The Inside Wayzata Podcast

This episode features three retiring elementary school principals, Mary McKasy of Gleason Lake, Karen Keffeler of Meadow Ridge, and Ross Williams of Sunset Hill, they share insights on their careers, the evolution of education, and their personal journeys. Discover their motivations, memorable moments, and advice for future educators.

00:00 Introduction of Guests and Setting the Scene
01:12 Favorite School Lunches and Last Meals
02:01 Deciding to Retire: Personal Reflections
03:17 What Keeps Principals Coming Back Year After Year
09:29 Experiencing Growth in the School Community
20:24 Changes in Classroom Teaching Over the Years
23:39 Building Trust with Staff, Students, and Families
27:29 Advice for Successors and Final Words of Wisdom
31:39 Surprising Aspects of Being a Principal
36:11 Summing Up a Career in Education
37:46 Reflections on Retirement and Future Plans

In this episode, we explore how West Middle School’s innovative Unified program fosters inclusion, leadership, and community engagement among students, staff, and families. Join us for insights on creating a culture of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.

00:00 - Introduction to West Middle School’s Unified program
01:17 - What is the Unified program? A detailed explanation
05:06 - Principal Ryan’s insights on implementing Unified
09:02 - Student perspectives: Kenzi’s motivations and experiences
12:17 - The role of leadership opportunities in middle school development
16:36 - How the program has changed West’s school culture
19:51 - Expanding involvement and the excitement of new students
24:52 - Student pride and leaving a legacy in Unified
27:36 - Advice for students considering involvement
28:23 - Principal Ryan’s vision for the future: fostering a mindset of inclusivity
29:25 - Wrap-up and ways to connect for more information

In this episode, Dr. Robb Virgin shares his journey to becoming the superintendent of Wayzata, his leadership philosophy, and his vision for the district's future. Topics include community engagement, student voice, high standards, innovation, and the importance of relationships in education.

Leadership transition and community involvement
The importance of student voice and community feedback
Maintaining high standards while fostering innovation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Robb Virgin
03:08 Navigating the Hiring Process
07:59 Building Relationships and Trust
12:40 Long-Term Vision for Education
17:05 The Impact of Education and Community
20:20 Coaching and Leadership Parallels
26:31 The Importance of Student Voice
29:21 Creating a Thriving School Environment
33:36 Balancing Excellence and Innovation in Education
36:04 Listening and Learning: Building Connections
42:18 Career and Technical Education: Bridging Academics and Workforce
47:35 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Community Commitment

In this episode, Zach Nelson chats with Carter Berkelman and Terah Knutsen about their experiences in teaching, the evolving classroom environment, and what keeps them motivated. Discover heartfelt stories, insights on building relationships, and the importance of community in education.

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview
00:26 - Introduction of teachers and their backgrounds
02:12 - Moments that inspired their choice to teach
04:24 - Heartwarming student interactions and reflections on the school year
08:44 - Classroom evolution and relationship-building over the years
16:34 - Changes in teaching from past to present with personalized learning
20:49 - School culture, support systems, and collaboration among staff
28:17 - Building relationships with families and community engagement
30:54 - Fun rapid-fire questions about teaching myths, talents, and favorite foods
35:03 - Words of encouragement for fellow teachers as the school year ends

We tried something different for this episode of The Inside Wayzata Podcast. Overnight on April 2, 2026, we were under a Winter Storm Warning. When we have chances for heavy snow or ice, Dr. Chace Anderson often gets up extra early to get the lay of the land and have first hand experience when deciding whether to cancel or delay school. Listen as we join Chace on, maybe his last winter weather drive before he retires.

This episode explores the impact of satellite kitchens on student experience, the logistical challenges of current food service operations, and how reimagining school kitchen facilities can enhance nutrition, efficiency, and student engagement.

Keywords: school nutrition, satellite kitchens, school referendum, school food logistics, student experience, school kitchen renovation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wayzata Cafes and the Referendum
06:03 Understanding Satellite Kitchens
10:12 Logistical Challenges of Food Delivery
12:39 Quality Control in Food Service
17:15 Menu Planning and Student Preferences
19:49 Space Constraints in School Kitchens
22:34 Envisioning Fully Functioning Kitchens
31:57 Favorite School Lunches and Nostalgia

This episode of The Inside Wayzata Podcast features experts discussing the need for a dedicated high school swimming pool in Wayzata. They explore logistical challenges of current shared facilities, benefits of on-campus pools, and community impact.

Learn more about the referendum at vote.wayzataschools.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Referendum and Swimming Pool Proposal
02:37 Benefits of Having a Pool on Campus
04:05 Logistical Challenges of Current Swimming Arrangements
14:34 Community Support and Home Advantage in Swimming
24:02 Opportunities for Growth in Swimming
30:17 Building a Supportive Swimming Culture
34:34 Community Investment in Swimming

In this episode, Ashley Farrington, principal of Birchview Elementary and 2025 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal, shares insights on fostering community, literacy, and student success. Discover how his leadership, community engagement, and innovative programs create a thriving school environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:57 Winning the 2025 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal Award
05:40 The Origin of the 'You Matter' Campaign at Birchview
11:07 Celebrating I Love to Read Month with Activities
18:31 Reading as a Superpower and Finding Student Strengths
20:12 Extracurricular Activities: Bobcat News, Math Club, and More
25:16 Upcoming Events and School Growth Plans
26:54 Balancing State Leadership and School Responsibilities
30:37 Community and Parent Engagement at Birchview
32:54 Energy and Leadership in School Culture
34:57 Rapid Fire: Favorite Books, Superpowers, and More

In this episode, Wade Phillips, Director of Technology in Wayzata, discusses the evolution of technology in schools, the importance of a balanced approach to device use, and the critical role of safety and security. He explains the details of the upcoming referendum and how it funds essential technological and security infrastructure to support student learning and safety.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Technology Levy
05:02 Understanding the Technology Levy
10:07 Components of Technology in Education
15:16 Balancing Technology Use in Schools
19:59 Reflections on Technology Post-Pandemic
22:06 Balancing Technology and Education
23:34 Evolving Safety and Security in Schools
27:07 Investing in Infrastructure for Safety
29:35 Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets
33:12 Managing Student Devices and Online Safety
37:55 Preparing Students for an Uncertain Future
40:39 Reassuring Parents on Safety and Security

Resources

Wayzata Public Schools Referendum Website - https://vote.wayzataschools.org

This episode of The Inside Wayzata Podcast discusses the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Wayzata Public Schools, focusing on the upcoming referendum and the need for expanded CTE programs. The conversation highlights the benefits of centralized CTE spaces, experiential learning, and community engagement, as well as the impact of the COMPASS program. The speakers emphasize the relevance of CTE in preparing students for future careers and the importance of investing in innovative educational spaces.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CTE and the Upcoming Referendum
02:51 Understanding Career and Technical Education (CTE)
06:00 Addressing Growth and Space Needs in Education
08:55 The Benefits of Centralized CTE Programs
11:52 The Portrait of a Wayzata Graduate
14:55 The Role of Compass in CTE Innovation
17:47 Community Engagement and Benefits of CTE Programs
21:38 Building a Diverse Advisory Board
23:52 Talent Development in the Community
26:42 Expanding Educational Opportunities
30:22 Innovative Learning Spaces
32:41 The Importance of Investing in CTE
36:23 The Fulfillment of CTE Educators

Listen to Episode 11 and 14 to learn more about our CTE Programs