Wayland Union Schools Supt. Tim Reeves Monday night asked Wayland Board of Education members if there is a better way for him to communicate with the public.
He said he has tried the “Coffee with the Supt.” sessions at Biggby’s in Wayland and at Bell’s Country Kitchen in Dorr, but, “The way I’ve been doing it, it has not been effective… I don’t feel that sitting by myself at Bell’s has been a good way to communicate with the public.”
The “Coffee with the Supt.” morning sessions and “Soup with the Supt.” meet and greet events were established by former Supt. Christina Hinds, but Reeves has indicated they are not reaching the desire number of district residents.
The superintendent said he wants to get a handle about how parents and community members feel about the Wayland district and asked board members for suggestions for alternatives.
Board President Dan Cassini said he agreed that confining public comment to school board meetings is inadequate because “it’s a very controlled atmosphere. So the public may need a better outlet for frankness.”
Trustee Norm Taylor agreed, “The people want to be heard.”
Trustee Becky Hohnke suggested Reeves come to the annual Christmas parade early and hang out at the Wayland Fire Station station earlier that morning for the annual firefighters’ breakfast, where a decent crowd is already guaranteed.
Reeves said, “I like the idea of trying to find out what the people are saying.”
Other than the Christmas parade, no action was taken on any other suggestions.
In other business at its work session Monday, the board:
- Heard presentations about progress on the bond issue. Reeves showed slides and commented on drawings already sketched for the new swimming pool and repairs to the middle school roof.
- Heard Hohnke suggest the district resurrect the “Zero the Hero” campaigns for classrooms to promote enthusiasm for learning.
- Listened to a complaint from Trustee Pete Zondervan about lack of adequate lighting along Wildcat Drive mornings. Zondervan said he personally witnessed two close calls between vehicles and pedestrians.
- Discussed policies about student behavior referrals and interventions.
No comments yet…. Rather disappointing ???? My opinion.
When the opportunities to engage fall within the standard working hours of 8am-5pm, and then the BOE meetings starting at 5pm and 6pm, well you aren’t going to get a whole lot of face to face engagement. Our district seems to be either “Stay at home mom” or “we punch the clock”.
Commenter Nicole hit the nail on the head.
Having off site or on campus time blocked off during business hours is hardly an “If you build it they will come” strategy for success. Even if you are a stay at home parent you may need to find child care or work from home you can’t commute/meet during business hours.
For me school board meetings starting at 7:00pm and having the Superintendent being available from 6:00pm – 6:45 would be a place to start so parents and residents could get 10-15 minute meetings prior to the school board meeting. This could also preclude some from needing to address the school board on some issues.