The Wayland Board of Education had a marathon discussion before finally deciding just what to pay Supt. Tim Reeves for next year and an extension.
Many proposed figures were bandied about, along with a proposed offer of a one-year annuity. Reeves came to Wayland in July 2022 and now is starting his fourth year at the helm.
It was finally agreed on a 5-2 vote to offer the superintendent a 3 percent pay raise and an annuity of 8 % collectible at the end of his tenure here. The complete package, including insurance, is worth $190,278, a boost from his salary of almost $165,000 from a year ago.
In years gone by, Reeves had been granted a 3% annuity, but some board members, such as Treasurer Pete Zondervan, wanted to provide the superintendent with reasons to stick around.
Board President Teresa Dobry seemed to echo his sentiments when she said, “I want to have a superintendent who retires here.”
One board member who did just that, Norman Taylor, commented, “The superintendent’s´ pay isn’t only an economic consideration, but a public relations issue.”
Taylor said the board sends a strong message to the local citizens about the work of the school chief, and even more important, to other school districts.
Board member Jeff Koon said three years ago this school board foolishly let Supt. Christina Hinds get away to Grand Rapids Northview for a higher salary, even though the post was for deputy superintendent. She was elevated to superintendent shortly afterward at a much higher pay rate.
Zondervan said he’s like to remain aggressive in pleasing the superintendent so he or she doesn’t develop a roving eye for greener pastures.
Board member Becky Hohnke was one of two dissenters, but insisted, “Things (economically) are not looking good, but that’s not a reflection on his (Reeves’) performance.” Noting the 1 percent raises for employees across the district, she said, “The entire district is making sacrifices.”
Indeed, Leslie Wagner, assistant superintendent for finances and operations, told the board a decline of about 30 students in Wayland is expected for next fall, which translates into less state aid, public schools’ largest source of revenue.
Wagner said everything is speculative until the State Legislature and Gov.Gretchen Whitmer unveil their 2025-26 fiscal year budget Oct. 1.
In other business at their work session Monday, board members:
- Approved the final food service budget for 2024-25 and the food service budget for 2025-26.
- Approved the final budget for the general fund for 2024-25 and the 2025-26 general fund budget. “At this time, our proposed 2025 budget reflects estimated revenues of $39,031,165 and expenditures of $40,496,086, resulting in a projected fund balance of 10.6%,” Wagner told the board.
- Approved new two-year contracts for bus drivers, secretaries, non-affiliated wage workers, preschool personnel and the administrative wage scale, all at 1 percent increases.
- Agreed to renew the district’s contract with Merle Boes for fuel.
- Listened to a presentation from Coleen Young, representing the local campaign for parents to lock up their guns in their homes, away from children. The board, as a result, plans to introduce a resolution next month supporting the practice.
