The Wayland Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting Monday night was held at Pine Street Elementary, a school in transition.
Board members and teachers duly noted the changes in store next year at the district’s oldest building, serving for almost 78 years. Pine Street will lose all of this year’s fifth-graders because next fall all sixth-graders will enroll at the expanded middle school. So a school once geared to fifth- and sixth-graders will house students in grades four and five.
This means teachers of sixth-graders will move to the middle school as well.
But perhaps most notable was saying a premature good-bye to longtime Principal Jennifer Moushegian, who in March announced her retirement. Students put together a special video expressing their love and teachers and staff at the meeting presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
Board members added their voices as well.
Janel Hott told Moushegian, “You made a difference. You will be missed.”
Board President Cinnamon Mellema said, “We appreciate you. You have set the bar high for others.”
Karri Bailey and Laura Foster presented information on Pine Street’s test scores in language arts and math. Moushegian said, “I’m proud of what we’ve done and how far we’ve come. This is a true collaboration.”
Moushegian and Steeby Elementary Principal Mike Haverdink both announced their retirements last month, and Superintendent Norman Taylor told the board interviews for their successors will be conducted later this month and in early May.
“We hope to bring recommendations to the meeting in May,” Taylor said.
In other business at Monday night’s meeting, the board:
• Was told by Finance Director Pat Velie that work crews are gaining ground on progress lost over the winter for construction of the middle school addition. Work continues even on Saturdays and Sundays, with no extra cost for labor.
• Was introduced to six of this year’s foreign exchange students by assistant High School Principal Mike Omness and teacher Sarah Rollandi. The students, from Morocco, Germany, Italy. Kenya and Australia, brought their country’s flags with them.
“This program is a great way to bring the world into Wayland High School,” Rollandini remarked.
• Was treated to a presentation from two students helping run the Cats Den Spirit Store, outlining what they sell and hours of operation. They said nearly 82% of the students enjoy the store.
• Was told by Velie that the district spent $52,045 this year on snow removal, about $1,000 over budget.
• Noted that Building and Grounds Supervisor John Huyck earned a Michigan School Business facilities director certification in grounds and maintenance.
• Approved a high school trip to Costa Rica as part of the futures curriculum.
• Renewed its three-year contract for food service with Chartwell’s and a two-year extension for cleaning services with GRBS.
• Approved participation in a county-wide fiber network program at a cost of $31,114.