Did Wayzata schools cross the line between informing and lobbying?

By James Eli Shiffer

Timothy Anderson was perturbed to get the following phone call on Election Day eve, when Wayzata had two school levy questions on the ballot:

This is an automated phone call from Chace Anderson, superintendent of Wayzata Public Schools. I am calling to remind all parents about the district referendum and school board election scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3. This is an important election for our district. The renewal of the operating and technology levies will provide a 10-year investment in the district at a time when state funding is unpredictable. While the duration of the levies will be extended, approval of both levies will not increase the annual portion of school property taxes for district residents. If you need more information before voting tomorrow, go to the district’s web site at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us. Thank you and have a great evening.

School districts are exempt for Minnesota's broad ban on "robocalls," and the law doesn't limit the type of messages that districts can broadcast.

Nevertheless, Anderson thinks that use of the phone line was out of line: "This line was set up to notify parents of urgent issues related to the schools. In the past I've received notices regarding school closures, bomb scares and most recently around absenteeism for flu related symptoms. To utilize it for a desired political outcome is an outrage. I'm certain those opposed were not given access to the call list or school resources."

Both levy requests in Wayzata passed by 60-40 margins. Do you think the school district went too far in its automated reminder?