Borg Report February 13, 2025

As you may have seen in the news, many school districts across Minnesota are grappling with significant budget shortfalls. It’s a tough situation that’s forcing schools to make difficult decisions about staffing, programs, and the resources available to students. Fortunately, Westonka Public Schools is in a more stable financial position, thanks to a combination of factors, most notably our community's generous support and the careful fiscal management of our district and school board.

In 2019, voters approved a ballot question that brought Westonka’s operating levy authority closer to that of our eastern neighbors. The levy increase made a significant impact on our ability to maintain essential services, preserve high-quality programs, and support the success of all students. It has also helped us weather unexpected challenges. Additionally, the Westonka School Board’s prudent use of short-term pandemic funding and our district’s annual process of challenging the budget have put us in a stable financial position. This is not to say that Westonka is immune to the financial pressures that come with inflation, unfunded mandates and changes in state and federal funding, but it does mean that we can be more strategic and proactive in how we manage our resources. 

I am also pleased to report that we remain in a favorable position to deliver on all of the communicated projects from the 2023 bond referendum. Even with the passage of the bond, Westonka residents can take pride in the fact that they have the lowest total school property taxes in all of Hennepin County.

School Board Approves Revised Budget

Recently, there has been an increased media and public focus on government spending at both the state and national levels. For over 15 years, Westonka’s administration and school boards have been dedicated to continuously reviewing our budget to ensure we are using resources efficiently. Our goal is to identify any areas where we can make thoughtful reductions or adjustments that preserve the quality of education our students receive. 

On Monday night, Feb. 10, the Westonka School Board approved the revised 2024-25 budget and reviewed a projection for next year’s budget. The board approved the revised 2024-25 general operating budget of $41,942,306 in revenues and $41,208,926 in expenditures for a net unassigned fund balance increase of $440,580. Despite the fact that we are seeing a positive trend with school enrollments, we are targeting an adjustment of $100,000 to next year’s budget in an effort to protect our strong financial position. Over the coming months, the administration will review operational expenses in everything from utilities to transportation to printing and will look into appropriate ways to increase revenue. 

We welcome ideas from staff and parents on how the district can be more efficient in how it operates. If you have experienced areas of the district where you feel there could be cost savings or revenue-generating opportunities, please reach out to me.

Other District Updates

Westonka High School Groundbreaking: The community is invited to a special groundbreaking ceremony for the redesigned Westonka High School on April 3, 2025. Please join us at 4:00 p.m. on the north side of the building for a fun event, including music, light refreshments and interactive stations highlighting the transformational facilities project.

Spring/Summer 2025 Construction: High school construction is expected to begin in April 2025 and includes deferred maintenance, security improvements, renovations to the entire building and added square footage, all aimed at enhancing the learning environment and improving functionality, safety and pride. Over Spring Break, exterior fencing and interior temporary walls will be installed at the high school. The middle school project (security improvements and related renovation) is scheduled to start in June. 

We are entering an exciting time for the school district, but there is much work and coordination ahead. We know that the upcoming construction will require a tremendous amount of teamwork, flexibility and patience. Throughout this project, we are committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience for all students. 

What’s ahead?

• Spring 2025 - The final coating will be applied to the new high school tennis courts in the spring when temperatures allow. Six of the nine current tennis courts will remain operational until the new courts are finished.

• April 3, 2025 - Save the date for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the high school redesign project on Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m. on the high school campus (weather permitting). The high school redesign project is expected to begin in April. The majority of work will be completed by fall 2026.

• June 2025 - The middle school construction project is scheduled to begin at the end of the 2024-25 school year and will continue throughout the summer.

Find the most up-to-date construction updates on our website, www.westonka.k12.mn.us/bondprojects.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or comments.

Sincerely,