New Beginnings and Continued Progress

Borg Report September 11, 2026

We were so happy to welcome students back to school this week. The smiles, excitement and connections are wonderful reminders that it’s the people and relationships within our schools that make Westonka feel like home.

As we kick off the 2026-27 school year, we look forward to building on Westonka’s small school advantages and big school opportunities. Our staff are ready to welcome, challenge and support every student. With the continued partnership of our families and community, I am confident that it will be another great year.

Our schools look noticeably different following a busy summer of construction. Bond construction projects will continue throughout this next year, and we remain deeply grateful for our community’s support throughout this transformation.

At Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools, the main bond construction work focused on deferred maintenance and safety; however, there were some notable learning center improvements that students, staff and families will notice and enjoy. Summer projects included media center enhancements, new interior doors and hardware, upgraded piping and mechanical systems, outdoor play surface improvements, and other facility updates. Hilltop also received a new boiler and gym dehumidification, while new cafeteria windows were installed at Shirley Hills. We appreciate the grace and patience of our students, staff and families as we unpack boxes and complete the finishing touches in these renovated spaces.

At Westonka High School, the majority of learning spaces are now complete as we continue our multi-year campus transformation. Students are already benefiting from these new and renovated spaces, including opportunities to take medical and construction trades courses for the first time this fall.

Several deferred maintenance and safety improvements are also nearing completion at the high school, including updated security, electrical, and heating and cooling systems, a new secured main entrance, and a redesigned parking lot.

The new high school stadium is scheduled to be mostly complete later this fall, weather permitting, while some temperature-dependent work will happen next summer. Work on the WHS east entrance, east classrooms and courtyard, weight room, and a few remaining areas will continue into next year.

View a September 2026 drone video of Westonka High School campus construction:

As a reminder, for everyone’s safety, the following areas remain closed to the public:

• Interior Westonka High School construction zones: The Little Theater and lower level beneath the cafeteria remain closed. These final spaces are scheduled to open in fall 2027. We have worked carefully to minimize disruption to the school day while keeping this important work moving forward.
• Multi-use fields near the Westonka Activity Center: Expected to open to the public in mid-September. Opening dates will be announced by individual programs.
• New stadium west of Thaler Arena: Most of the work will be completed towards the end of October, weather permitting
• WHS east entrance and courtyard: Closed during ongoing construction
• Construction staging area by the high school digital sign: Closed during ongoing construction

Please do not enter any construction zones or bypass fencing, barricades, or signage. These are active work areas with heavy equipment and changing conditions.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation and continued support. It’s exciting to see the community’s investment taking shape across our schools—and even more meaningful to see students learning, connecting and discovering new opportunities within these improved spaces.

Sincerely,

Kevin Borg
Superintendent
Westonka Public Schools

 

View some highlights of the primary school bond projects: