Our Schools
Our schools create an environment that fosters positive teacher-student-parent relationships, allowing for individualized attention. Small class sizes help create an opportunity for all students to participate in activities and in their communities.
Our District
Independent School District 2687, serving the communities of Winsted, Waverly, and Howard Lake, provides a high-quality education for its youth. With that commitment, we strive for excellence and opportunity for each student in every offering and activity.
Our Community
Located just west of the Metro, Howard Lake, Waverly, and Winsted have a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. Our schools are at the center of many things our communities celebrate.
Welcome to Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Public Schools
HLWW Schools Successfully Completes Comprehensive Strategic Plan to Enhance Student Learning and Community Engagement
Community Engagement: A Pillar of Our Plan
The strategic plan’s development was a collaborative effort, involving robust engagement with the community. We gathered insights through a variety of channels, including:
- Surveys: Distributed to students, parents, staff, and residents to gather broad-based feedback.
- Conversations: Held with community members to understand their hopes and concerns for the district’s future.
- Presentations: Delivered across the district to inform and involve stakeholders in the planning process.
- Committee Work: Engaged diverse committees representing various facets of the community to ensure the plan is comprehensive and inclusive.
Strategic Goals for a Bright Future
The strategic plan outlines five key goals that will guide the district’s efforts over the coming years:
- All Students Perform at or Above Expectations: We are committed to providing high-quality education and resources to ensure all students meet or exceed academic standards.
- All Students Feel They Belong and Are Supported: Creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and connected is paramount.
- Effective and Efficient Use of Resources: We will ensure that all resources are utilized in the most effective and efficient manner to maximize educational outcomes.
- Demonstrate How the District is the Best Choice: Through excellence in education and community engagement, we will showcase why [District Name] is the premier choice for students, staff, and residents.
- Create and Maintain a Collaborative Culture: Fostering a culture of collaboration focused on learning and results will be integral to our success.
Commitment to Excellence and Collaboration
Superintendent Walbruch stated, “This strategic plan represents our collective vision for the future of HLWW schools.. Through the active participation of our community, we have crafted a roadmap that ensures every student not only meets but exceeds expectations. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every Laker feels they belong and is supported.”
The strategic plan will be implemented over the next five years, with regular assessments and updates to ensure alignment with our goals and community expectations.
For more information about HLWW’s strategic plan, please visit the plan, hosted on our website at https://hlww.k12.mn.us/strategicplan/.
Bond Refunding
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Public Schools are pleased to announce substantial taxpayer savings resulting from strategic financial management and prudent decision-making. Through the recent refunding of bonds issued in 2014, the district is set to achieve significant interest cost savings on debt used to build the High School and Middle School!
Key Points:
- Refunding these bonds are similar to refinancing a mortgage
- The District was able to take advantage of recent dropping interest rates
- The District maintained its ‘A’ bond rating, reflecting strong financial standing
- Total savings of $1,908,551 on interest costs from the current refunding
- The district had refunded other bonds in 2014, savings $2,935,035 at that time
These refunding efforts have resulted in a total savings of $1,908,551 on interest costs for the Series 2014A bonds alone. Furthermore, the district’s steadfast financial management, and the community’s recent approval of an operating levy has led to the maintenance of its ‘A’ bond rating, confirming its strong financial standing and commitment to fiscal responsibility. Between the two refundings of bonds, the District has saved $4,843,586 on debt service.
Superintendent Nate Walbruch states: “Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Schools remain dedicated to the careful management of financial resources while ensuring the highest standards of education for our students. These savings underscore our ongoing commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in managing taxpayer funds.”
Election Results
HLWW Public School District voters approved the funding request on the November 7 ballot.
The question passed with 58% (1226 votes) “yes” and 42% (897 votes) “no”. The tally is considered unofficial until the election is canvassed by the school board next week. The operating levy will generate approximately $600 per pupil in annual revenue to be used to grow the school district, provide a strong future for students, and improve the community through education.
“The referendum passed on the Nov. 7 election will make a big difference in the learning environment for our students,” said HLWW Public Schools Superintendent Nate Walbruch. “We thank all voters who made their voices heard, and we thank all of you for supporting our students, families, and hard-working staff, and for believing in the continued success of our thriving community.”
What This Approval Means
The approval of the referendum question will support students and staff. The district plans to:
● Attract and retain quality staff
● Attract and retain students/families
● Keep class sizes low
● Potentially restore teaching positions
● Update and enhance classroom resources and curriculum used for learning
● Enhance career training pathways to better prepare students for post-graduation
● Allocate resources to properly maintain facilities and equipment
HLWW School Board Chair Michelle Heuer believes that now that the election is over, a new chapter in the future for students can begin.
“We understand that not everyone voted yes on the referendum question. We also believe there is common ground in supporting the needs of our children, and we will build on that common ground to ensure that we all move forward together. We pledge to be good and transparent financial stewards as we move forward with our plans for the levy.”
For More Information
Visit hlww.k12.mn.us for more information about Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Public Schools.
Once again, thank you for your support!
