The Wayzata Public Schools Board of Education on Dec. 8 certified a maximum allowable levy of $102,228,554.20 for payable 2026 following a Truth in Taxation presentation by Trevor Peterson, the district’s executive director of finance and operations.

Peterson told the board the district’s proposed levy represents a roughly $5.9 million increase — about 6.13% over payable 2025 — but he emphasized much of that change results from prior‑year long‑term facilities maintenance (LTFM) adjustments and corrections to previously unreported lease/contract expenditures. "A significant portion of this increase from last year is because of LTFM adjustments," Peterson said, explaining that prior COVID‑era project delays and later data corrections created year‑to‑year levy movement.

Jack Stearns, director of finance, reviewed the district’s preliminary 2025–26 budget during the same presentation and described the district’s financial position: total revenue just over $304 million, total expenditures about $310 million, and a projected fund balance of roughly $110 million by June 30, 2026. Stearns also noted the district’s clean audit opinion and a high credit rating, which he and Peterson said helps reduce interest costs on any future debt.

Board members asked how the levy change would translate to typical homeowners. Peterson said the district did not provide a single dollar figure for a median $650,000 home during the presentation because individual outcomes depend on property value changes and tax‑base growth, but he reiterated that district property growth often reduces per‑owner tax burdens even when the levy rises.

Before the certification motion, Peterson reviewed levy categories, noting voter‑approved levies (operating referendum, debt service/building bonds, technology/capital projects) make up about 61.6% of the total and that other local levies and LTFM adjustments account for the remainder. He also explained a $1.8 million increase was caused by MDE receiving previously missing 2023 lease/certificate of participation expenditures that had not been entered at the time of the September preliminary levy.

The board then voted by roll call to certify the maximum allowable levy amount of $102,228,554.20; the clerk recorded unanimous 'Yes' votes on the certification.

The district will use the certified levy in the county tax statements mailed to property owners in 2026; Peterson and Stearns encouraged taxpayers with questions about valuation or classification to contact the county assessor (not the school district) and noted available state property tax refund and deferral programs. The board’s certification is the final administrative step at the local level; collection and distribution of payments will follow county processes.