ISD 110 fills finance, early childhood positions

Waconia School District 110 recently announced two leadership hires.

Waconia Public Schools has entered into an agreement with School Management Services (SMS) for an indefinite period to provide business management and support services to the district.

As part of the agreement, SMS owner Todd Netzke will be filling the vacant director of finance and operations role on an interim basis.

Netzke holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Southwest Minnesota State University and has more than 20 years of experience in various public finance roles. He has served with several school districts in both full-time and interim roles through SMS including Red Wing, White Bear Lake, Westonka, and Shakopee public schools.

Meanwhile, Waconia Community Education announced last week that Renee Sorgenfrie has been named Early Childhood program manager to fill that role which had been covered on an interim basis. Sorgenfrie will provide vision and direct supervision of the early learning programs offered through Community Education, including Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Wildcat Preschool, and Early Childhood Screening.

Sorgenfrie holds a master’s degree in parent and family education from the University of Minnesota and has more than 15 years of experience working in various early childhood roles in public school districts in Fridley, Eastern Carver County Schools, and Richfield.

“We are excited for Renee to join our team as we continue to grow our early childhood programs through Waconia Community Education,” Director of Community Education Steven Jensen said. “Renee has a clear passion for early childhood education. She will be a tremendous addition to our team as we continue the important work of providing families and our youngest learners with their educational needs to build a strong foundation as they transition into our schools.”

Sorgenfrie will begin her new position in mid to late May and will office out of the Educational Services Center.

In a related note, this year marks the 50th anniversary of Early Childhood Family Education in Minnesota, according to a news release from the Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education. Since its inception in 1974, ECFE has been a cornerstone of parenting education programs, the release stated, “offering invaluable support to Minnesota families from birth to kindergarten entrance.”