The Wayland Union school district’s plans to have a bond election during the August primary took a big step forward Monday during the Board of Education’s work session.
Guest presenters Steve Hoeksema and Scott Jernberg of architects Tower-Pinkster gave board members a preliminary outline of what can be expected of a two-series bond proposal that will face voters later this year.
The feature is a proposal for a new swimming pool to replace the current facility that is 48 years old, took often in disrepair and no longer acceptable as a pool for interscholastic competition. Installed in 1974 when the high school was opened, it just hasn’t kept up with new trends and new demands.
“That pool has gone beyond its useful life and it needs to be replaced,” he said.
Hoeksema said plans for the new pool include 10 lanes, four more than offered now, and a much improved ventilation system. He added that if voters approve, it will be a lot like Otsego’s.
“With a two-series bond, you’re getting a lot bigger bang for your buck,” Hoeksema said.
He explained that the first bond series, at a cost of about $8 million, will handle a variety of needs for the elementary schools and the middle school. For example, toilet room renovations, new furniture, technology upgrades and new carpeting will be done for the elementaries at Dorr, Baker and Steeby. The middle school will get a new roof and windows. Pine Street will see renovations for its ancient gym. All will be done uring the first year of the bond to show everyone good faith in getting things done.
Besides a new pool, the high school would get an expanded wood shop and auto shop room, renovated parking lot to the west.
Jernberg said the idea is to “maximize contruction opportunities while minimizing costs.”
The school board is expected to place the bond issue on the ballot for August during the next couple of months.
In other business at the work session, the board:
• Recognized the achievements of the students and coaches of the Odyssey of the Mind regional competition Feb. 5. Winning the glad hands were 42 students in Baker, Steeby and Pine Street elementaries and the middle school and high school. However, only the Division 3 team at the high school is eligible to cpete in the state tournament March 12.
• Approved a new three-year contract for purchase of natural gas, which Assistant Supt. of Finance and Operations Patricia Velie said would save the district between $19,000 and $21,000.
• Held a discussion about the board’s self-evaluation, in which it was determined the greatest work that needs to be done is in board-superintendent relations and developing trust with each other.
Board/Superintendent trust… get a spine already. The board’s duty and responsibility should indeed drive them to be a check and balance of the superintendent’s actions. They are not supposed to be buddies. A few weeks back, I watched them relinquish their power to the superintendent on closing schools at her will. What a shame. But… just my opinion.
Yet another sales job by the Superintendent and the School board. If my memory is correct there was a auto shop and wood shop at the high school. Those areas were closed and all the equipment was sold for pennies on the dollar in favor of Allegan County Area Technical & Education Center. After reviewing the ACATEC web site they offer auto and building trades. Now we want to reinvest in these two areas? Are you kidding me……………
Now the newest way to blow smoke is a two series bond issue, cut me a break. I see the 8 million dollar number though the big number never made the article, very convenient. With inflation skyrocketing at an alarming rate, I feel we should step back pay off our outstanding debt (which is sizeable) and reassess at a later date.
Cheers!!
Hi John!
Thank you for your feedback. I hope you take advantage of the opportunity to tour these spaces that the district is offering. I’ve worked at Wayland Union Schools for 15 years and in my time, I don’t recall a year where auto shop or wood shop have not been offered. I also can’t recall equipment having been sold to AAESA, though I acknowledge you may be speaking of something that happened before my time at WUS. These programs are currently thriving and often have high enrollment at the high school. The spaces and equipment are in need of updating. I hope to see you at one of the tours. If you aren’t able to make it, please contact the Administration Building. I’d appreciate the opportunity to connect with you to discuss these programs and instructional spaces.
Thanks for taking the time to respond. The equipment wasn’t sold to AAESA, it was sold to the general public about 25 years ago, so yes before your service.
With your knowledge I thought maybe because there was no mention of the series two part of the bond, I thought maybe you would include that number for us to ponder. Maybe we need to keep that number under wraps.
Why, with money being so tight, are we offering duplicate learning opportunities within our county? How much are we contributing to ACATEC? Is it safe to assume WUS is still using the ACATEC facilities in Allegan?
Thanks again for your response!
Cheers!
Thank you, Teresa, are you telling us you haven’t met Mr. Wilkins? He’s supposed to attend all these events from township to city hall to board meetings. When the sourpuss has time I don’t know, because he lives for the articles printed in the town broadcast… Skoal!
Gar, Shame….shame…..shame
Ditto, so I’m just wondering why you feel you have to put your comments in about Wayland schools. If I recall, you’re the guy who said you’re glad none of your kids attend Wayland schools.
Have a good day, Christian warrior… Skoal!
I fully support the bond that will be placed on our ballot in August, I’ll vote for it!!????❤️
Gar,
I am a productive citizen, thus a taxpayer. I have a stake in the game. Additionally thanks for honoring me and my Savior, indeed I am a Christian.
Good Day