StoryStudent & Staff Recognitions ProgramMay 8, 2026

Minnetonka District Celebrates Broad Spectrum of Student and Staff Achievements

Minnetonka School District recently recognized students for outstanding achievements in academics, arts, and career readiness, alongside lauding staff for their dedication and professional excellence.

Published Sep 24, 2026

The Minnetonka School District recently shone a spotlight on the exceptional accomplishments of its students and the unwavering dedication of its staff, showcasing a vibrant culture of excellence across its schools. During a recent district meeting, a wide array of achievements was celebrated, spanning from national academic competitions and international science fairs to artistic showcases and significant professional certifications for educators.

Students from Minnetonka High School garnered significant recognition for their prowess in science, qualifying for the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair in Arizona following strong performances at the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair. Further academic accolades included honors in the National German Exam, with one student earning a study trip to Germany. The district also celebrated its champions in the State Economics Challenge, who competed at the University of Minnesota, and students qualifying for the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis in June 2026, highlighting strong pathways in health professions.

Artistic talent was also recognized, with honored artists from Minnetonka Middle School East and Minnetonka Middle School West having their works displayed at the District Service Center, providing a public platform for their creative expressions. These artistic recognitions underscore the district's commitment to fostering well-rounded student development.

Staff Excellence Acknowledged

Beyond student successes, the district also celebrated the professional achievements and diligent work of its staff. Courtney Davis of Clear Springs Elementary and Anette Johnson of Excelsior Elementary School were recognized for achieving National Board Certified Teacher status, a testament to their advanced expertise and commitment to student learning. This certification is a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that demonstrates a teacher's practice meets high standards for excellence.

Other Topics from This Document

Preview of Celebration of Excellence Event
Minnetonka Community Education Volunteer Opportunities
Teaching and Learning Committee Report
Superintendent's End-of-Year Updates and Celebrations

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Votes (5)

Approval of Fiscal Year 2027 Fees

Passed Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Tanya [00:00:00] · Seconded by Mike [00:00:00]

The board considered and approved fee increases for the upcoming fiscal year, previously discussed at a study session and presented at a public hearing. Changes included a $2 increase for a middle school Family and Consumer Sciences class, a $7 increase for high school activity participation, a $30 increase for co-curricular activities, a new $50 uniform fee for cheerleading, a new $50 fee for Youth and Government, and incremental increases for Tonka Dome reservations to keep pace with inflation. It was confirmed that scholarships are available for students unable to afford the fees.

Approval of Long-Term Facilities Maintenance 10-Year Plan

Passed Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Karen [00:00:00] · Seconded by Sally [00:00:00]

The board approved the rolling 10-year plan for long-term facilities maintenance, a statutory requirement. The plan covers projects through 2036, totaling $66 million for the next decade, with an overall investment of $222 million since 2004. The discussion highlighted the importance of proactive maintenance for aging buildings, with many over 27 years old, to prevent system failures and ensure longevity without impacting local taxpayers.

Authorization of Sale of 2026E General Obligation School Building Bonds

Passed Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Mike [00:00:00] · Seconded by Karen [00:00:00]

The board authorized the sale of $30 million in school building bonds, the second tranche from a voter-approved referendum. This sale was moved up from 2027 to 2026 due to significant increases in district property valuation and new construction, allowing for earlier construction on remaining projects (summer 2027 completion) and avoiding an estimated $2.3-$2.5 million in construction inflation, all while maintaining no property tax impact for taxpayers.

Authorization of Sale of 2026F General Obligation Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Bonds

Passed Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Tanya [00:00:00] · Seconded by Dan [00:00:00]

The board authorized the sale of $13.565 million in general obligation bonds to fund long-term facilities maintenance projects scheduled for Fiscal Year 2028 (summer 2027). The sale aims to align this work with other construction projects to achieve economies of scale and better bid prices. The bonds are estimated to sell at a 4.49% interest rate, with the resolution drafted by Dorsy and Whitney.

Approval of Bid for Phase One Site Work at Minnetonka Middle School East (MME)

Passed Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Karen [00:00:00] · Seconded by Mike [00:00:00]

The board approved the low bid from Urban Companies LLC for $393,000 for phase one site work at Minnetonka Middle School East. This project, which aligns with a budget estimate of $400,000, involves reconfiguring the parking lot and extending the drop-off/pickup zone at the front of the building, including adding two outbound lanes. The goal is to improve traffic flow, reduce neighborhood parking, and enhance safety, with work expected to be completed by September for the upcoming school year. The design was developed in collaboration with the City of Minnetonka and WSB engineers.

Notable Quotes (8)

these increases per uh activities director Ted Schultz would keep us just above the bottom of our our peers in the lake conference uh we would just we'd be about $4 above on average Buffalo but we'd be a minimum of 10% but more over like about 30% to in fact almost over double for a couple of the other districts so uh still very competitive in terms of our fees and on the on the low end of the scale.
— Paul Bourgeois/Executive Director in Finance and Operations [00:00:00]

Approval of Fiscal Year 2027 Fees

If someone with these new fees, if someone's not able to afford these fees, we do offer scholarships and it's they're readily available and it's >> Yes, that is correct.
— Karen/School Board Member [00:00:00]

Approval of Fiscal Year 2027 Fees

It's really important for us to keep these up. Uh our buildings all have good bones. They are uh built to last. And so uh by maintaining them, we're also paying it forward for future generations.
— Paul Bourgeois/Executive Director in Finance and Operations [00:00:00]

Approval of Long-Term Facilities Maintenance 10-Year Plan

Mr. Baja, I just want to thank you um and your team for keeping up on the maintenance. I know that that is what's kept our buildings in the good shape and been very fiscally responsible.
— Karen/School Board Member [00:00:00]

Ordinances & Resolutions (8)

Fiscal Year 2027 FeesPlan

Proposed changes to various school and activity fees for the upcoming school year.

Long-Term Facilities Maintenance 10-Year PlanPlan

A rolling plan outlining proposed maintenance projects for district buildings over the next decade.

2026E General Obligation School Building BondsBond

Bonds authorized for sale, representing the second tranche of a voter-approved building bond referendum.

Building Bond ReferendumReferendum

Voter-approved measure supporting district building projects, from which the 2026E bonds are issued.

2026F General Obligation Long-Term Facilities Maintenance BondsBond

Bonds authorized for sale to fund long-term facilities maintenance projects scheduled for Fiscal Year 2028.

Minnesota statuteRegulation

THE DEEPHAVEN RECORDER

Minnetonka District Celebrates Broad Spectrum of Student and Staff Achievements

Staff Excellence Acknowledged

Other Topics from This Document

Preview of Celebration of Excellence Event

Minnetonka Community Education Volunteer Opportunities

Teaching and Learning Committee Report

Superintendent's End-of-Year Updates and Celebrations

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Go deeper on this topic

Votes (5)

Notable Quotes (8)

Ordinances & Resolutions (8)

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