Wayzata Public Schools

Referendum 2026

Over the past year, Wayzata Public Schools has been carefully studying our facilities to ensure we can continue to provide exceptional learning experiences for our students—today and in the years ahead.

With the support of our Facilities Steering Committee, made up of administrators and principals, and an 18-member Community Task Force on Facilities, we have engaged in thoughtful analysis, collaboration, and planning to address key questions about growth, capacity, safety and learning space design.

Where we are in the process

Our student enrollment projections show that by the 2027–28 school year, Wayzata Public Schools will exceed available building capacity at every grade level. To prepare for that growth—and to ensure our facilities align with our strategic goals for academic excellence and student well-being—we have developed a long-term facilities proposal that includes:

  • Adequate capacity for all students, including a new elementary school and a new middle school, both to be built on district-owned land in Medina, as well as an addition to Wayzata High School.
  • Safety and security enhancements at all schools to maintain our warm, welcoming and secure environments.
  • Expanded and updated learning spaces, with upgrades to special education and middle school classrooms and flexible furniture that supports engagement and collaboration, so every student benefits from a high-quality learning environment.
  • Upgraded kitchens and cafeterias to ensure all students have consistent, high-quality meal experiences.
  • Remodel of the Early Learning School to create classroom spaces to meet increasing demand for early childhood and preschool programs.
  • New activities and athletics spaces to include a new gym at Sunset Hill Elementary, a new gym at West Middle School, and a new 8-lane pool at Wayzata High School. These facilities will support our physical education classes, swimming and diving programs and will be available for community use.

The work behind the recommendation

The Community Task Force on Facilities, made up of parents and community members, reviewed enrollment data, facility capacity, safety needs, and educational adequacy over the course of four meetings this fall. Their recommendation, along with the input of district leadership, shaped the proposal now before the School Board.

What's next?

At the November 10 meeting, the Wayzata School Board voted 6-1 to move forward with submitting the facilities proposal to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) for required review and comment. This is the next step in bringing the plan to the broader community for consideration on April 14, 2026.

We are deeply grateful to all who have contributed to this important work through committee service, community surveys and ongoing engagement to this point. Together, we are building a strong foundation for the future of Wayzata Public Schools—one that supports every learner, strengthens our community and prepares us for continued excellence.

For more information on the facilities proposal, please review the presentation and watch the November 3 Wayzata School Board meeting.