Willmar Public School District

08/25/2026

🏫 Open House is Tomorrow! 🎉

We’re excited to welcome students and families to Willmar Public Schools Open House on Wednesday, August 26! Come explore the buildings, meet teachers and staff, and get ready for a great school year! ❤️

📍 Area Learning Center (and Willmar Online): 3:30–6:30 PM
📍 Senior High: 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Middle School: 5:30–7:30 PM

🎓 Freshman/New Student Meeting:
Join us in the Brau Performing Arts Center from 5:30–6:15 PM during Open House. This meeting is for freshmen and new students and their families.

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow and kick off the new school year together! 🍎📚

08/25/2026

🌳 Principals in the Park!

Lakeland Elementary Principal Gretchen Baumgarn and Assistant Principal Rikka Williamson kicked off a brand-new tradition this summer with their first-ever “Principals in the Park” event!

They visited parks in Svea, Willmar, and Kandiyohi to connect with students, catch up on their summer adventures, and hear all about how their summer has been going. And, of course, no park visit is complete without a freeze pop! 🍧

What a fun way to wrap up summer, reconnect with our Lakeland families, and get everyone excited for the new school year! We can’t wait to see all of our students back at Lakeland! 📚❤️

08/24/2026

🏫 Willmar Middle School Update!

Work continues throughout Willmar Middle School! From classrooms and hallways to new ceiling work, the building is taking shape as summer projects move forward. 👷‍♂️🔨

Take a look at the early August progress and see the transformation happening throughout the building! We’re excited to see these improvements come together and create an updated learning environment for our students and staff next week. ❤️

08/24/2026

🎒📚 Back to School is Almost Here! 🎉

We’re officially ONE WEEK away from welcoming our students in grades 6–12 back to Willmar Public Schools! Their first day is Monday, August 31!

Then, just two days later, our K–5 students will return on Wednesday, September 2! 🍎✏️

The halls are almost ready, teachers and staff are getting prepared, and we can’t wait to see our students back in our schools! ❤️

Let’s make it a great school year, Cardinals!

08/24/2026

📝 Superintendent’s Slant: Understanding the Permanent School Fund Amendment

With the November election approaching, Minnesota voters will consider a proposed constitutional amendment concerning the state’s Permanent School Fund—a fund established in 1858 to provide ongoing financial support for public education.

In his latest blog post, Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams provides background on the Permanent School Fund and explains what the proposed amendment would change, including:

📚 How the Permanent School Fund supports public schools
💰 How the proposed amendment would update the fund’s distribution formula
🏫 What the change could mean for funding distributed to schools
🗳️ Key facts about the ballot measure and voting process

The goal is to help community members better understand the proposal and make an informed decision at the ballot box.

👉 Read the full Superintendent’s Slant:
https://superintendentslant.blogspot.com/2026/08/understanding-permanent-school-fund.html

This November, Minnesota voters will consider a constitutional amendment regarding the state’s Permanent School Fund. The proposed amendment...

08/23/2026

🎉 Welcome to Willmar Public Schools! ❤️

Please join us in welcoming Jim Menton to the Willmar Public Schools administrative team as the new Assistant Principal at Willmar Middle School!

Jim is excited to join our leadership team, build new relationships, and get to know the students, staff, families, and community that make Willmar Public Schools special.

“I am excited about being part of a dynamic, cohesive leadership team and getting to know a lot of new people.”

We’re excited to have you with us, Jim! Welcome to the Cardinal family! 🏫🍎

08/22/2026

🎉 Welcome to Willmar Public Schools! ❤️

We’re excited to welcome Cody Shaffer to the Willmar Public Schools administrative team as the new Assistant Principal at Kennedy Elementary!

Cody is looking forward to working alongside the many staff members who share a passion for creating great experiences and opportunities for our students. He’s especially excited to become part of the strong sense of unity and joyful dedication he sees throughout Kennedy Elementary and the district.

“I love getting to work with so many people who share a passion of giving kids great experiences. There will be so many amazing things happening in our schools this year, and it's a lot of fun getting to be part of all that!”

We’re thrilled to have Cody joining the Cardinal family and can’t wait to see all the great things ahead at Kennedy! 🍎🏫

08/21/2026

🎉 Welcome to Willmar Public Schools! ❤️

We’re excited to welcome Kristen Egge to the Willmar Public Schools administrative team as the new Assistant Principal at Willmar Middle School!

Kristen is returning to the district where she began her teaching career and is looking forward to a new school, new relationships, and new opportunities to make a difference.

“I am excited to return to the district where I began my teaching career. I am looking forward to a new school, new relationships, and new opportunities to make a difference.”

Welcome back to Willmar, Kristen! We’re so glad to have you on the team! 🏫🍎

08/21/2026

📚 Now Hiring: Substitute Teachers & Support Staff!

Willmar Public Schools, in partnership with ESS, is looking for substitute teachers and support staff to join our team! This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our schools while gaining valuable experience working with students and staff. ❤️

Interested in learning more? Stop by one of our upcoming Open House Events:

📅 September 15 | 4:30–6:30 PM
📅 September 22 | 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Willmar Public Schools District Office – Rehearsal Hall
611 5th Street Southwest, Willmar, MN 56201

Come learn more about available opportunities, ask questions, and find out how you can become part of the Willmar Public Schools team!

Can’t make it to an open house? Learn more at ESS.com.

08/20/2026

to the last day of school! 📚✏️

Our Roosevelt 5th graders celebrated the end of their elementary school journey with a fun-filled day! Students signed each other's shirts and yearbooks, enjoyed an ice cream party, and celebrated all the memories they made along the way. 🍦

This fall, the Class of 2033 will officially become middle schoolers! We’re so proud of all they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s ahead for them. ❤️