 years.
The club also participates in Wayzata’s Light Up the Lake event and organizes a popular Letters to Santa station, where children write holiday messages that Lions members later respond to. Anderson said the club collected 155 letters from children this year.
Other volunteer efforts include helping at Special Olympics events in Stillwater, supporting the Tour de Tonka diabetes fundraiser, and volunteering with Feed My Starving Children, where members pack meals for international hunger relief.
The Lions also continue their longstanding eyeglass collection program, gathering 4,239 pairs of glasses last yearthrough a network of about 24 collection sites across the region.
Beyond volunteer work, the club distributes significant charitable donations each year. Anderson said recent contributions included:
Equipment funding for the Wayzata Fire Department
Support for Interfaith Outreach, Hammer Residences, and The Retreat
Donations to the Ridgedale Library and Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
Funding for the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra and Blue Water Theatre
Four $1,000 scholarships for Wayzata High School students through the Wayzata Education Fund
The club also partners with Senior Community Services and hosts holiday events for residents at Boardwalk Apartments, which Anderson noted is one of Wayzata’s Section 8 housing properties.
Looking ahead, the Lions plan to assist with improvements at Gullickson Field near Gleason Lake, including new paint, rock work, and signage.
Gambling revenue drives charitable giving
Nancy Nelson, the Lions Club’s lawful gambling manager, reported that the club’s charitable gambling operation posted record results during its most recent fiscal year.
Gross gambling revenue reached $5.3 million, the first time the organization has surpassed the $5 million mark.
Those revenues allowed the Lions to distribute $150,500 in charitable donations, also a record for the organization. Nelson said the previous high had been around $109,000.
Since the club’s founding in 1954, Nelson said the Wayzata Lions have now donated more than $4 million to charitable causes.
Nine months into the current fiscal year, operations remain strong. Nelson said electronic pull tabs and E-Link Bingo have helped boost revenue while traditional paper games remain a core part of the operation.
The Lions currently hold a five-star rating from the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, a designation awarded to organizations that direct more than 50 percent of net proceeds to charitable purposes. Nelson also noted the club has maintained clean regulatory audits.
Legion gambling supports veterans and community
Doug Carter, the relatively new commander of Wayzata American Legion Post 118, also provided an update on the Legion’s charitable gambling program.
Carter, a U.S. Navy veteran who served alongside Marine units at Camp Huntington and during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, said the organization has benefited significantly from the addition of electronic pull tabs and paper pull tabs.
Historically, the Legion relied primarily on bingo and meat raffles, which Carter said barely covered operational costs as membership declined and the organization’s veteran base aged.
“With the diminishing membership and increasing member age, by adding electronic pull tabs and paper pull tabs our membership benefits have increased and the benefits to the community have increased as well,” Carter told the council.
For the current fiscal year, which runs July 1 through June 30, the Legion has generated approximately $1.86 million in gross revenue through February, averaging about $240,000 per month.
If the pace continues, Carter said the organization expects to reach about $2.82 million in revenue for the fiscal year, roughly a 15 percent increase compared with the prior year.
The Legion currently distributes about 84 percent of its net proceeds to charitable causes, which also qualifies the organization for a five-star rating with the state.
Carter said roughly 60 percent of the Legion’s charitable giving supports veterans organizations, while about 40 percent goes to community causes.
Recent recipients include:
Plymouth–Wayzata Youth Baseball and Softball
D.A.R.E. programs
Gillette Children’s Hospital
HopeKids
The Randy Shaver Cancer Research Fund
Sharing and Caring Hands
Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition
Gambling revenues have also helped fund improvements to the Legion building itself. Carter said the organization recently added a third ADA-accessible restroom to better accommodate aging members and guests.
Partnership across the community
Both organizations emphasized their cooperative relationship with the city and with one another.
Mayor Andrew Mullin noted that when Wayzata allowed multiple charitable gambling licenses in the city, some had feared the organizations would compete for limited revenue.
Instead, he said, both groups appear to be thriving.
“We appreciate the relationship that we have with the city and with the Lions,” Carter said. “We look at it as a team to benefit the community, and we’re all working well together.”
City council members thanked both organizations for their service and contributions to the community.
Between the Lions and Legion operations, charitable gambling continues to generate millions of dollars in local economic activity and hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable donations each year, supporting a wide range of programs across the Wayzata area.
Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson presents details of the district’s proposed April 14 referendum during a community information session March 4 at the Creekside building in Plymouth. About 20 residents attended the two-hour meeting and asked questions about the proposal.
Wayzata Public Schools officials outlined details of a proposed facilities referendum during a March 4 community information session at the district’s Creekside building in Plymouth. The proposal, which voters will decide April 14, could invest nearly half a billion dollars in new school construction, facility improvements, and a new swimming pool across the district.
Wayzata Public Schools serves one of the fastest-growing areas in the Twin Cities metro. The district currently enrolls roughly 13,000 students across eight elementary schools, three middle schools and Wayzata High School. District leaders say continued residential development and family turnover in western Hennepin County have steadily added students in recent years, putting pressure on classroom space and shared learning areas in several buildings.
According to the district’s FY 2024–25 audited financial statements, Wayzata Public Schools currently reports approximately $411 million in land and building assets. Because school district property is tax-exempt, those facilities do not carry the same taxable market value assigned to residential or commercial properties. The $411 million figure also reflects accounting depreciation of existing buildings rather than their full replacement cost. If approved, the proposed referendum — which approaches $500 million in new construction and improvements — would represent a major expansion of the district’s physical infrastructure relative to the depreciated value currently reported on its balance sheet.
Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson led the presentation and answered questions from residents during the two-hour session. Attendance appeared modest, with roughly 20 community members present for the meeting.
Dr. Chace Andeson.
The Referendum Overview
Voters in the Wayzata Public Schools district will be asked to decide three separate questions on the April 14 ballot, each addressing different aspects of district funding and facilities.
Question 1 asks voters to renew the district’s existing technology levy. District officials said this renewal would maintain current funding levels for technology, safety, and security systems without increasing property taxes and is worth about $15 per month on a typical $650,000 home or $1,800 over 10 years.
Question 2 is the largest portion of the proposal and focuses on facilities and capacity needs. The request would fund construction of a new elementary school and a new middle school, an expansion at Wayzata High School designed to accommodate additional students and support career and technical education programs, and a range of improvements to existing school buildings across the district. The district estimates the facilities request would add about $29 per month in property taxes for a typical $650,000 home or $8,700 over 25 years.
Question 3 asks voters to approve construction of a new eight-lane swimming pool at Wayzata High School. This question is contingent on approval of Question 2. If approved, the district estimates the pool would add about $4 per month to the property taxes of a typical home or $1,200 over 25 years.
Taken together, the proposed investments represent nearly $500 million in construction and improvements across the district’s facilities, making it one of the larger school referendum proposals in Minnesota in recent years.
District’s Case for the Referendum
In his presentation, Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson said the district’s referendum request is rooted in continued resident enrollment growth and the need to add space before schools become overcrowded. Wayzata Public Schools currently serves about 13,000 K-12 students, and Anderson said capacity pressures are expected to intensify quickly. “By the 27-28 school year we’re anticipating that the elementary, middle school and high school will be beyond that capacity to accommodate the number of students that we’ll have, so it’s only two years out,” he said.
Anderson argued that the district cannot wait until buildings are already over capacity to act. He said planning, design, construction, and attendance boundary changes take years, making advance action necessary. He also pointed to the district’s earlier efforts to expand existing buildings before proposing new construction, including additions at several elementary schools and the opening of Meadow Ridge Elementary in 2016 and North Woods Elementary in 2019.
A second major point in Anderson’s remarks was that the district’s planning is tied to resident growth, not open enrollment. “We have been building to accommodate our resident students,” he said, pushing back on the idea that the district is proposing new facilities to serve students from outside district boundaries.
Anderson also emphasized the district’s financial position, noting that Wayzata is one of only a few school districts in Minnesota with a AAA bond rating. He said that rating reflects financial stability and allows the district to borrow at lower interest rates, helping reduce long-term costs for both residential and commercial taxpayers.
Beyond capacity, Anderson said the referendum is intended to support broader educational goals across the district. Those include creating additional career and technical education space at the high school, updating classrooms and shared learning areas, improving safety and security systems, and renewing the district’s technology levy so devices, software, internet access, and technical support can continue without a tax increase under Question 1.
Audience Questions Focus on Cost, Growth, and Communication
Communication and Enrollment Questions
One attendee, who said her children had been educated in Wayzata Public Schools, opened her remarks by noting that she believed the district had served families well but raised several concerns about the referendum process. “My kids were well served in this district,” she said.
