It isn’t often that a public school system starts an academic year with a healthy fund balance, but Wayland is doing just that.
Assistant Supt. for Finance and Operations Patricia Velie told the Board of Education the local district now has about $380,000 in its rainy day fund despite absorbing operational costs all year without having to borrow against anticipated state aid, like most school systems do.
Velie attributed the good news to a larger than expected biannual check from the Gun Lake Casino, a boost of more than $41,000 in state aid beginning in October and she added, “There is money coming to us that hasn’t been accounted for yet.”
Further good news — the local district has been expecting a drop in enrollment, but Velie said it’s possible Wayland will see a bump of 60 to 80 students.
This, despite a harrowing two years in coping with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The only downside is the sting of a loss of a bond proposal for a new pool and other infrastructure improvements in the Aug. 2 primary election. The schools plan three “listening sessions” to collect input from citizens on why the defeat and what can be done. They will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, at the Fine Arts Center, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Leighton Township Hall and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Dorr Township Hall.
In other business at Monday night’s work session, the board:
• Was given a presentation on discipline by Thrun law firm attorney Jennifer Starlin (See Cover Photo). She noted the new expulsion policy for up to 60 school days for certain student infractions. She also noted that 180-day expulsions will continue for students who bring weapons to school or for students guilty of criminal sexual conduct.
• Discussed and appeared to be in favor of continuing the 80% to 20% share of insurance costs with full-time employees. Wayland is one of the few in Michigan that still offers that option.
• Appeared to be favorably disposed to an independent contract with Michael Tinsley for accounting services for up to 20 hours a week at $45 per hour.
• Voiced favorable impressions of the new “Capturing Kids’ Hearts” program to start the 2022-23 academic year.