School starts next Monday in Wayland for a half day and the local Board of Education is among those getting ready.

The board Monday evening approved bids for two school bond-related projects, provided information about the state of the finances at the close of the 2022-23 fiscal year and received interesting enrollment information from Supt. Tim Reeves.

The two bids awarded were $1.102 million to Versatile Roofing for the high school roof over the gymnasium and $76,310 and change for fencing around the varsity softball and baseball diamonds.

Reeves announced that the district’s fund balance decreased slightly from almost 19 percent of the more than $39 million budget to 17.4% in order to balance revenue with expenditures.

Meanwhile, the superintendent announced that the number for kindergarten enrollment for this fall came in slightly higher than anticipated.

“We’re starting to see growth,” Reeves said, “especially in the kindergarten area.”

He said adjustments in teacher hirings therefore are necessary, but added, “we should start the school year fully staffed.”

He acknowledged that Wayland, like virtually all school districts in the nation, faces challenges with dwindling numbers of bus drivers, something also that is a problem with substitute teachers.

The school district, besides handling the high school roof and softball and baseball field fencing, has begun work on the very wet soccer fields, another promise from the bond issue that passed last May.

Reeves said he was very pleased the State Legislature recently passed a bill to continue the free school breakfast and lunch programs, but cautioned it’s not exactly the same as was provided during the Covid pandemic. For example, students cannot include a la carte items for free, besides the designated free hot meals, without paying extra.

He also encourages parents and guardians to fill out the free and reduced meal forms so the district can provide the state with accurate statistics about how many are being served.

Before closing the meeting, board members had a discussion about moving regular meeting times from 7 to 6 p.m. to allow staff and visiting presenters more time to get their business completed and go home. No action will be taken on that issue at least until next January.