The Wayland Union School District indeed will see a lot of administrative changes and movement of personnel by the end of the 2021-22 academic year.
But the school board got some good news at its meeting Monday night when it was announced that Assistant Supt. for Finance and Operations Patricia Velie has been persuaded to stick around at least until Dec. 31. Velie late last month announced she is retiring, effective June 30, but now she has agreed to extend her departure until the end of the year.
The assistant superintendent has been hailed as one of the best if not the best finance manager the district has ever had. She came on board in 2016.
Some observers believe her presence to be critical for passing a bond issue for a new swimming pool in the Aug. 2 primary election. The public kickoff meeting for the bond campaign is scheduled to take place two weeks hence, on Monday, April 25.
“We won’t say no to anyone who wants to help,” said Board President Dan Cassini.
Velie and Supt. Dr. Christina Hinds are stepping down this year, Hinds to take a position with Northview Schools in Grand Rapids after serving Wayland for two years. But others also have announced they are leaving:
• High School Principal Tom Cutler is retiring June 30 and will be succeeded by Santino DiCesare.
• DiCesare will be succeeded as assistant principal by Kerri Bailey.
• Middle School Assistant Principal T.J. Restau is retiring, but his replacement has not yet been found. His successor will not have to hand le athletic director chores.
• Transportation Director Tim Washburn is retiring and a search for his successor is now under way.
• Director of Public Relations Laurie Zywiczynski has decided to give up that post to concentrate entirely on directing the early childhood education program.
Dr. Hinds acknowledged, “Wayland is experiencing change… and with those changes come transition… Will we make it through? Absolutely! Will our initiatives fail? Absolutely not!”
In other business at Monday’s meeting, the board:
• Was told by Velie that she estimate revenue sharing from the Gun Lake Casino to total a little more than $1.8 million. Some of the money will go to purchase and replacement of iPad tablets ($167,000), $70,000 for the school nurse, $45,000 for classroom supplies, $25,000 for field trips, $66,000 for reducing child care costs and $105,000 for security.
• Agreed to support transportation for the high school robotics team if it qualifies for the world competition in Houston.
• Approved bids for $7,353 for painting the exterior of the Pearl Street gym, $34,488 for central receiving metal siding at Pine Street School, $33,721 for carpet replacement at the high school, $125,516 for lawn mowing services, a 7% increase, though Pro Mowing promised years ago same price years ago, but gas prices have increased significantly.
• Was told by Velie that the district is maintaining a 17.4% fund balance despite inflation.
• Received a report from Trustee Becky Hohnke on the first meeting of the Fine Arts Committee, following a suggestion of former Board Member Jason Shane.
• Heard a song presented by the middle school choir (see cover photo) and Director Ricci Sabin, fresh from their Division I rating at regional competition.