For nearly two decades, Wayzata Public Schools experienced remarkable stability under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson. With 13,000 students in the West Metro, the district has built a reputation as one of Minnesota’s premier public education systems.

On July 1, 2026, a brand-new chapter officially began as Dr. Robb Virgin stepped into the District Service Center as Wayzata's new Superintendent following a comprehensive search and a 5-2 Board vote earlier this year.

To help parents, staff, and community members understand what this transition means for the district's future, PlymouthMN sat down for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Milind Sohoni, Chair of the Wayzata School Board.

Education transformed my own life. It opened doors that otherwise would not have existed, and it reinforced my belief that public education remains one of the greatest opportunities we can provide to every child, regardless of background.
- Dr. Milind Sohoni, Chair of the Wayzata School Board

1. The 18-Year Handoff

PlymouthMN: For almost two decades, Dr. Anderson provided incredible stability for Wayzata schools. As the Board Chair, what has been the most critical part of managing this historic transition, and what specific leadership qualities made the board confident that Dr. Virgin was the right person to take the helm?

Dr. Milind Sohoni: Dr. Anderson's 18 years of service provided remarkable stability and helped establish Wayzata as one of Minnesota's premier school districts. A leadership transition after nearly two decades is naturally significant, and the board approached it with great care and deliberation.

Our primary responsibility was to ensure continuity while also positioning the district for the future. Throughout the search process, we listened carefully to staff, families, students, and community members to understand the qualities they were looking for in our next superintendent.

What stood out about Dr. Robb Virgin was his student-centered leadership, his commitment to building relationships, and his ability to bring people together around a shared vision. He demonstrated a thoughtful leadership style, a deep understanding of teaching and learning, and an appreciation for the culture that has made Wayzata successful. At the same time, he showed a willingness to embrace innovation and prepare our students for an increasingly complex world.

Ultimately, the board was looking for someone who would both honor the district's strong foundation and lead us confidently into the future. We believe Dr. Virgin is well positioned to do exactly that.

2. The New Mandate & Strategic Priorities

PlymouthMN: Every new Superintendent is handed a mandate by the board. As Dr. Virgin steps into the District Service Center this month, what are the top two or three strategic priorities the board has asked him to focus on for the upcoming school year?

Dr. Milind Sohoni: The board has worked with Dr. Virgin to establish clear priorities, and while there are many important initiatives underway, three areas stand out.

• Academic Excellence: Maintaining our unwavering focus on student achievement. Wayzata has earned its reputation through academic excellence, and we expect that standard to continue while ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
• Relationship Building: Strengthening relationships across the district—including students, staff, families, and the broader community. Trust and communication are essential to a high-performing school system, and Dr. Virgin has already demonstrated a strong commitment to listening and engaging with stakeholders.
• Bond Project Execution: Successfully implementing the projects made possible through our recently approved bond referendum. Our community made a significant investment in the future of our schools, including three new school buildings, and we want to ensure those projects are completed thoughtfully, responsibly, and with students' long-term needs in mind.

3. The Parent Perspective

PlymouthMN: Wayzata is a massive, 13,000-student district. For parents who might be anxious about a change in leadership, what assurances can you offer regarding class sizes, student mental health resources, and maintaining the district’s top-tier academic ranking?

Dr. Milind Sohoni: Parents should feel confident that while leadership changes, our commitment to students does not. The Board's expectations regarding academic excellence, student well-being, and responsible stewardship remain unchanged. Families can expect continued attention to strong classroom instruction, high-quality educational opportunities, and the support services students need to thrive academically and emotionally.

We also recognize that education is about more than test scores. Student mental health, school safety, belonging, and preparing students for life after graduation all remain important priorities.

Most importantly, Wayzata's success has never depended on one individual. It is built upon outstanding teachers, dedicated staff, engaged families, talented students, and strong community support. Those strengths continue today, and they give us great confidence as we begin this next chapter.

4. The Board's Long-Term Vision

PlymouthMN: Looking past the immediate transition, what is your personal vision as Chair for where Wayzata Schools need to be in the next five years? What challenges do we need to prepare for now?

Dr. Milind Sohoni: Five years from now, I hope Wayzata continues to be recognized not only as one of Minnesota's highest-performing districts, but as one of its most innovative and forward-thinking.

The world our students will enter is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, cybersecurity, mental health challenges, and changing student needs all require us to continually adapt. My vision is for Wayzata to remain academically rigorous while also preparing students with the critical thinking, creativity, communication, and adaptability they will need throughout their lives.

I also believe governance matters. Strong schools require strong partnerships between the board, administration, educators, families, and our community. Continuing to build trust, transparency, and productive collaboration will be essential as we address future challenges together.

5. The Personal Connection

PlymouthMN: You’ve had a unique personal journey as an immigrant stepping into this governance role. How has your background shaped the way you advocate for students and view the importance of public education in our community?

Dr. Milind Sohoni: My journey to serving as Chair of the Wayzata School Board is one I never could have imagined when I immigrated to the United States.

Education transformed my own life. It opened doors that otherwise would not have existed, and it reinforced my belief that public education remains one of the greatest opportunities we can provide to every child, regardless of background.

As both an immigrant and a parent of two Wayzata graduates, I have experienced our schools from multiple perspectives. Those experiences remind me that every decision we make ultimately affects real students and families. I also bring an appreciation for the importance of listening. Communities are strongest when people with different experiences and viewpoints can come together around a shared purpose. On the school board, that shared purpose is always our students.

Serving as Board Chair is both an honor and a responsibility. My goal is to help ensure that every decision we make reflects our commitment to academic excellence, responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, and creating opportunities for every student to reach their full potential.

When I took the oath of office as a school board member, I couldn't help but think about the young man who arrived in America decades ago with two suitcases, a few dollars in his pocket, and a dream. Higher education changed the course of my life, and public education helped create opportunities for my family that I could scarcely have imagined. Serving the students and families of Wayzata is my way of giving back to the community—and to the country—that has given my family so much.

• Superintendent of Wayzata Public Schools: Dr. Robb Virgin
• School Board - We set policies and oversee the district’s budget, curriculum, staff and facilities.

Feature image credit: Wayzata School Board Meeting July 13, 2026

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What are your hopes and priorities for Wayzata Public Schools as Dr. Robb Virgin assumes the superintendency? Share your thoughts in the comments below!