Wayzata outlines Community Education expansion, new Welcome Center and early‑learning supports

Jenny Ebert, director of Community Education for Wayzata Public School District, gave a broad update Monday on programs that serve birth‑to‑adult residents, including early learning, Wayzata Kids childcare, volunteer tutoring and a newly reorganized Welcome Center.

Ebert told the board the department’s funding model is separate from the general fund: “About 80% of our revenue comes from program fees and 20% from local levy and aid,” she said, and that Community Ed uses that mix to be “flexible and adaptable to what our community needs.”

Why this matters: Community Education funds and programs expand district services beyond K‑12 classrooms, including preschool scholarships, after‑school care and adult classes. The programs connect students, families and community partners and can be affected by changes in state aid or federal grant allocations.

Ebert said the department is mandated by state statute to have a licensed director and a community advisory council; she described goals for the year that align with the district strategic plan, including deepening community engagement and retaining district talent. She highlighted outcomes and recent additions: a voluntary pre‑K (VPK) slot providing free preschool for 20 students with transportation…