Board approves two mandated‑reporting policies, appoints election judges and expands open‑enrollment flexibility

The Wayzata Public Schools Board of Education took several formal actions at its Oct. 13 regular meeting, adopting two district policies, approving a resolution to appoint election judges for the Nov. 4, 2025 general election, and approving an updated open‑enrollment nonresident resolution for the 2026–27 school year.

Policy approvals: The board unanimously approved two policies presented by administration. The policies cited at the meeting were Policy 415 (mandated reporting of child neglect or physical or sexual abuse) and Policy 428 (mandated reporting of vulnerable adults). Administration said the policies had been reviewed as part of the regular cycle and aligned with the Minnesota School Board Association model policy. The board approved the two policies by roll call; all seven board members voted yes.

Election judges: District election clerk Amy Geis presented a resolution appointing election judges for the Nov. 4, 2025 general election. The board adopted the resolution by roll call vote; members noted the district had previously approved absentee judges. Amy Geis said election‑day judges are qualified through the City of Plymouth and will receive refresher training on Oct. 28.

Open‑enrollment resolution: Executive Director of Finance and Operations Trevor Peterson presented a resolution providing the district’s open‑enrollment nonresident agreement for the 2026–27 school year. The updated language keeps a commonly required minimum of 1% open‑enrollment allowance per grade level but adds flexibility to consider up to 2% at any grade level, with priority given to children of staff members and siblings of existing open‑enrolled students. Peterson said the district is near the 1% cap for most grades; he specifically cited kindergarten projections of 968 students versus current kindergarten enrollment of 872 (a shortfall of about 96 students) as context for adding flexibility. The board approved the resolution by roll call; all members voted yes.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of agenda and consent items — motion moved and seconded; roll call vote approved (all members voted yes). - Adoption of Policy 415 and Policy 428 — roll call vote approved (7–0). - Resolution appointing election judges for the Nov. 4, 2025 general election — roll call vote approved (7–0). - Resolution providing for open‑enrollment nonresident agreement for 2026–27 (adds limited flexibility up to 2% with priority for staff children and siblings) — roll call vote approved (7–0).

Why it matters: Policy approvals update mandatory reporting language in district policy; the open‑enrollment change gives the district limited capacity flexibility in response to enrollment shortfalls. The election judges resolution prepares the district for the upcoming general election.

What the board asked: Members asked administration for clarifying enrollment numbers and whether the state limits open‑enrollment ceilings (administration said the state does not impose a maximum ceiling and the district’s change is discretionary). Administration offered to provide exact kindergarten shortfall numbers and said staff would report back if further detail is requested.

Next steps: The approved policies take effect as district policy; election judges will be trained Oct. 28; administration will continue to monitor open‑enrollment capacity and communicate with the board about any further adjustments.