Information session set for March 4; residents encouraged to review details and ask questions
Wayzata Public Schools voters will weigh three funding questions on April 14, 2026, following School Board approval to place the requests on the ballot.
According to the official notice mailed to residents, the ballot will include:
Question 1: Renewal of the district’s existing technology levy.
Question 2: Approval of school building bonds for growth and facilities needs.
Question 3: Approval of bond funding for a new 8-lane swimming pool at Wayzata High School.
An information session is scheduled for March 4, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Creekside Building in Plymouth.
As the district begins community presentations, Superintendent Chace Anderson has emphasized continued enrollment growth, long-term planning, and the district’s AAA bond rating as indicators of financial strength and readiness to move forward.
At recent meetings, Anderson pointed to a steady increase from roughly 10,500 students in 2012–13 to approximately 13,000 students this school year, with projections suggesting continued growth. He noted that facilities planning has been underway for years and referenced a positive Review & Comment response from the Minnesota Department of Education.
The district’s published materials state that:
Question 1 is a renewal of an expiring capital projects levy for technology and would not increase taxes beyond current levels.
Question 2 would authorize up to $465 million in bonds for a new elementary school, a new middle school, high school additions, safety and security improvements, and other capital projects.
The tax increase on the average homeowner is estimated at $29 per month, with a calculator available online.
A Community That Values Its Schools
Survey results cited by the district indicate strong support for school quality, with respondents linking school excellence to home values. That sentiment aligns with Wayzata’s long history of civic investment in education, from early schoolhouses in the 19th century to the expansions of recent decades.
Few communities place higher value on their public schools — and few communities understand as clearly how school performance intersects with property values.
That context makes thoughtful engagement especially important.
Questions Worth Asking
While the district’s materials outline projected tax increases in dollar terms, some residents have raised additional financial questions that may help voters fully understand the proposal.
Among them:
1. What are homeowners currently paying to the district? Property tax statements break out the portion that goes directly to Wayzata Public Schools. For many households, that figure ranges into the thousands annually, depending on home value and city.
Understanding that baseline allows voters to calculate:
What percentage increase the proposed bond represents relative to the current school-district portion.
What percentage increase it represents relative to the total property tax bill.
The mailed materials provide dollar impact estimates but do not show the percentage increase relative to current taxes.
2. How does this compare to prior referendums? Wayzata voters have historically supported school investments. How does the proposed borrowing compare in scale and tax impact to previous measures?
3. What portion addresses growth versus maintenance? The bond language references new construction, additions, safety upgrades, and essential improvements. Residents may wish to understand the breakdown between capacity expansion and infrastructure upkeep.
4. What are the enrollment sensitivities? Superintendent Anderson presented multiple growth scenarios — ranging from 25% to 100% of historical growth rates. Even under slower growth projections, district enrollment would exceed current capacity within the next decade.
Still, projections inherently carry uncertainty. Voters may wish to ask how the district would adapt if growth slows or accelerates beyond expectations.
Encouraging Informed Participation
The March 4 information session offers residents an opportunity to hear directly from district leaders and review supporting materials.
A practical suggestion for attendees: bring a recent property tax statement. Knowing the current school-district portion allows for clearer understanding of how any increase would affect a specific household.
As always in Wayzata, the conversation need not be adversarial to be thoughtful. Supporting strong schools and asking careful financial questions are not mutually exclusive positions.
With early voting beginning February 27 and Election Day set for April 14, residents have several weeks to review the details and engage in discussion.
In a community shaped by both lakefront heritage and long-range planning, informed civic participation remains one of Wayzata’s defining traits.
“Providence Academy’s Maddyn Greenway added to her long list of basketball accolades by becoming a McDonald’s All-American. Greenway was honored with a ceremony at the Wayzata McDonald’s on Thursday night. Only the top 24 senior girls basketball players in the country are recognized as McDonald’s All-American’s. Greenway is averaging 35.5 points per game for the Lions this year and just last week passed the 5,000 point milestone. Next year, she will play basketball at the University of Kentucky. Greenway is one of 23 Minnesotans that have become McDonald’s All-Americans and is the sixth girls player in Minnesota to be recognized in the past six years.” via CCX Media.
