Wayland Union Board of Education

The Wayland Union School Board met on Monday, January 8th at Baker Elementary for their regular meeting.

Election of Officers (Bylaw 0152)

• President: Theresa Dobry
• Vice President: Dan Cassini
• Secretary: Becky Hohnke
• Treasurer: Jeff Koon

All consent agenda items were approved.

Baker Elementary Building Report

• Rachel Cimek, Principal at Baker Elementary, began her report by introducing her staff members that were able to attend the meeting. This school year, Baker specifically dug into their "why." One specific area of focus was academic. During this school year, Baker began at the 72nd percentile in math, an increase from the 69th percentile at beginning of the 22-23 school year. They also had an increase in their reading percentile from 63rd at the beginning of 22-23 school year to the 71st percentile currently. Another area of focus has been movement. Students are encouraged to use their fine motor and big movements skills both in and out of the classroom. Lastly, Baker focused on building relationships with their partners. In order to make sure students are being supported in and out of school, Baker has worked closely with community partners to find the resources and help for students beyond the school bell.

Recognition for Kynlee Boomsma

• Kynlee Boomsma was recognized for baking Christmas Cookies for the staff the last week before break.

Recognition for Elisa Sieurin

• Elisa Sieruin was recognized for her Christmas card, which won the Annual Christmas Card Contest.

Student Board Members Report

• Ava Makowski and Matthew Chubb shared that Student Council has been busy planning multiple Coaches vs Cancer events, ending with the games on Friday night. NHS is beginning to work on a group project of creating and delivering individual goodie bags to HS teachers. Theater is prepping for their next show, "26 Pebbles" at the end of January. Robotics kicked off their season this past weekend. LOC club is working on planning the Snowcoming dance which will take place at the beginning of February. Girls basketball recently had their first conference win. Dance is planning to perform during the assembly and during both basketball games on Friday, January 12th. Cheer also recently attended a competition. Wrestling has had a phenomenal season so far, they have an important conference match coming up. Boys Swim and Dive has had several personal records set so far this season.

Committee Meeting Report - December 11, 2023 Curriculum & Technology Committee

• Theresa Dobry shared that the committee talked about new course approval for the 2024-2025 school year, specifically the new English course offerings for High School. They also discussed CCA course requirements, including requirements for graduation. They also received good feedback on a recent training that occurred on the LETRS Program. WiFi should be installed on district buses by January 15th, 2024.

Governance Team Good News

• Becky Hohnke shared that she started a new job on January 8th.

Bob Pickard shared a comment involving a request to increase/reevaluate school security measures.

Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations

• Leslie Wagner shared our revenue vs expenditures to date. The high school had a major leak which was addressed over winter break. Pine Street received a new dishwasher. The district just secured a brand new 10 passenger van. The district is in search of a new Transportation Director.

Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services

• Teresa Fulk shared that we are in week 2 of winter assessment season. Meeting the requirements of the 3rd Grade Reading Law is still a top priority.

Superintendent

• Tim Reeves shared that it is Blue Ribbon Week for Dorr Elementary. This Thursday evening is the Blue Ribbon Dinner at the Casino. On Monday, January 29 there is a Community Forum. He asked the board for talking points to advertise for the event such as bond updates, community room use, branding ideas.

Request for out of state trip for Middle School Choir

• Tim Reeves shared that this is the 2nd year a request for this trip has been made.

Middle School Roof & Window Project

• We had 2 gentlemen, Scott Jernberg and Andy Hilger, from Triangle Construction to answer any questions on the next 3 items. This project won't start until school is out, end of May/beginning of June. The project should take 12 - 14 weeks depending on weather.

Middle School Stadium Improvements

• Tim Reeves shared that this is more expensive then anticipated due to lighting, fencing, installing a permanent access drive, and turf size increased. The district has saved money in other areas in order to help make these improvements possible. The turf is not part of the bond project funds.

Pine Street Bathroom Renovations

• This project is expected to start shortly after board approval, they are anticipating that the work will take less time then it will to get materials. This project is expected to begin mid-February/early-March.

Public Improvement Fund Projects for 2024-2025

• Approved

Request for Overnight Field Trip for HS FUTURES Program in May, 2024

• Approved

Janel Hott shared a thank you to Rachel Cimek for having the biggest heart for her students. She also loved seeing the demonstration. She congratulated the new board officers and offered a thank you for receiving some more of Kynlee's cookies.

Norman Taylor thanked Rachel Cimek for the wonderful presentation.

Pete Zondervan gave his kudos to Rachel Cimek for her increased test scores. He also thought Kynlee's accomplishments were phenomenal and hopes we can invest in more students. He also felt that Elisa's card looked professionally done which is very impressive.

Theresa Dobry appreciated being able to hear a story as impactful as the one shared by Rachel Cimek. She also thanked the board members for nominating her as Board President.

Jeff Koon shared a thank you to Rachel Cimek for sharing her stories and perspectives. He was impressed by how loud the students doing the pledge were. Go Blue!

Becky Hohnke thanked Rachel Cimek for allowing us to be in the building. She loved being able to see the different learning processes happening. She also enjoyed being able to hear a student's story on how impactful Baker Elementary had been for him.

Tim Reeves would like to thank Dan Cassini for his help during his first year and a half as Superintendent for this district.

Dan Cassini shared that one of the things the board hears a lot is hardships within the district, so he loved hearing a positive story through Mrs. Cimek's presentation. He also thanked Mr. Reeves for his partnership with him as Board President.

The meeting adjourned at 7:09pm

*Please note: This is a summary of the meeting. Official board minutes will be approved at the next regular board meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 6pm. The meeting will be held at Steeby Elementary.