The Wayzata Education Fund has named longtime educator and community volunteer MaryKate Haake as the organization’s first executive director, marking a new chapter for the nonprofit that supports students and staff throughout Wayzata Public Schools.
Haake began the newly created role Monday, Aug. 3. She will work with the organization’s volunteer board, donors, families and school partners to expand classroom grants, strengthen community relationships and guide the fund’s continued growth.
“This is a milestone for the Wayzata Education Fund. Our volunteers have spent years building trust and relationships across our entire Wayzata Public Schools community, and that foundation is what makes this moment possible,” said Sara Griffin, board chair of the Wayzata Education Fund. “When we look at what our peer districts have built, we know we’re only just getting started. With dedicated executive leadership now in place, we have a real opportunity to grow our impact for this incredible district even further.”
For more than two decades, the Wayzata Education Fund has relied heavily on volunteer leadership and community support to fund educational opportunities beyond what the district’s regular operating budget can provide.
As its programs and fundraising efforts have grown, the organization’s board determined that dedicated professional leadership was needed to build upon that foundation.
Haake brings more than 15 years of experience in education and community involvement to the position.
She taught general and special education in Shakopee Public Schools for eight years. During that time, she earned a master’s degree and specialist designation in educational leadership, along with a Minnesota K-12 administrative license.
In the Wayzata school community, Haake founded the Moms Helping Moms initiative and served in a leadership role with the Oakwood Elementary PTA.
“I am excited to join the Wayzata Education Fund and build on the incredible work already underway,” Haake said. “Together with our dedicated volunteers, community members, donors, and school partners, we will continue to create meaningful opportunities for each and every Wayzata Public Schools student.”
As executive director, Haake will help oversee the fund’s classroom grant program and support established community traditions, including the Highlight a Hero campaign and the organization’s annual gala.
She will also focus on strengthening connections among families, educators, volunteers and donors across the district.
Founded in 2003, the Wayzata Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching and supporting educational experiences for students and staff throughout Wayzata Public Schools.
The organization provides grants for programs and opportunities that align with the district’s strategic roadmap but extend beyond what can be funded through the regular school budget.
Additional information is available at wayzataedfund.org.
