The Wayland Board of Education Monday evening got a first-hand look at changes for the middle school this fall, some as a result of the bond passage and some by the arrival of two new administrators.

Because of passage of the bond proposal in My 2023, the board was shown the new flooring at the middle school cafeteria and the windows overlooking parts of the athletic complex.

Perhaps even more interesting was a progress report by new Principal Rachel Cimak, who talked about how the strict cell phone policy was doing. Students are compelled to put their phones in a secure area and turn them off, making certain that cell phones will not be used during customary instruction time.

Come, who this fall succeeded the retired Carolyn White, said thus far the vast majority of students are complying with rules in showing their phones are in that secure area.

In other business Monday, the school board:

• Listened to a report by auditor Josh Gill of Plante & Moran, which said the district showed only a couple minor deficiencies in the budget. The district still has a fund balance of about 20 percent of the total expenditures.
• Heard a report by middle school student council members Madi Curtis and Savannah Winger, who also led everyone in the pledge of allegiance.
• Was corned about the reported 13.3 percent increase in insurance costs for the coming year, prompting Supt. Tim Reeves to comment, “We may explore other options that may be more cost effective… We’ve started the process of going shopping.” However, the board voted to continue its 80 to 20 percent arrangement for employees.
• Was told by Assistant Supt. for Instruction Theresa Fulk that 59 students this summer completed classes as part of the reading improvement plan. The classes were for students from Young Fives through third grade.
• Noted the Gun Lake Tribe, through its revenue sharing arrangement with the Gun Lake Casino, contributed $1.7 million in the past year, with 41.5% going to public improvement and 20.3% to instruction enhancements. The rest went to transportation and community.