Wayzata board approves employment agreement for Dr. Rob Virgen as superintendent

The Wayzata Public School District Board of Education on March 23 voted to approve an employment agreement with Dr. Rob Virgen to serve as the district's next superintendent. The contract was negotiated by a committee of the board, recommended as competitive and fiscally responsible, and approved by roll-call vote.

Chair (reading the committee's report) said the contract committee (Heidi Kader, Valentina Ayers and the chair) reviewed regional market comparisons and aligned the terms with the board's goals for stable district leadership. "The Committee believes the agreement reflects a thoughtful and balanced investment in the District's next superintendent, Dr. Rob Virgen," the chair said when introducing the item.

Board members praised the committee's work and described the hiring process as lengthy and carefully negotiated. One board member noted personal concerns about pay equity given the incumbent's long service but said the committee's recommendation persuaded them to support the agreement. Another board member thanked outgoing superintendent Chase Anderson for 18 years of service and pledged to assist with a smooth transition.

A roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from the members present and the motion passed. The chair authorized the board chair and clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the board; the contract will be implemented according to the terms negotiated by the committee and executed by district officials.

The board's action concludes the special regular meeting; a work session was scheduled to begin shortly after adjournment.