Wiser Education Fund gala raises $100K for student outdoor experiences

The Wayzata Public Schools Board held its regular meeting on February 10, 2025, where significant achievements and community efforts were highlighted. The meeting began with a presentation from the Wiser Education Fund (WEF), led by a representative who expressed gratitude for the board's support and shared the success of the recent Y for Wiserda gala held on February 1.

The gala raised over $100,000, surpassing previous years' totals by approximately $30,000. The funds will directly benefit WISERDA students, specifically by subsidizing an outdoor experience for sixth graders scheduled for the fall of 2025, as well as providing scholarships for graduating seniors.

The representative provided an overview of the Wiser Education Fund, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization established in February 2003. The mission of WEF is to support Wayzata Public Schools' teachers and staff in developing innovative ways to engage students and meet their educational needs. Since its inception, WEF has awarded over $430,000 in grants, positively impacting more than 300 teachers and staff through various programs.

This year, WEF collaborated with school leaders to support an extended outdoor trip for sixth graders, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. The representative encouraged community members to visit the Wiser Education Fund website to learn more about their initiatives and how to contribute.

The meeting concluded with a positive acknowledgment of the gala's success and the efforts of the volunteers involved. No further questions or comments were raised, marking the end of the regular board meeting.