Follow the Money... to the Classroom

Budgets reveal priorities. For Wayzata Public Schools, recent finance reports and board discussions show a complex picture: rising costs, state constraints, and tough choices about where each dollar goes. Yet amid these pressures, one principle should guide us—investing directly in the classroom. Our students’ success depends on whether funding decisions translate into real resources for teaching and learning.

In last December’s Truth in Taxation hearing, district leaders reminded us that Minnesota’s legislature sets tight limits on local funding. Still, the board has discretion over how dollars are allocated across programs, facilities, and staffing. In presentations on finance and operations, officials noted inflation, enrollment changes, and the cost of community programming as major budget pressures. While these challenges are real, the question remains: how much actually reaches instruction? Independent review shows Wayzata currently dedicates a smaller percentage of its budget to instruction than many peer districts. With class sizes, academic support, and closing achievement gaps at stake, the balance matters.

The consequences are clear in the classroom. Teachers face limited resources while families voice concerns over reading and math gaps. Board transcripts show repeated calls for transparency, consistency, and better alignment between community feedback and board action. When more dollars flow to instruction—whether in core teaching, support specialists, or technology directly tied to learning—students benefit most. Prioritizing classroom spending also supports educators, reducing burnout and enabling innovation. Conversely, every dollar shifted away from direct instruction risks widening inequities and diminishing outcomes. If Wayzata aims not only to match but to lead the state in achievement, investment priorities must reflect that vision.

Laura Conway brings a proven data-driven mindset to this issue. With deep experience managing complex budgets, she approaches school finance with the same rigor she applied in business: analyze the data, identify the leverage points, and prioritize investments that yield the highest return—in this case, student learning. Laura believes Wayzata should move toward dedicating at least 65% of its budget to instruction, aligning with best practices nationwide. She has consistently advocated for redirecting funds away from nonessential overhead toward the classroom. Importantly, Laura views data not as an endpoint, but as a tool to guide equity-driven choices—ensuring dollars reach students who need them most. Her leadership principle is simple: transparency, accountability, and a relentless focus on outcomes.

Budgets are moral documents. In a time of rising costs and competing priorities, Wayzata must recommit to its core mission: empowering every student to succeed. Laura Conway will bring clarity, discipline, and a laser focus on the classroom—ensuring our community’s investment translates into opportunity, achievement, and excellence for all.