Superintendent's Update on District Audit, Bond Projects

Borg Report October 23, 2025

Westonka Receives Clean Audit Report

At the Oct. 20, 2025, Westonka School Board meeting, auditors presented the district with an “unmodified” opinion—the highest rating a school district can receive. The audit showed that Westonka’s revenues and expenses for 2024-25 came in better than projected.

The district’s unassigned fund balance stands at $3,874,650 or 9.3% of general fund expenditures. While Westonka was projected to add $682,880 to the unassigned fund balance last school year, the district instead increased the balance by $1,632,712. This strong position allows us to continue investing in educational improvements, reducing borrowing costs and maintaining financial stability amid uncertain state and federal funding.

While a number of school districts are facing reductions, Westonka’s sound financial position reflects our community's support of our schools, the stability we've seen in enrollment, and our disciplined approach to spending - all focused on advancing student learning and opportunities. In the months ahead, you will notice a focus on how we can challenge our district budget to put us in the best possible position to prevent large reductions in the future. 

I want to thank Finance Director Kathy Miller and her team for their careful work and the staff at large for the discipline shown working within our budget. For detailed information on the district’s financial position, view the audited financial statement on the district website for the year ended June 30, 2025.

Construction Bid Packages Come in Favorably for Primary School Maintenance, High School Athletic Fields

I am pleased to report that bids for the primary school maintenance and high school athletic field projects came in favorably. Thanks to strong competition and careful planning, the full project scope includes enhancements across all phases and remains consistent with the communicated tax impact. Westonka Public Schools residents will continue to have the lowest total school property taxes in Hennepin County, even after the bond.

Construction at Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools will take place next summer, addressing deferred maintenance, renovating both media centers and improving outdoor field space.

At Westonka High School, a new track and synthetic turf stadium will be constructed on the west side of Thaler Ice Arena to support a variety of sports and events. The design allows for green space and additional parking on the north side of the stadium. This work will start in the spring and likely finish up in November 2026.

The JV baseball field will be relocated south of the Westonka Activity Center. Synthetic turf for the JV baseball infield was included in the original bond scope. Through a combination of district funds, private donations and a potential grant, we will now be turfing the entire field between Hilltop Primary School and the Westonka Activity Center. This will create a versatile space for baseball and softball (utilizing portable, rolling fences), as well as football, soccer, lacrosse and school activities. Construction in this area will begin in the spring when temperatures allow. The current grass field stadium on the east side of campus will remain in place.

New Classrooms Set to Open at Westonka High School

At Westonka High School, the first phases of the high school redesign are well underway. This fall, students are benefiting from larger, renovated classrooms with enhanced technology and flexible learning spaces that foster collaboration. Additional classrooms on the main level will open November 10, followed by lower level classrooms after Thanksgiving Break and the new north entrance in April.

Learning and activity spaces will continue to open in phases throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. For ongoing updates, visit www.westonka.k12.mn.us/bondprojects.

I am continually grateful for the community’s support and partnership in ensuring Westonka’s continued excellence. If you have any questions about the audit or upcoming projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Kevin Borg, Superintendent
Westonka Public Schools
(952) 491-8001
borgk@westonka.k12.mn.us