The discussion on facilities planning was paramount, driven by the projected student enrollment growth, which has surpassed 13,000 K-12 students. The board examined a comprehensive facilities package intended to address this surge. The proposal includes constructing a new elementary and middle school, expanding Wayzata High School, and adding an eight-lane swimming pool for both educational and community use. Functional kitchens, cafeteria expansions, and enhancements to physical education and special education facilities were also part of the plan. These initiatives are seen as vital to accommodating the district’s future needs, with a history of growth at approximately 200 students per year.

Trevor Peterson, representing the administration, elaborated on the proposal, urging the board to approve a resolution for a special election on April 14, 2026. This election would seek voter approval for renewing an existing technology levy and issuing general obligation building bonds to fund the proposed construction projects. Concerns were raised by board members regarding the operational costs and sustainability of new facilities, particularly the swimming pool, which some questioned as a want versus a need. The board emphasized the importance of financial transparency and the justification of expenditures, especially in light of other districts’ decisions to close pools due to high maintenance costs.

Public comments echoed these concerns, with one speaker suggesting that the timing of the referendum could suppress voter turnout compared to a November election. They stressed the need for fiscal responsibility and detailed financial planning, citing economic challenges within the community. Another speaker highlighted the inadequacy of current kitchen facilities, advocating for improved food preparation and service quality as part of the facilities upgrade.

Alongside facilities planning, the board delved into adjustments for the enrichment program. The proposed changes include incorporating Kogat testing as an additional assessment measure for students near qualifying thresholds. The board discussed the appeal process for students who narrowly miss the 97th percentile, providing a pathway for reconsideration. A move to an annual identification cycle was also proposed, streamlining placement decisions at the start of the school year.

Concerns were expressed about the historical inconsistency in qualification criteria and the reduction in enrichment session duration from 90 to 60 minutes weekly. Participants noted the importance of equitable access to advanced academic opportunities and the need for structured support for gifted students. The board highlighted efforts to align enrichment curricula with general education standards and new English Language Arts and math standards to ensure comprehensive educational experiences.

The meeting also addressed the search for a new superintendent, with the board selecting the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) to assist in the process. The decision was based on MSBA’s extensive experience and positive feedback from other districts. The board emphasized the importance of transparency and community involvement throughout the search.

In other matters, the board recognized outstanding contributions from district staff, including Abalene Olsen as the employee of the month and Principal Ashley Farington for his leadership at Birch View Elementary.

The meeting concluded with a review of financial reports, noting an increase in state aid revenue and expenditures for planned high school upgrades. Discussions on facilities planning continued, with a focus on accommodating growing student populations and the potential for new schools in the city of Medina.