Borg Report August 2, 2024

Last January, Westonka Public Schools embarked on a journey to refresh our school district brand. Our goal was to create a consistent and distinctive brand that proudly represents Westonka’s small school advantages with big school opportunities - and with the upcoming bond construction, it was the perfect time to act. 

Over the past six months, we conducted a comprehensive brand audit and engaged in branding market research that included:

• a branding focus group,
• individual interviews,
• a community survey with over 400 responses, and
• an all-staff open house.

Based on this research, a brand platform and graphic identity were selected that are a reflection of how we live and what we believe in as Westonka Public Schools. I am thrilled to unveil this new brand to our school community.

About the new Westonka Public Schools logo

Some common themes emerged during the market research process from people’s hopes for a refreshed look for the school district: name recognition, simplicity and consistency. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of a unified identity that would proudly represent Westonka to both internal and external audiences. 

Our new logo - a strong, stable W - reflects the comfort and spirit of our close-knit community. The shield embracing the W underscores this strength and security, with the waved shape giving a subtle nod to Lake Minnetonka. The top left of the W points westward, also giving a hint of a White Hawk’s wing and providing a sense of motion to propel our district forward.

This cohesive design extends across all aspects of our district, including athletics and activities. We are truly one Westonka.

You can find more details about the logos and their usage on our website. Find the brand style guide and downloadable logos at www.westonka.k12.mn.us/brand.

District plans gradual brand rollout

We're eager for Westonka staff, students and community members to be introduced to the new brand. However, we're mindful that it wouldn't be practical to install new logos in buildings slated for significant changes over the next two years. Specifically at the high school, we won't allocate funds towards replacing logos in areas that will soon be updated with the redesign. 

As a public school district, we're committed to demonstrating fiscal responsibility in managing these changes. For instance, we'll maintain our current uniform replacement schedule; when jerseys and uniform pieces are due for renewal, they will reflect our new brand standards. You will therefore likely see many examples of our current and previous branding coexisting for the next few years.

Westonka School Board to take up school naming topic

On a final note, the branding review revealed significant inconsistencies in how individuals inside and outside our district refer to our schools. Mound, Mound Westonka, and Westonka are used interchangeably for both our high school and district. In the news media, we have been referred to as everything from Mounds/Westonka to Mound-WestTonka to West Mound Minnetonka. We know this inconsistency weakens our brand; therefore, the Westonka School Board plans to review and discuss the topic of school names at the November 18, 2024 board meeting.

I want to thank you in advance for embracing this new look and for being proud ambassadors of Westonka Public Schools. Having an effective brand should be a source of pride for our staff, students and community. Again, I encourage you to visit our brand identity page to learn more, www.westonka.k12.mn.us/brand.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to welcoming Westonka students and staff back to school on Tuesday, September 3!

Sincerely,