“The Wayzata wrestling team beat Rogers 49-21 in the Section 5AAA semifinals Friday evening to advance to the section final. The second seeded Trojans won the first six matches to build a 34-0 lead before the Royals got on the board. The tables were turned in the championship match as top-ranked St. Michael-Albertville won all but two matches in a 52-9 rout of Wayzata.” via CCX Media.
Sunlight shimmers across Wayzata Bay as an unseasonably warm day draws neighbors out in full force—sidewalks bustling, storefront doors swinging open, and a steady hum of traffic along Lake Street. From the Depot docks to the heart of downtown, it’s the kind of February afternoon that feels borrowed from April, with the whole town happily out and about, soaking it in.
Nick Kallerup scores a touchdown against Minnetonka in 2018. Dan Gustafson.
Wayzata has a Super Bowl champion to celebrate.
Nick Kallerup, a Wayzata High School alumnus, is a Super Bowl champion after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots, 29–13, in Super Bowl LX on Sunday evening in Santa Clara, California. Kallerup was part of the Seahawks organization throughout the championship run, earning a Super Bowl ring at the highest level of professional football.
Kallerup played college football at the University of Minnesota, where he appeared in 57 games from 2019 to 2024, contributing on offense and special teams and earning a reputation as a dependable, team-first player. That same steady approach carried him to the NFL, where depth, preparation, and daily work are as critical to success as what appears in the box score.
Emily Carlson and Nick Kallerup celebrate a Seahawks NFC Champion win. Image courtesy Emily Carlson.
Ahead of the Super Bowl, Kallerupspoke candidly about the whirlwind experience of Super Bowl week during a pregame media interview. Asked whether the magnitude of reaching the Super Bowl in his first NFL season had sunk in, Kallerup replied, “Not really. think from what I’ve heard from some other guys, I think it would kind of sink in like game day to be honest.” Reflecting on his first exposure to the league’s massive media spotlight, he added, “that first media night like it was wild, it was crazy, but it was pretty cool at the same time.”
The Super Bowl victory was followed by another milestone for Kallerup — this time off the field. On Monday morning, People magazine featured Kallerup and his fiancé, Emily Carlson, in a national story highlighting the couple’s whirlwind plans following the championship. The article chronicled their long relationship, which began years earlier at Wayzata High School, and their plans to marry later this spring — just 60 days after the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win.
The feature offered a glimpse into the quieter, personal side of life surrounding the NFL, as Kallerup and Carlson balance wedding planning with the aftermath of a championship season. From coordinating family logistics during the playoffs to shifting quickly into offseason life, the story captured a moment of transition — from football’s biggest stage to the next chapter of their lives together.
For the Wayzata community, it’s a proud reminder that local roots can lead to national moments — on the field and beyond it. From Wayzata High School to the Super Bowl and now the pages of People, Nick Kallerup’s journey continues to resonate close to home.
The Wayzata City Council reviews City Manager Candidates with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC.
The Wayzata City Council took a significant step forward Thursday evening February 5th in its search for the city’s next city manager, reviewing nine semi-finalist candidates and narrowing the field for first-round interviews with consultants MGT Impact Solutions, LLC. During a lengthy work session, council members—guided by executive search consultants—focused less on rankings and more on shared impressions, leadership temperament, and overall fit for Wayzata’s highly engaged and complex civic environment.
During the work session, the City Council reviewed anonymized summaries of each candidate, referring to applicants by number to protect confidentiality. Executive search consultants Ellen Hiniker and Pam Dmytrenko presented highlights from résumés, interviews, and reference checks, after which council members discussed strengths, potential concerns, and overall fit. The council then worked collaboratively to narrow the field, identifying candidates to advance to first-round interviews and outlining next steps in the selection process.
Below is a high-level overview of each candidate as presented to the council:
Candidate #1 has nearly 30 years of local government experience, including senior municipal leadership roles in Minnesota. The candidate has worked across community development, budgeting, personnel management, and city operations, and has led complex redevelopment projects, including a mixed-use development that integrated a new city hall with housing and commercial space. Currently serving as a city manager in another state, the candidate expressed interest in returning to Minnesota for family reasons.
