Wayland Union Board of Education

Meeting Presentation

All consent agenda items were approved.

Dorr Elementary

• Andrew Augustin, Principal at Dorr Elementary, began his presentation by thanking all staff members, students, and parents who worked on this presentation and were able to attend the meeting. Mr. Augustin discussed Dorr PTO, field trips, Capturing Kids Hearts, Tiered Behavioral Supports, testing scores for M-Step and NWEA, and the new reading curriculum. Students were then able to present what they've been learning in their new reading programs, including a second and third grader who shared what their favorite book has been so far. Students from Dorr Elementary students also began the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Dorr's Presentation

Committee Meeting Report - Curriculum & Technology Committee

• Theresa Dobry shared that topics included trimester/semester focus group, the student device committee, and the COPS grant that the district received this fall.

Committee Meeting Report - Facilities & Finance

• Pete Zondervan shared that the entire board met to discuss public improvement projects, bond updates, budget and facility updates, and the filter first project.

Report from Board Members who Attended MASB Leadership Conference

• Stephanie Tromp shared that she attended sessions on budgets, AI, and school safety. Norman Taylor enjoyed networking with board members from across the state. He attended sessions on innovations in education, AI, and the delegate assembly. Pete Zondervan shared that he attended the delegate assembly as well, hot topics were related to moral issues but no new bylaws were passed. He also attended sessions on technology, AI, and leadership. Jeff Koon was thrilled that a majority of the board was able to attend, he's glad that Wayland makes it a priority for our BOE to be present at this conference. He attended sessions on supporting the Superintendent and leadership styles. Theresa Dobry attended sessions on practical governance with case studies, data dashboards, and a leadership class on overcoming obstacles. She also felt that the breakout sessions were really informative. Erin Stepek attended a session on getting ready for the next year and building community relations.

Student Board Member Report

• Teagan Robinson and Macy Schwartz shared that it's exam week, which means the year is a third of the way done. A few weeks ago, Student Council attending a Jostens conference on improving school culture. Wildcat Nation is working on a food drive for the month of November. ECO club is working on collecting 1,000 pounds of plastic. Debate hosted the West Michigan Debate League over the weekend and 6 WUS students placed. The Varsity Girls Swim and Dive team attended their conference meet recently and performed exceptionally well with Laney Wolf now holding all the WUS Girls Swim Records.

Governance Team Good News

• Tim Reeves was glad that Monday was not the first snow day.

Recognition of Cheri Ritz - Induction into Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame

• Adam Valk shared Cheri Ritz's accomplishments throughout her time as a coach, recognizing her recent achievement of being inducted into the GR Sports Hall of Fame.

No public comment.

Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations

• Leslie Wagner shared the year to date revenue versus expenditures. The district is currently working on budget amendments to match the state budget, which will be presented to the board in January. Our facilities team has been busy with work orders this month, operating efficiently as a team of three. The transportation department handled their first morning of snow successfully. Our food service department served over 62,000 meals in the month of October. There are some shifts in the business department, with roles adjusting and a position opening. Bond projects are progressing well.

Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services

• Teresa Fulk is working on visiting all our elementary classrooms before winter break to observe the new reading curriculum. She has been impressed with how well teachers are implementing the program and incorporating best instructional practices in their classrooms. The trimester/semester focus group is meeting again in a few weeks to make a recommendation. Last Monday, the district held a professional development day, which included time for the PLC teams to meet. All principals are working through the dyslexia law and paying attention to how things are progressing. Next week, the technology committee will be hosting a 1 day retreat to discuss future options for our district.

Superintendent

• Tim Reeves attended the MASB conference and thought it was well worth it. On October 30th, the district was able to sell off series II bonds. Lastly, Tim Reeves invited board members to attend the Veterans Day assembly on November 11th at 10am.

Request for Use of Buses for Grad Party 2026

• Tim Reeves shared that this is an annual request.

Request for Out of State Field Trip for HS Baseball Team

• This is a request for the team to attend a baseball camp in South Carolina during spring break.

Public Improvement Fund Projects for 2026-2027

• Leslie Wagner shared that the list includes preventative maintenance, such as Steeby Elementary's gym floor, asphalt replacements, and improvements to Pine Street Elementary's main entrance.

2025 School Building and Site Bonds, Series II

• Leslie Wagner shared that the district received a strong financial result, with us receiving about $2.2 million more than face value due to competitive interest rates.

Summer Tax Resolution

• Approved.

80/20 Insurance Resolution

• Approved.

Final Reading of Proposed Policy Updates and Changes

• Approved.

2025 School Building and Site Bones, Series II

• Approved.

Closed Session to Discuss Information from District Attorney

• Approved.

Board Member Comments

• Jeff Koon would like to thank Dorr Elementary for presenting, especially the two students who confidently stood at the podium to present to the board.
• Erin Stepek enjoyed hearing about the new reading curriculum from the students. She also thanked the staff members who made the open house successful.
• Stephanie Tromp recently attended a volleyball game and enjoyed seeing the new digital score board that was purchased by the athletic boosters.

The meeting went into closed session at 7:27pm.

*Please note: This is a summary of the meeting. Official board minutes will be approved at the next regular board meeting being held on December 8th at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Administration Office.