Waconia Public Schools (ISD 110) is a public school district located in Carver County and Hennepin County. It serves approximately 4,000 students in the cities of Waconia, Minnetrista, Victoria, St. Bonifacius, and New Germany. The school district has three elementary schools that serve students in grades K-5, one middle school that serves students in grades 6–8, and one high school that serves students in grades 9–12.[1]

The District's Mission Statement says, "Waconia Public Schools empowers students to explore their passions and create their success by providing opportunities for academic, social, and emotional growth."[2]

History

Each year from 2001 up to 2011, its student enrollment increased by about 5%. In 2011, there was an $8 million bond referendum so the district could acquire land for a new elementary school and a new high school, but voters rejected it with 2,676 against to 1,050 for it.[3] Due to increasing enrollment, preschool classes were moved into a warehouse.[4]

In September 2016, the District opened Laketown Elementary School, the District's third elementary school.[5]

Voters approved referendum questions in 2014, 2018 and 2020 to improve facilities and increase the school district's per pupil general education revenue.[6]

Leadership
Nancy Rajanen served as superintendent until her retirement effective June 30, 2014.

Effective July 1, 2014,[7] Patrick Devine, previously the principal of the middle school of the Litchfield School District, was selected as the district's superintendent.[8] Devine served as Superintendent until June 2022.

Brian Gersich started his tenure as Superintendent on July 1, 2022.[9] Gersich previously served as Superintendent of the LeSueur-Henderson School District and as Assistant Superintendent of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District.

Academics

Waconia Public Schools was named the 19th best public school district in the state of Minnesota by Niche.[10] The district has a 95% four-year graduation rate, a 17:1 student to teacher ratio, and 65% of teachers who have advanced degrees.[11]

Schools

Secondary
Primary
  • Bayview Elementary School
  • Laketown Elementary School
  • Southview Elementary School
Preschool
  • Early Childhood Center
Other
  • Waconia Learning Center

References

  1. ↑ "Why Waconia". Waconia Public Schools. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Waconia Public Schools Strategic Roadmap". Waconia Public Schools Website.
  3. ↑ "Waconia voters reject school land referendum". Minneapolis Star Tribune. May 17, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  4. ↑ Williams, Chris (May 12, 2011). "Small surge of tots could change Minnesota schools". MPR News. Associated Press. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Welcome to Laketown: School District Cuts Ribbon on New Elementary". Waconia Patriot. August 19, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Waconia Public Schools Quick Facts" (PDF). Waconia Public Schools Website.
  7. ↑ Moen, Todd (June 28, 2014). "Rajanen says farewell to community". Sun Patriot Newspapers.
  8. ↑ Moen, Todd (May 22, 2014). "Patrick Devine chosen as Waconia's next superintendent". Sun Patriot Newspapers. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  9. ↑ "Board Selects New Waconia Super". Waconia Patriot. May 10, 2022.
  10. ↑ "Waconia Public Schools Niche Profile". Niche.
  11. ↑ "Waconia Public Schools Quick Facts" (PDF). Waconia Public Schools Website.
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