January 2012
COMMUNICATOR Wayzata Public Schools maintains “AAA” bond rating
W
ayzata Public Schools recently had its “AAA” bond rating reviewed and affirmed by Standard and Poor’s.
“And despite recent downgrades of federal and state ratings, Moody’s Investors Service has also classified the district as stable, allowing us to maintain our “AAA” bond rating,” shared Jim Westrum, Executive Director of Finance and Business. Wayzata first received the “AAA” bond rating in September 2008 as evidence of the district’s strong financial health. According to Westrum, there are many advantages associated with the “AAA” bond rating, including access to lower interest rates and borrowing costs, and greater stability to deal with the unpredictability of school funding from the state. Wayzata is one of only three districts in the state to obtain a “AAA” bond rating. Wayzata Public Schools Board Chair Pat Gleason is leaving the board after 19.5 years of service. Among her contributions to the district, her involvement with Wayzata High School’s Empty Bowls event has been one that spanned her entire time on the board.
Gleason honored for nearly 20 years of service
“I
have loved every minute of it!” That’s how Pat Gleason summed up her years of service to kids and families in Wayzata Public Schools.
Gleason ended her service on the Wayzata School Board in December after nearly 20 years, spanning from July 1992 through December 2011. “I truly believe you can make a difference at a grassroots level, and I feel so rewarded that the things I have done while on the board have impacted kids in a good way,” shared Gleason. Gleason has a long list of accomplishments to be proud of that happened during her tenure on the board. From passing a bond referendum and several operating levies, to construction and renovation of schools, to hiring three superintendents and other key staff, to adopting the current middle school program and block scheduling at Wayzata High School, Gleason has made countless contributions as a member of the board. Gleason served as board chair in her most recent term, and also served as vice chair several times and clerk during her tenure. “Pat is clearly devoted to our district and has been committed to doing the best job possible for each student,” said fellow Board Member Linda Cohen. “She cares about kids! She also cares enormously about building relationships among all constituents. She has been a phenomenal addition to the board’s part of the contract negotiating team with teachers, earning the trust of the faculty and helping the negotiations go extremely smoothly.”
Building relationships and trust among all stakeholders has always been a top priority for Gleason. “You establish trust by being trustworthy,” she emphasized. In addition to serving on a number of district committees, Gleason’s service included representing Wayzata on many metro and state boards including: West Metro Education Program, Minnesota School Boards Association, Intermediate District 287, Association of Metropolitan School Districts and the Minnesota State High School League. And Gleason is the only Wayzata School Board member in the last 20 years to be named to the All-State School Board by the Minnesota School Boards Association. Gleason has been seen as a mentor, historian and an inspiration by fellow board members. “Pat helped the rest of us better understand the distinction between the role of board member and administrator,” shared Cohen. “She was supportive, asked good questions, made suggestions, and always with a sense of humor.” Former Board Member Greg Rye echoed these sentiments, “Pat has served the Wayzata Public Schools with honor and distinction. I considered it a privilege to serve with Pat for over 10 years. She was a champion for the underdog and always put what was best for kids FIRST!” Gleason isn’t exactly sure what all her future plans are at this point, but does hope to do some traveling with her husband Jim, and is also very interested in getting involved with the Literacy Program at Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP). Gleason was honored by the Wayzata School Board at its December 12 meeting.
Open enrollment guidelines approved for 2012-13
T
he Wayzata School Board approved open enrollment guidelines for 2012-13 as recommended by district administration at its October 10 school board meeting.
Guidelines for 2012-13 open enrollment • Close open enrollment at grades 1-12. • At the high school, close any grade whose population exceeds 800 students or close all grade levels if the total enrollment of the buildings exceeds 3,200 students. • At the middle school, close any grade that exceeds 800 students. • At the elementary school, grades 1-5, close any grade where the district-wide enrollment exceeds 750 students. If grade 1-5 enrollment is below a district-wide enrollment of 750 students, open enrollment may still be closed in an individual building if the total enrollment in that building is at or exceeds its capacity or has total enrollment of 750 students or greater. • Limit kindergarten open enrollment to a district-wide total not to exceed 650 students, as determined on February 15, 2012. • Accept kindergarten students applying under the Choice Is Yours program into the district ahead of other new kindergarten students. • At kindergarten, close open enrollment if the total district-wide enrollment exceeds 650 students. If kindergarten enrollment is below a district-wide enrollment of 650 students, open enrollment may still be closed in an individual building if the total enrollment in that building is at or exceeds its capacity or has a total enrollment of 750 students or greater. • If applications for open enrollment exceed available spaces, selection will be made by lottery. Guidelines for resident students who move out of the district Students whose parent or guardian moves to another district will be subject to enrollment options using the following guidelines: • Move out over the summer — student will attend their new resident school for summer school and/or fall semester • Move out during the first semester — student will have the option to complete the semester at Wayzata, and will then attend their new resident school second semester • Move out during the second semester — student will have the option to complete the semester at Wayzata, and will then attend their new resident school for summer school and/or fall semester