Wayland Union Board of Education

The Wayland Union Board of Education met on Monday, December 8th at the Administration Office for their regular meeting.

Meeting Presentation

All consent agenda items were approved.

Wayland Union High School Student Presentation

• Mr. Hosler and two WUHS students played two holiday pieces on their cellos.

Wayland Union High School Building Recognition and Report

• Santino Di Cesare, Principal of Wayland Union High School, opened by thanking the high school team for their ongoing work and for those able to attend the meeting. He highlighted that the high school currently holds a 97% graduation rate and was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top high schools in the nation. He also shared several program updates, noting that the marching band earned its highest score ever, the choir received multiple Division 1 and 2 ratings, and the debate team earned 8 of 10 trophies at their most recent competition.

• In the CCA program, 86% of seniors graduated, surpassing the state average, and the school continues to strengthen supports through the Allegan Area Tech Center and work-based learning.

• Adam Valk then provided a recap of the Fall athletic season, celebrating numerous district, regional, and state championships across the Equestrian, Cross Country, and Girls Swim teams.

• Five Student Council representatives followed with a review of their first-trimester events, including Freshman Orientation, Homecoming, Harvest Hop, and their Family, Friends, and Heroes fundraiser. They also shared an upcoming partnership with TK Schools for the Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser.

• The high school’s focus area this year is career readiness, with 49% of students planning to attend college and 51% entering the trades or military service. To support all pathways, the school is expanding career-focused opportunities such as field trips, a career fair, and additional work-based learning options.

• Academically, the school reported improvements in reading scores, stable performance in math, social studies above the state average, and a slight dip in science, which they are addressing with enhanced interventions.

• Behaviorally, the school has seen positive gains since implementing the no-cell-phone policy, with supportive feedback from both staff and students.

• The presentation concluded with Scott Gundersen’s annual video, highlighting the many successes and activities from the past school year.

• WUHS's Presentation
• Mr. Gundersen's Annual Video

Recognition of Student Artist for this year's District Christmas Card

• Nora Gavin, Senior at the high school was this years annual winner.

Student Board Members Report

• Macy Schwartz and Teagan Robinson shared that students are in the home stretch before winter break. Student Council is actively preparing for the upcoming Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser. The Theatre Department is getting ready for the Holiday Collage Concert as well as their winter play. The LOC Club recently participated in the Wayland Christmas Parade and is now organizing a blood drive in the coming days. Meanwhile, winter sports are officially underway, with several teams holding their first events of the season this week.

Committee Meeting Report - Fine Arts Committee

• Becky Hohnke reported that the Orchestra recently received a grant that will expand opportunities for students to perform throughout the community. Several students within the Fine Arts Programs also performed at various locations during Winterfest. The committee discussed growing community interest in hosting more events in the Fine Arts Center; however, much of the facility’s technology is outdated compared to neighboring districts, creating challenges in meeting those expectations at this point in time.

Committee Meeting Report - Athletics & Extracurricular Activities Committee

• Norman Taylor shared the committee received a recap of the fall season and an outlook for the winter season, which will include hosting the regional bowling competition. The committee also discussed the online ticketing system and explored options for future family ticket packages. In addition, extracurricular activities were highlighted, including Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics, and the newly established Drone Club.

Governance Team Good News

• Norman Taylor gave kudos to the WUHS LOC Club for receiving 1st place and the Pine Street Student Council for receiving 2nd place on their Wayland Christmas Parade floats.

No public comment.

Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations

• Leslie Wagner shared the year-to-date revenue versus expenditure report. The district is currently working on budget amendments and will receive revenue allocations from the Gun Lake Tribe Revenue Sharing Program later this week. Bond projects continue to progress, with the final beam placed on the roof last week and Series II bids scheduled to be opened later this week. The Facilities Department has been busy managing snow and ice removal. In Food Service, the smoothie bike recently visited Steeby Elementary. Transportation welcomed two new drivers, though some positions remain open. The Business Office also hired a new Benefits Specialist, who will begin next week.

Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services

• Teresa Fulk is concluding her reading observations in Y5–5th grade classrooms and has noted some outstanding staff and student work. At the high school, new course proposals are being developed to support the district’s career readiness goal. The district will continue with the trimester schedule but will adjust some course offerings to better meet student needs. NWEA testing is scheduled to begin after winter break. Progress continues with the Device Committee, and the district is monitoring future enrollment goals for the upcoming strategic plan.

Superintendent

• Tim Reeves shared that Pine Street Elementary’s Veterans Day assembly was one of the best he has attended. He particularly appreciated HS teacher Darrin Door sharing his story and engaging with students during the program. He also highlighted that the GVSU student who assisted the district with mapping data over the summer accompanied him to present the findings to the Wayland City Council and AAESA, showcasing the valuable support their group provides to local cities and school districts. The presentation received very positive feedback. Mr. Reeves noted that the bid opening for Series II bond projects is scheduled for Thursday, December 11th, with the district having received 17 bids, leaving him feeling optimistic about this phase of work. He concluded by wishing everyone a Happy Holiday season.

Request for Use of Buses for Grad Party 2026

• Approved

Request for Out of State Field Trip for HS Baseball Team

• Approved

Public Improvement Fund Projects for 2026-2027

• Approved

Results from Superintendent Evaluation

• Theresa Dobry shared that they had a closed session a few weeks ago and gave Mr. Reeves an effective rating for this school year.

Board Member Comments

• Becky Hohnke thanked the high school and the student council for presenting for the board. The Christmas Card was amazing, and she enjoyed Mr. Gundersen's video. She wishes everyone a good winter break.
• Jeff Koon would like to thank the athletes that attended the meeting, and the students who presented on behalf of the high school. He is looking forward to the holiday concerts coming up.
• Pete Zondervan thanked the students who presented, and he is impressed by the student body's performance in clubs, sports, and academics.
• Norman Taylor appreciated the staff and student report, he feels that every day is a great day to be a Wildcat. He wishes everyone a relaxing and renewing winter break.
• Theresa Dobry enjoys the high school presentation because these are the last four years the district has with their students and they always do such amazing things. She also thanked Mr. Gundersen for coming to the meeting. Lastly, she wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years.

Erin Stepek was absent from the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:10pm.

*Please note: This is a summary of the meeting. Official board minutes will be approved at the next regular board meeting being held on January 12th at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Administration Office.