Allegan County News & Union Enterprise

Wayland Schools seek $48.5 million bond approval

Wayland Union Schools will have a bond proposal on the August 2, 2022 ballot focusing on improved learning environments and technology in all school buildings, upgrades to Career Tech spaces, a new pool for district and community use, larger instructional space for Fine Arts programming, and upgraded mat room for athletics.

The 2022 Bond issue will not increase debt mills as property values have increased steadily. Debt mills will remain at 8.4 mills, which equates to no increase to the taxpayer. The payments for this Debt will be for 25 years 10 months. The District is taking advantage of the growth to access these project funds. The 8.4 mills will remain the same if the bond proposal is approved or not. 

Here is a summary of the projects:
Safety/Security
Windows and doors
Improved Learning Environments
Updated Furnishings and Technology in all buildings.
Updated Restroom Facilities (Pine, Baker, Dorr, Steeby)
Middle School roof repairs/replacement and window and exterior door replacement (older wings)
Career Tech Opportunities
Upgrades to our current wood and auto shops at the High School
Improved spaces for Robotics, STEM, Automation, and CAD lab
Fine Arts Improvements at WUHS
Create larger space for Band & Orchestra to accommodate increasing class sizes utilizing existing pool space
Allow Choir to move to existing Band/Orchestra room
More room for instrument and uniform storage
New Pool for District and Community Use
Current pool  is beyond its “useful life” (48 years old)
The diving and swimming areas are too shallow to accommodate MHSAA Swim Meets
A new pool would be used for both athletics, elementary PE swim lessons, and community use 
New design would make it easy for both young and elderly access entry (featuring a zero entry pool-no steps-ease of access).
Athletic Upgrades
Restore the mat room for youth wrestling practice, cheer practice area, community education classes
Athletic field improvements (repair the grass varsity soccer fields due to drainage system deterioration) WUS fields are the only fields for all athletics in the City (AYSO, intramural, etc.)
Existing locker room space will be remodeled into public restrooms and changing area for current fitness center
The deadline to register to vote by mail is July 18, 2022 for the August 2, 2022 election. Voters may register in person July 19, 2022 through 8:00pm Tuesday, August 2, 2022 (Election Day) with your local clerk with proof of residency.  Absentee ballots are available June 23, 2022 through August 1, 2022.  Polls are open 7:00am to 8:00pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.  

For additional information and/or questions, please visit the district website at www.waylandunion.org or contact Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, Pat Velie at veliep@waylandunion.org or call (269) 792-2181.

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