The financial health of Wayland Union Schools continues to improve, Assistant Superintendent for Finances Pat Velie told the school board Monday night.

Velie said an audit for fiscal year 2018-19 now is complete and a fund balance, or rainy day fund, is pegged at 15.79%. This contrasts with about seven and a half percent some years ago.

Velie said the auditor offered an unmodified opinion, which is what public entities such as school boards and municipalities strive for.

The healthy audit also shows the district will come in under budget for its bond project adding a wing at the middle school, renovating the high school library and replacing the tennis courts. An assessment will be made about what to do with remaining funds, which by law must be used for infrastructure projects only.

Velie said the “wish list” under consideration includes a new roof over the high school media center, reroofing Steeby Elementary, spending more money on technology and upgrading furniture.

In other business at Monday night’s meeting, board members:

• Were told by Dorr Elementary Principal Kevin Zaschak that scores for language arts and math for third- and fourth-graders improved by significant margins. Second grade reading, interestingly, went from 45% proficiency to 81%.

Zaschak said, “We go to (education) conferences and notice other school districts are starting to do what we’re already doing.”

• Noted the media center renovations at the high school, part of the bond proposal approved in November 2017, now is complete.
• Received a report on the recent Michigan Association of School Boards conference from attendees and representatives Pete Zondervan, Gary Wood and Dan Cassini.