She questioned whether the referendum had been widely communicated across the district, saying she had only recently learned about the proposal after receiving a mailed flyer. “I very much disagree that it was well communicated,” she said. She also raised questions about the district’s community survey, asking what percentage of households were represented by the approximately 400 responses referenced in the presentation.
The attendee further questioned the district’s enrollment projections, noting that while the district expects continued growth, some projections suggest enrollment could begin leveling off within the next decade. She also expressed skepticism about relying on outside consultants involved in construction planning, arguing that firms connected to building projects may have financial incentives that favor expansion.
Cost, Growth and Long-Term Planning
Former Wayzata School Board member Greg Baufield raised a series of questions focused on the scale of the proposal, long-term financial obligations, and infrastructure concerns.
Baufield noted that the combined ballot questions would represent one of the largest school bonding requests in Minnesota history and asked district leaders to consider the cumulative impact of rising taxes, insurance costs, and other household expenses facing residents.
He also questioned the timing of the April referendum and whether the district had coordinated with local governments, noting that property taxes are influenced by decisions made by school districts, cities, and counties simultaneously.
Baufield also raised a practical concern about the proposed Medina-area site: transportation safety. He noted that Highway 55 serves as the primary corridor in the area and runs alongside a railroad line, creating a potentially difficult traffic pattern for school transportation. Baufield warned that buses approaching the crossings would need sufficient room to come to a complete stop and queue safely, saying, “The challenge is of course is that 55 is a state highway,” and later adding that “there’s not enough space to prepare or stop across the tracks safely” if multiple buses are arriving at once.
Medina site that shows the railroad tracks to the north of the property.. Image courtesy of Hennepin County.
In follow-up responses, district officials said a traffic study had been conducted in collaboration with the City of Medina, Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota. Potential solutions include extended turn lanes on Highway 55 and enhanced railroad crossing safety measures.
Baufield also questioned the proposal to build a new eight-lane swimming pool at Wayzata High School, expressing concern about the long-term operational costs of maintaining athletic facilities and warning that those expenses can place financial pressure on future school boards.
More broadly, Baufield said he was concerned about relying too heavily on long-range enrollment projections, noting that other districts have experienced declining enrollment after expanding facilities.
Other Questions About Cost, Scope and Long-Term Planning
Another attendee said the overall proposal felt too large for many residents to absorb, repeatedly returning to the fact that the combined package approaches half a billion dollars. She questioned whether the district had done enough to separate essential educational needs from what she viewed as lower-priority improvements, suggesting the facilities request could have been broken into smaller pieces so voters could weigh them individually. She also voiced concern about rising property taxes and broader household financial pressures, and wondered whether the district had fully explored ways to make better use of existing space before asking voters to fund so much new construction.
That same speaker also raised broader skepticism about long-term spending commitments, including the ongoing cost of maintaining new facilities such as a swimming pool, and questioned whether future policy shifts — including school-choice trends — could affect enrollment assumptions over time.
Later in the meeting, additional questions focused on providing clearer context for taxpayers. One question asked district officials to explain what the estimated monthly tax impact would represent as a percentage increase for a typical homeowner, rather than only presenting the change as a dollar amount. Another question asked how the value of the proposed improvements compares to the district’s existing land and buildings, noting that such context could help residents better understand the overall scale of the investment.
Overall, beyond the more detailed questions raised earlier in the meeting, the remaining comments reflected a common theme: residents wanted clearer financial context, more distinction between core needs and optional projects, and greater confidence that the size of the referendum matches the district’s long-term needs.
Superintendent Responds to Questions
In responding to questions from residents, Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson emphasized that the district’s facilities planning is based primarily on continued growth in the number of resident students.
Anderson said Wayzata Public Schools has historically exceeded enrollment projections, noting that past forecasts have often underestimated how quickly new housing and family turnover bring additional students into the district.
He pointed to the district’s two newest elementary schools as examples. Meadow Ridge Elementary, which opened in 2016, and North Woods Elementary, which opened in 2019, both filled quickly after opening. Anderson said the district now has roughly 800 students in each of those schools, adding that without those facilities the district would have struggled to accommodate the additional enrollment.
Anderson said the district is trying to avoid waiting until schools are already overcrowded before beginning construction. Planning, design, and construction can take several years, he noted, meaning decisions must be made well in advance of when additional classroom space is needed.
