Business and Finance
The Business, Maintenance and Instructional Operations has many diverse responsibilities. In addition to maintaining a system of budgetary and accounting controls to safeguard the financial integrity of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools, this department also oversees the iSave Program, Stormwater Management Plans, Food Service, Transportation, Building and Grounds, and Network Technology.
Quick Links
Budget & Salary / Compensation Transparency Report
Section 18 (2) of the Public Act 94 of 1979, The State School Aid Act, requires each school district and intermediate school district to post certain information on its website within 30 days after a board adopts its annual operating budget or any subsequent revision to that budget. The Annual Budget & Transparency Reporting is an opportunity to communicate to our community how we utilize the resources that are provided to us.
Fiscal Communication
District Communication
Letter to the School Community (12-8-23)
Letter to the School Community (12-7-23)
Letter to the School Community (12-1-23)
Letter to the School Community (11-21-23)
Letter to the School Community (11-1-23)
Letter to the School Community (10-24-23)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Wayne-Westland revisiting the budget now?
Over the summer we learned about significant budgeting issues related to our district finances. Following the annual fiscal audit by Plante Moran we discovered that instead of a budget surplus we currently have a budget shortfall. We need to make appropriate cuts in the budget to ensure we continue to provide students an education of excellence.
How will these decisions be made?
Throughout the decision-making process the board and the district will align our resources to ensure educational outcomes continue to be met. Decisions will be made which reflect the best interests of our students, ensuring a quality education for every child.
What will Wayne-Westland do to ensure best financial practices moving forward?
As an educational institution, we understand the power of learning throughout our lifetime. We will use this experience to learn and grow. Wayne-Westland remains committed to educational excellence in all we do and will work to understand which systems can be improved to ensure a better path as we move forward.
What options are on the table as a result of budget constraints?
Although we have not completed the decision-making process regarding the budget, we will have to consider all options to ensure that our fund balance does not fall below 5%. These are difficult choices, and we are committed to moving carefully and compassionately as we make any necessary changes. We will engage in ongoing communication to keep everyone well-informed.
Will this affect my child’s education?
Wayne-Westland is engaging in a careful process with the board to ensure the student’s needs are met. Decisions will be made with the best educational outcomes as our first priority. Wayne-Westland, in cooperation with parents and the community, is committed to educate and prepare all of our students to be knowledgeable, responsible, contributing members of a global society.
How will this impact Wayne-Westland Community Schools?
Although these changes will be difficult now, we believe current challenges will be offset by positive improvements for our future. First, we will strengthen the school system with financial stability and stewardship. Second, we will renew our attention to the classroom, and the teaching, relationships, and learning which provide educational value to our students, families, and community. We will ensure great futures start in Wayne-Westland Community Schools.
While there was no misconduct involved, why were the discrepancies not caught earlier?
The complexity of the budgeting process and the influx of COVID-19 funds have increased the time it takes to both create and review budgets. While no misconduct occurred, the district was able to identify the discrepancies in the audit preparation process and immediately began an investigation.
Were multiple years involved in these budget discrepancies?
The district budgeting system is based on a fiscal year, meaning the process begins in one year and finishes in the next. In this case there were discrepancies that took place in 2022 and were identified in the audit preparation process in 2023. Any discrepancy found fell into our most recent budgeting process.
How much money is at the heart of the problem?
A few weeks ago Plante Moran identified that based upon our finalized audit, our fund balance is significantly lower than last projected. Early indicators are that our fund balance has shifted to 6.2%. At this point we are not prepared to name a specific amount as we continue to work closely with our Business Office to identify the full ramifications of the budget.
What we’ve realized over the last 3 to 4 months is that our fund balance has significantly shifted. At this point our fund balance is just below 7%. As we go through the budget, line by line, additional shifts could occur so we are not currently in a position to speak to the specific number. What we are prepared to say is that we dare not fall below 5% as that would initiate a state takeover and we will do everything in our power to keep that from happening. Our focus remains on aligning our resources in the best possible manner to ensure an environment of educational excellence for students.
If I have questions, who do I call?
If you have any additional questions, please refer to our FAQ as we will update this section with pertinent information. If you have questions that have not been addressed with the FAQ, please email your question/concern to FAQs@wwcsd.net. While this is an ongoing process, we look forward to helping as best we can. In addition, we will continue to engage in regular communication with our students, families and staff.
Contact Information
