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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

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!

School Board selects Nate Walbruch as next Superintendent

Completing its search for a new Superintendent, the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted School Board is pleased to announce that Nate Walbruch has been selected as the District’s next Superintendent effective on July 1, 2023. Current Superintendent Brad Sellner will be completing his term on June 30, 2023. Nate Walbruch and the Board are working on the terms of a tentative agreement which will be finalized at a public meeting in the near future. “We were very excited to have an excellent field of candidates for the Superintendent position. We interviewed several candidates, and the field was narrowed to three finalists. We reference checked and invited the three candidates back to the district for a second round of interviews,” Board Chair Michelle Heuer said. “We liked all the finalists, but Nate Walbruch emerged as the right fit for our district. “ Nate Walbruch has been the High School Principal at Century High School in Rochester, MN since 2021. He has been a Principal in Plainview-Elgin-Millvile, MN and a Vice Principal in Porter Ridge Elementary in Indian Trail, NC. He has an Educational Specialist Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies from Winona State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University.

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