Wayzata Public Schools’ outgoing and incoming superintendents appeared together before the Wayzata City Council on June 16, marking the district’s approaching leadership transition.
Dr. Chace Anderson, who is retiring after 18 years as superintendent and 43 years in education, introduced Dr. Robb Virgin, who will officially become superintendent July 1.
Anderson used the appearance to thank Mayor Andrew Mullin, City Council members, city staff and previous city leaders for their longstanding relationship with the school district.
“We so much appreciate the collaboration and the work that we’ve done together over the years on a number of projects,” Anderson said.
He reflected on the changes that have taken place in downtown Wayzata and throughout the surrounding community during his tenure. Anderson said the city and school district have worked as strategic partners while serving many of the same residents, students and families.
“I’m finding myself in this feeling of gratitude,” Anderson said as he thanked city leaders for their kindness, collaboration and work on behalf of the community.
Introducing Virgin was among Anderson’s final responsibilities before completing the leadership transition. Anderson said he has known Virgin for several years and was pleased with the School Board’s selection, although he was not involved in the superintendent search.
Virgin Credits Anderson and District Leadership
Virgin thanked Anderson and the district’s leadership team for providing mentorship and helping prepare him for the new position.
He said Anderson’s commitment to an orderly transition has allowed him to enter a school district that has been carefully led and positioned for continued success.
Virgin also told the council that he feels fortunate to be joining a district with strong relationships among its schools, cities and other community organizations.
“Great communities are built on those partnerships,” Virgin said. “When our leadership teams work together, all of our residents, our students, our families, everybody, our business, everybody benefits from that.”
Virgin committed to continuing the district’s relationship with the City of Wayzata and invited council members and staff to contact him when the district may be able to assist with the city’s work.
“Please don’t hesitate to be in touch,” Virgin said.
Virgin Shares His Educational Background
Virgin began his career as a social studies teacher in Wisconsin and later taught in Farmington. He also coached basketball, soccer and track and field.
His professional experience has included teaching courses at the University of Minnesota, supervising student teachers, serving as a high school principal and working in district administration.
Virgin recalled meeting Anderson while the two educators were attending a state swimming meet at the University of Minnesota. At the time, Virgin was working toward his doctorate and questioning whether he would finish the program. He said Anderson encouraged him to develop a plan and complete the degree.
Virgin most recently served as an assistant superintendent in Eden Prairie Schools.
He told the council that Wayzata Public Schools’ established culture was among the qualities that attracted him to the superintendent position. Virgin described the district as having “a commitment to just everyday sustained excellence” that has produced a strong environment for students and staff year after year.
Virgin said his work in neighboring districts, along with relationships with colleagues and families familiar with Wayzata Public Schools, had already given him an appreciation for the district.
He will formally assume the superintendent position July 1.
The direct quotes come from Anderson’s opening remarks, Virgin’s comments about community partnerships and Virgin’s description of the district’s culture. The more distorted portions of the transcript remain paraphrased.
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