Wayzata board votes 5-2 to extend offer to Dr. Rob Virgen as lone finalist for superintendent

The Wayzata Public Schools Board of Education voted 5-2 on March 6, 2026, to extend an offer of employment to Dr. Rob Virgen as the district's next superintendent, the board announced at the conclusion of a special meeting.

"The recommendation is to extend the offer of an employment contract for the position of Wayzata Public Schools superintendent to Dr. Rob Virgen contingent upon a mutually agreeable employment contract being negotiated," Chair Milan Sahoney read aloud before the board's roll-call vote.

The board based its decision on interviews, a day-in-the-district program that included tours of four schools and a district service center, written feedback from 36 community interview participants and reference checks conducted by board members. Executive Director of HR Dave Lutz summarized the day's activities and the community input, which MSBA consolidated into strengths and "wonderments" for each finalist.

Board members split over whether to prioritize a candidate's long-term vision or immediate readiness. Supporters of Dr. Virgen pointed to his visibility in schools, curriculum expertise and references that described him as "innovative," "highly relational" and "inspiring." Members who preferred Superintendent Corey McIntyre highlighted McIntyre's multiple years of superintendent experience and familiarity with large-district operations, which some said would be valuable given an anticipated referendum and near-term construction projects.

Sheila Pryor moved the motion to extend the offer; Heidi Kayer seconded. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote: Sheila Pryor, yes; Heidi Kayer, yes; Valentina Ayers, no; Dangenestro, yes; Alicia Little, yes; Paras Bindi, no; Milan Sahoney, yes. The motion passed.

Chair Sahoney announced that a subcommittee consisting of Heidi Kayer, Valentina Ayers and the chair, with Executive Director Dave Lutz as consultant, will handle negotiations on the employment contract. Sahoney said he briefly informed Dr. Virgen of the board's choice during a short hallway call and that negotiations will likely occur the following week because Dr. Virgen is traveling.

Barb Dorn of the Minnesota School Boards Association, who guided the board through the search process, told members she would contact the other finalists, Dr. Renee Briggs and Superintendent Corey McIntyre, to thank them and discuss the board's decision. Dorn said communication staff had already been alerted and asked board members to return confidential evaluation notes to HR for retention.

The board's choice concludes the MSBA-led search that began in November. The board plans additional transition workshops with MSBA in July to align expectations and first-year performance metrics for the incoming superintendent. The board adjourned at 5:40 p.m.; the next regular work session is scheduled for Monday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m.