Borg Report September 7, 2023

I always love the activity and excitement that comes with the start of school. Whether this is your first experience with Westonka Schools or you’ve been a White Hawk for years, we’re excited to welcome you to the 2023-24 school year and are grateful for the opportunity to work with your student.

Throughout the year, I will be providing frequent updates on district efforts through the Borg Report. Please know that you can always contact me directly with any comments, questions or concerns about your child’s education or our district’s direction.

Here are a few topics to review as we start the new year.

School Safety Update

You may have seen in the news that some Minnesota police departments are pulling officers from schools this fall due to uncertainty surrounding new legislation. We are thankful that Westonka Public Schools will again have two school resource officers (SROs) working inside our school buildings this year to help ensure safe and secure learning environments for students and staff. We are extremely grateful to the Minnetrista Police Department and Orono Police Department for their continued partnership.

Capital Projects Levy Renewal and Facilities Bond Referendum

​​Westonka Public Schools residents will see two important school district questions on the November 7, 2023 ballot. In-person early voting begins Sept. 22 and will take place at the Educational Service Center. You can learn more about early and Election Day voting on the district website. 

We are excited to be presenting these two requests to the community following an extensive facilities review that spanned two school years and included a comprehensive study of district buildings and grounds, a demographic study, staff focus groups, two community surveys, and numerous parent/community input sessions.

• QUESTION 1 is a request to renew an existing capital projects levy that provides a strong technology system and access to up-to-date curriculum without a new tax increase.

• QUESTION 2 is a $93.4 million bond referendum request to address the three priorities identified following over year of research and community input on Westonka district facilities: improve safety and security districtwide; address significant deferred maintenance needs of the district’s 50- to 70-year-old buildings; and redesign Mound Westonka High School to enhance the learning environment and improve functionality, safety and pride.

If both ballot questions (capital projects levy renewal and bond referendum) pass, Westonka's total school property taxes in 2024 will still be the lowest among school districts in Hennepin County.

Please visit our website to learn more about these requests: www.westonka.k12.mn.us/election2023

2023 School Board Election

In addition to the referendum, Westonka voters will elect four school board members on Nov. 7. The League of Women Voters Wayzata-Plymouth Area is hosting a candidate forum next Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Westonka Performing Arts Center. The forum is free and open to the public and will also be live streamed and recorded for viewing online. Learn more on the district website.

Homecoming Week

Westonka Homecoming is the Week of September 24. On Friday, Sept. 29, Mound Westonka High School will host the annual Homecoming Alumni Breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. [RSVP online by Sept. 8]. The annual Homecoming parade and football game will take place later that evening, with the White Hawks facing off against the Orono Spartans at 7 p.m. As a reminder, VIP Gold Cards are available to Westonka School District residents age 62+ to gain free admission to regular season home athletic events, band/choir concerts and high school theater productions.

Wishing your family a successful and memorable 2023-24 school year.

Sincerely,