The candidate is described as a collaborative, consensus-oriented leader with strong communication and analytical skills. References cited a modern management style, visibility in the community, and an ability to address conflict directly while remaining open to feedback and innovation.
Candidate #2 brings more than a decade of city management experience across multiple states, including Minnesota, and has worked in communities of varying size and complexity. Their background includes serving as a city manager for approximately 10 years, preceded by senior experience with a large Midwestern city that provided broad operational exposure across municipal departments. The candidate has managed highly engaged communities with strong political dynamics and public expectations.
The candidate has led organizations through crisis response, trust-building efforts, and major reforms, including police accountability initiatives. In a recent role, they managed an all-funds budget of roughly $110 million and addressed fiscal and organizational challenges shaped by state-level constraints. References described the candidate as highly visible, data-driven, and an effective communicator with a collaborative but accountable leadership style and a strong focus on community engagement. The candidate expressed interest in leading a dynamic, engaged community and cited ongoing professional and personal ties to Minnesota.
Candidate #3 is currently serving as a city administrator and brings experience across large cities, suburban communities, and county government. Their background includes municipal administration, human resources, operations, and large-scale organizational response management, providing exposure to both complex urban systems and smaller, resource-limited communities.
In their current role, the candidate has led significant organizational restructuring, rebuilding staff and advancing community and economic development initiatives. They have pursued outside funding, managed contentious redevelopment efforts by convening stakeholders, and are overseeing a complex environmental challenge involving PFAS, including water system coordination and legislative engagement. Prior roles include serving as HR and operations director for a large city and as a county coordinator, where the candidate guided a rare and high-pressure school district dissolution process. References described the candidate as strategic, analytical, relationship-driven, and effective in politically sensitive environments. The candidate expressed interest in leading a highly engaged community with strong service expectations and civic involvement.
Candidate #4 brings more than 25 years of progressively responsible local government experience, including service as a city administrator in two smaller, similarly sized communities and, more recently, as a senior administrative leader in a larger city. Their background includes municipal operations, redevelopment, organizational leadership, and regional collaboration.
As a city administrator, the candidate led commercial and industrial redevelopment efforts, including a major commercial project and the strategic use of a municipal liquor enterprise to support broader development goals. Other experience includes overseeing a multi-year fire service consolidation across multiple jurisdictions and leading the purchase and retrofit of a large facility for public works. In their current role as director of administrative services, the candidate oversees human resources, the city clerk’s office, communications, and facilities. References described the candidate as steady, analytical, ethical, and dependable in times of conflict or crisis, with an approachable, people-focused leadership style. The candidate cited strong interest in Wayzata’s engaged community, high service expectations, and collaborative civic culture.
Candidate #5 currently serves as a public works director and brings experience overseeing multiple operating and capital budgets, with a strong background in infrastructure and capital project management. The candidate described their career path as evolving beyond traditional public works functions after gaining exposure to broader municipal operations and administration.
The candidate highlighted experience managing complex, multi-jurisdictional infrastructure projects, including contentious roadway and county-led initiatives, and emphasized a people-centered, calm approach under pressure. Other projects included collaboration on an assisted living development and sustained public engagement efforts during economically constrained periods. The candidate described their leadership style as service-oriented and community-focused, with an emphasis on transparency and resident involvement. Council members noted general familiarity with the candidate’s work and indicated that further evaluation could occur if the candidate advances in the process.
Candidate #6 brings experience across both city and county government, currently serving as a county administrator in Minnesota after earlier roles as a director of public works and in municipal administration. The candidate has led a county organization of more than 200 employees with oversight of an operating budget reported at approximately $46 million, a role described as comparable in scope to managing a mid-sized city.
The candidate emphasized an adaptive leadership style focused on transparency, procedural fairness, and consistency, particularly during complex or high-interest projects. Experience includes departmental reorganizations, labor and contract negotiations, regional water infrastructure projects, redevelopment initiatives involving multiple public and private partners, and public communication during periods of fiscal pressure. References described the candidate as calm, professional, highly visible, and effective at translating complex operational issues into clear information for elected officials. The candidate expressed interest in returning to city management and cited the transferability of county leadership experience to municipal operations.
