Wayland Union Schools

The Wayland Union Schools Board of Education Work Session workshop was held in the Wayland Union Fine Arts Center on Monday, August 23, 2021. There were nine community members who made public comments expressing their concerns over the August 18, 2021 Allegan County Public Health Order requiring masks for staff and students in K-6th grade buildings.

During the 2020-2021 school year it was a challenge to provide instruction to students in-person and to those students quarantined. Despite the challenge, our teachers worked diligently to meet the needs of all students. Over the summer, the district purchased Swivls, a device that will allow teachers to continue to provide interactive instruction for students who are in-person and also provide instruction for students who are at home due to COVID-19 isolation or quarantine. Assistant Superintendent, Teresa Fulk, shared a video demonstration created by High School Teachers, Linda Bensyl and Amy Nelson, of the new Swivl devices coming to our classrooms. Swivls will allow teachers to stream or record lessons while moving about the room as they teach. This new technology uses iPads and can be streamed or recorded. The Superintendent and board members discussed the various ways this could be used to benefit instruction. Additional information on Swivls and expectations will be released after staff are trained on the devices.

Other items on the agenda were a report on the first day of school from Dr. Hinds with a reminder for parents to use the “Who Do I Call” handout if issues/concerns arise; non-affiliated and building administrators contracts; and an update on the 2021-22 budget to include ESSER (Federal) funding.

The meeting concluded with President Cassini celebrating Trustee Theresa Dobry’s 10 years of service to the Wayland Union Schools Board of Education. Thank you for your service, Theresa!

*Please note: This is a summary of the meeting. Official board minutes will be approved at the next regular board meeting on Monday, September 13, 2021.

Website: waylandunion.org
Location: 850 East Superior Street, Wayland, MI, USA
Phone: (269) 792-2181