Wayland Union Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Monday, November 14, 2022
Consent Agenda
Presentations/Reports
- Pine Street Principal, Robyn Robinson, began by thanking the staff members who made it out to the meeting. Pine Street Elementary created a vision to support and inspire all students to grow using two major goal areas last year. Those two goals were to increase math and reading skills through interventions, and to increase the positive school culture while decreasing disciplines referrals. The team is working on these goals by using Capturing Kids Hearts and PBIS strategies. Robinson ended her report by showing a video created by staff members that highlighted the different areas of improvement throughout the school.
- Dan Cassini shared that he went to Muskegon this past Friday and enjoyed a walk on their lighted trail. Peter Zondervan shared his amazement with Pine Street's Veterans Day assembly, he gives big props to the Pine Street students for remaining so well behaved during assembly. Cinnamon Mellema shared her opportunity to volunteer at the VFW on Friday night, where she heard amazing feedback about the assembly. Tim Reeves shared that Pine Street students demonstrated some of the best manners and attention skills that he has ever seen at a school assembly.
- Ava Makowski shared that winter activities and sports have began, such as a Christmas food basket drive. School culture committee has also started the Red Glasses movement by partaking in a spirit day, which will encourage WUHS members to wear red glasses if they sign a pledge. NHS members are now volunteering in various school and community events events such as ArtHop in December. Good luck wishes were sent to the girls swim and dive team, who will be going on to the state championship. Congratulations were offered to all fall sports teams who are wrapping up for the season.
Public Comment
Administration Reports
- Pat Velie gave budget versus actual report for November 14, 2022. She also discussed a report provided, which depicts how the districts budget changes throughout the year.
- Teresa Fulk said this is a busy time of year with reporting and grant writing, as a third of the school year is already complete. Family engagement nights within individual buildings are underway, with more being planned. Before and after school programming is also getting underway to be offered to students who may need more support.
- Tim Reeves highlighted that administration is working with buildings to narrow down the goal areas for the Strategic Plan. He also mentioned that as of this morning, the district is still waiting for the Allegan County clerk to certify the results of last week's election. The board will move forward once that certification is in place.
New Business - Discussion Items
- Pat Velie shared an update about ordering two 2023 maintenance trucks for the price of $92,272 total. This was originally approved last year, but unfortunately they were no longer available and now the pricing has increased. Peter Zondervan feels that we are better off getting these new trucks now, as opposed to continuing to pay for fixing the old trucks, especially since WUS will be doing more plowing in the coming years.
- Tim Reeves stated that generally the board approves for graduating seniors to use school busses for shuttles to and from the Grad Bash location.
Old Business - Action Items
- Approved
- Approved
- Approved
- Approved
Board Topics
Timeline for Superintendent Evaluation
- Dan Cassini stated he is pressing on with the board currently in place, until the election results are certified, while continuing with the original timeline for executing the evaluation.
Becky Hohnke is thrilled to be at the school that one of her kids attends. She enjoyed passing out candy at Hallowed Halls, and received a lot of compliments from her coworkers who are outside of the district. She also gives props to the WUHS theater department on their last play.
Janel Hott stated that she enjoyed having the meeting at Pine Street since her grandpa graduated from that building, so it's filled with history. She also enjoyed passing out candy at Hallowed Halls, embracing her groups "Toy Story" theme. She also wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving there is so much to be thankful for. She encouraged people to get involved with the annual Turkey Trot which supports the Hand 2 Hand food program.
Cinnamon Mellema highlighted all the fun FAC events that will occur during the month of December. She also wanted to thank Pine Street for inviting the board into their school. She ended by wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Theresa Dobry thanked the Pine Street staff for everything they are doing with Capturing Kids Hearts and WIN intervention programs.
Dan Cassini is thankful that election season is over but he appreciates how well mannered everyone he encountered has been about all things politics. He reminds everyone that he believes the best thing to do is to move on and embrace the positivity around us rather than holding on to the negativity.
Peter Zondervan stated that it's fun to be in the Pine Street building for the meeting since his son attends the school. He also enjoyed the video presented by the Pine Street staff.
Tim Reeves invites anyone who would like to sit down and chat to reach out to him.
*Please note: This is a summary of the meeting. Official board minutes will be approved at the next regular board meeting on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 7pm. The meeting will be held at Wayland Union High School.
