The Wayland Union School District may be in for an updated security system in the near future, the school board learned Monday evening.

It was noted by board members and a representative that the current system, just like at other districts, may not be meeting more modern needs in case of emergencies such as school shootings. The good news is that upgrading would be eligible for up to 70 percent reimbursement for expenses with a state grant.

A new system would include the speech, strobe and clock parts of the service. Furthermore, it would alert all buildings in the district if any emergency situation arose.

The school board took no action Monday night, but will take up the matter at a later date.

In other business at Monday night’s work session, the board:

• Fielded a request from four representatives from the United Church of Wayland, which is heading up gun safety project, to adopt a resolution approve of it and pledging support.

Coleen Young, a former Wayland High School math teacher, spoke on behalf the four women and said, “We are here to ask the school board to develop a resolution promoting secure gun storage. By taking a stand on securing safe storage of all firearms, followed by educating the parents on how to talk to their kids about firearm safety, you may see an increase in school safety, a reduction in firearm suicide, (something this district knows personally about), and a reduction in unintentional shootings.”

She mentioned that a bill now is making its way through the Michigan State Legislature. Supt. Tim Reeves has pledged support.

• Was told that bond projects at the elementary schools, the middle school and the high school, excepting the pool, are virtually completed in time for the start of the academic year.
• Was pleased to announce the school year started without problems. Supt. Tim Reeves commented., “We were pinching ourselves because it was such a nice start to the school year.”