He also stressed that the referendum process is the primary mechanism available to public school districts in Minnesota to fund new construction and major facility improvements. District leaders, he said, are responsible for planning ahead to ensure adequate space for students as the community continues to grow.
Follow up Questions
In follow-up questions after the meeting, Wayzata.com asked district officials how confident they are that residents across the district fully understand the scope of the referendum and its potential tax impact.
District leaders said it is difficult to measure whether the community “fully understands” a proposal of this scale, but noted that the district has attempted to provide information through multiple channels. Officials said the district has mailed referendum information to every household in the district, posted detailed materials online, and conducted presentations at schools and community meetings in the months leading up to the April vote.
In follow-up information provided after the meeting, district officials said the projected school district property tax on a $650,000 home would be about $2,826 annually in 2026. If both the facilities referendum and swimming pool question are approved, the district estimates the tax impact would increase by about $33 per month, or $396 per year for that same home.
In contrast, many homeowners across western Hennepin County have experienced double-digit increases in total property tax bills in multiple recent years, driven by rising assessed values and levies from multiple taxing jurisdictions, including cities, counties, and special districts. District officials said they are not able to calculate a comprehensive “all-in” tax bill for residents because the Wayzata school district spans multiple cities and overlapping taxing authorities, resulting in at least 20 different combinations of total property tax rates.
When asked whether existing buildings such as Armstrong High School could potentially be purchased or leased to add capacity, district officials said they were not aware that the building is available and noted that most enrollment growth is occurring on the western side of the district, particularly in Medina and Corcoran.
Conclusion
Despite the scale of the proposal, attendance at the information session appeared modest, with roughly 20 community members present for the two-hour meeting at the district’s Creekside facility in Plymouth.
The proposal now moves to voters across the Wayzata Public Schools district, who will decide the outcome when the referendum appears on the ballot in a special election scheduled for April 14.
How to Vote
Residents of the Wayzata Public Schools district will vote on the referendum in a special election on April 14, 2026.
Vote early by mail: Voters may request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. Applications and additional information are available at mnvotes.org.
Vote early in person: Early in-person voting is available at the Wayzata Public Schools District Service Center 13305 12th Avenue N, Plymouth, MN 55441
Feb. 27 – April 13: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 11: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Vote on Election Day: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Wayzata School Board has selected Dr. Robb Virgin as the next superintendent of Wayzata Public Schools, pending successful contract negotiations. If finalized, Virgin is expected to begin his role on July 1, 2026.
School Board Chair Dr. Milind Sohoni said the board focused on identifying a leader who reflects the district’s long-standing commitment to excellence.
“We were focused on finding a leader who shares our community’s commitment to student success, strong partnerships with staff and families, and continued excellence in our schools,” Sohoni said. “We look forward to working together to build on the district’s strong foundation, and support every student in reaching their full potential.”
Virgin currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Eden Prairie Schools, where he oversees principals and district directors responsible for programs serving students from Pre-K through age 22. Eden Prairie Schools enrolls approximately 9,400 students.
“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Wayzata Public Schools community,” Virgin said. “This is a district with an extraordinary reputation that has been so well cared for, and I’m excited to partner with students, staff, families, and the School Board to continue building on its legacy of excellence. I look forward to listening, learning, and moving forward together.”
In his current role, Virgin is a member of Eden Prairie’s Executive Cabinet, helping align district budgets, staffing, and strategic initiatives with school board priorities and long-term goals. The district recently reached its highest enrollment in 15 years, according to school officials.
Over more than 20 years in public education, Virgin has served in multiple leadership roles, including high school principal, executive director of learning and innovation, assistant principal, teacher, and instructional coach. As principal of a high school serving roughly 3,000 students, he led efforts that improved graduation rates and expanded access to advanced coursework.
At the district level, his work has included oversight of curriculum and instructional systems, special services, technology integration, multilingual programming, and learning analytics. He has also supported strategic initiatives related to campus expansion and long-term district planning.
Virgin has served as Acting Superintendent during superintendent absences, providing continuity in executive leadership.
He holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, along with a superintendent license from the university. He also earned a Master of Education and a Pre-K–12 Administration Certificate from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Arts in History, Education Studies, and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.
The School Board will now begin negotiating a contract with Virgin. District leaders said additional details will be shared in the coming months as the transition process moves forward.
Wayzata Public Schools serves roughly 13,000 students across eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and Wayzata High School.
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