Candidate #7 brings a public service career that began in parks and recreation before transitioning into law enforcement, where they served 27 years with a large department and advanced to deputy chief. In that role, the candidate held a senior administrative position overseeing departmental operations, budgets of up to $9 million, and teams of up to 300 employees, including sworn officers and civilian staff. Responsibilities included hiring, internal investigations, capital projects, and organizational management.
Since 2017, the candidate has also served as an elected official and planning commissioner, gaining direct experience with land use, redevelopment, and intergovernmental decision-making. Notable work includes leading a multi-year regional effort to resolve a fire service dispute, participation in redevelopment projects converting vacant commercial properties into housing, and remediation of environmentally impacted sites. References described the candidate as ethical, methodical, and calm under pressure, with strong communication skills, visibility in the community, and the ability to manage high-stakes situations with professionalism and transparency.
Candidate #8 brings a career largely centered in community and economic development, with experience serving as a deputy administrator and interim city manager. The candidate has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, including budgets of up to approximately $26 million, and overseen complex grant portfolios, debt structures, and redevelopment initiatives in communities of varying size.
The candidate’s background includes statewide redevelopment and job creation work, service in a city of roughly 36,000 residents, and leadership during periods of transition, including a challenging fire services study and early-stage redevelopment planning. The candidate emphasized a collaborative, relationship-focused leadership style, with an emphasis on transparency, data-driven analysis, and early engagement with residents, businesses, elected officials, and developers. References described the candidate as a strong communicator and organizational stabilizer during transitions, effective at facilitating dialogue and managing controversy, though the consultants noted comparatively less direct experience in full civic administration than some other candidates.
Candidate #9 brings a blend of formal public administration training and municipal experience across both large, well-resourced cities and smaller, resource-constrained communities. Earlier in their career, the candidate worked in public works and, for the past six years, has served as a deputy city manager overseeing finance, community services, communications, data and planning functions, and providing direct organizational support to the city council.
The candidate has led or played key roles in complex infrastructure projects involving layered financing tools, including TIF, bonding, and private contributions, and has been closely involved in staffing decisions, labor and contract negotiations, and financial management during the COVID-19 period. As interim city manager, the candidate oversaw a budget of approximately $23 million and led capital improvement planning and long-range financial forecasting. References and interviewers described a collaborative, service-oriented leader with strong communication skills, consensus-building ability, and a focus on transparency, fiscal stewardship, and translating council priorities into operational action.
The Field, Narrowed to Six
Following the review of all nine candidates, the Wayzata City Council and its executive search consultants moved into a consensus-building discussion focused on narrowing the field for first-round interviews. Rather than relying strictly on matrix scoring, the council emphasized shared impressions, professional judgment, and areas of emerging agreement.
Early in the discussion, council members identified two candidates as likely eliminations based on concerns raised during the review. From there, the group worked methodically to sort the remaining candidates into informal “tiers,” weighing strengths, perceived gaps, and overall fit for Wayzata’s highly engaged and complex civic environment. Several candidates were clearly supported for advancement, while others were discussed as “bubble” candidates—individuals who prompted interest but also raised questions the council felt could only be resolved through an interview.
Throughout the conversation, council members emphasized the value of interviewing candidates who were difficult to eliminate, even if they did not present as obvious front-runners, noting that an additional interview round required limited time but could prevent overlooking a strong fit. The consultants offered guidance based on their interviews and reference checks, but deferred final judgment to the council, reinforcing that the process was intended to surface judgment, temperament, and leadership style rather than produce a purely mechanical ranking.
By the end of the discussion, the council reached consensus on advancing six candidates to first-round interviews, with the goal of narrowing the field further to two or three finalists. Candidates 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 were the individuals advanced to the next stage of consideration.
The consultants will now prepare standardized interview questions, coordinate logistics, and notify selected candidates, with the next phase of the process expected to include public disclosure consistent with state data practices law.
