Superintendent finalist tells Wayzata board his transition plan centers on 'connection, clarity and care'

Dr. Virgen, a finalist for superintendent, told the Wayzata Public Schools board that his entry plan is built on three enduring strategies—"connection, clarity and care"—and that tactics are drawn from a 30/60/90 framework he provided in his candidate packet. He said he will begin work immediately to be ready by July 1 while minimizing disruption to the end of the school year.

Why it matters: Wayzata, a one-high-school district facing growth and a pending referendum, will rely on a superintendent who can sustain existing strengths while addressing achievement gaps and program access. The board asked for concrete evidence that a new leader can both protect current programs and steward change.

Dr. Virgen described trust-building as a priority, defining it with four elements—sincerity, reliability, care and competence—and promising school visits, structured listening sessions and one-on-one meetings with each board member. "I come to you with full transparency. I come to you with full commitment, and I come to you for the long run," he said.

On governance, he said boards succeed when roles are clear and direction is steady. He pledged to provide the board with background data, options and trade-offs so members can govern with confidence, describing a "measure what matters" approach that links priorities to investments and lead indicators. "You will never have to wonder about where things are," he told the board, promising consistent entry-plan updates.

Dr. Virgen emphasized protecting the classroom experience while exercising fiscal discipline. He said his first-year decisions will be made with a five- and 20-year perspective and that he will review vendor contracts, capital purchases and staffing with an eye toward long-term stability. He cited his experience working with finance teams and noted the district’s current financial strengths.

The candidate also summarized examples of prior initiatives—an academic visioning process and a leadership framework he called "future ready leadership"—that he said supported sustainable change in other districts. He invited follow-up questions and said MSBA would contact him after the board’s deliberations.

What happens next: The board concluded the interview and said MSBA will be in contact following deliberations.