Input from Staff and Community Members
As the city manager search moves forward, the Wayzata City Council confirmed the formation of two advisory panels that will participate during the finalist stage of the process: a citizen advisory committee and a city staff advisory panel. Both groups will provide observations and feedback to the council but will not have decision-making authority.
The citizen advisory committee includes Tom Schaver, Terry Huml, Lucy Penfield, Lisa Fenwick, Chris Planton, and Tori Schalkle. Council members said the group was selected to reflect a balanced mix of residents, business owners, and individuals with prior civic or advisory experience, as well as a range of perspectives and backgrounds.
In parallel, the city will convene a staff advisory panel composed of city employees, intended to provide insight into leadership style, organizational culture, and day-to-day management approach. Council members emphasized that feedback from both panels will be advisory in nature and designed to inform the council’s evaluation of finalists, with final hiring authority resting solely with the City Council.
The search process began with 36 applicants, which was narrowed by the council and its consultants to nine semi-finalists reviewed during this meeting. Following the discussion, the council advanced six candidates to the next stage, with the goal of identifying approximately three finalists. Each of the six candidates will participate in 45-minute first-round interviews on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as the council continues to move toward a final selection. Final interviews are scheduled for February 24, 2026.
“The Wayzata girls Nordic ski team won the Section 6 championship Monday with all five of the Trojans‘ skiers placing in the top ten. Wayzata’s Lila Golomb repeated as section individual champion winning the two-race pursuit format in 28:20, nearly three minutes ahead of her teammate Meredith Gundale. Hopkins finished second as a team to also qualify for state. River White was the Royals’ top finisher, placing seventh. Individual state qualifiers from the area are Jordyn Welter of Heritage Christian Academy and Breck’s Ani Yorkhall. Hopkins’ Sadie Eckert and Ila Hagen won the sprint relay race. In the boys meet Hopkins finished first with Orono/Delano second. The Royals’ Logan Drevlow and Bridger Nelson finished 1-2 in the pursuit while Carter Howe and Nolan Haar of Hopkins won the sprint relay. Anders Decker of Armstrong, Wayzata’s Connor Viera and Matthew Jenneke, and Blake Ingelin from Heritage Christian Academy all qualified for next week’s state meet as individuals.” via CCX Media.
Wayzata Musicales returns with the second concert event of its season on Saturday, February 21, featuring the beloved vocalist Francine Roche. Known for her elegant and expressive interpretations of classic French songs, Roche has charmed Twin Cities audiences for years—and this performance comes back by popular demand after a previous sellout.
Roche will be joined by her longtime collaborators, Mark Stillman on accordion and Jim Price on violin and mandolin, creating an intimate, Parisian-style cabaret atmosphere—no passport required.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, located at 15600 Old Rockford Road in Plymouth. The program runs approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.
WAYZATA — This March, Good Works Community Theatre invites audiences to rediscover wonder, imagination, and the quiet power of kindness with its production of Mary Poppins.
Set in Edwardian London, the beloved musical follows the Banks family as their orderly world is gently upended by the arrival of the mysterious Mary Poppins, umbrella in hand. Through music, dance, and moments of magical realism across London’s rooftops, the story celebrates joy, connection, and the idea that small changes of the heart can transform an entire family — and perhaps a community.
The production arrives during a milestone year for both organizations involved. Good Works Community Theatre is celebrating 25 years of community storytelling, coinciding with the 140th anniversary of Wayzata Community Church, where the performances will take place. Since its founding, GWCT has centered its mission on bringing people of all ages together to create meaningful experiences onstage and beyond.
This year’s cast includes children, teens, and adults from across the Twin Cities area, reflecting that intergenerational mission. Rehearsals, organizers say, have been marked by collaboration, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose.
“Mary Poppins reminds us that wonder isn’t just for children — it’s something we all need,” said Autumn Toussaint, artistic director of Good Works Community Theatre. She noted that the story meets hardship with compassion and imagination, offering a message that feels especially timely. “When we open our hearts to each other and to creativity, transformation is possible.”
All performances are offered as a free gift to the community, though ticket reservations are required. Shows run March 11–15, 2026, at Wayzata Community Church. A disability-friendly, ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m.
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