Dear Wayne-Westland School Community,
As we hit the mid-point of our fall term, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude for your ongoing work. Your professionalism and engagement with our students encourages their growth and development and leads to their long term success. I also want to update you on some significant challenges that the district will face in the months ahead.
Over the summer we learned about significant issues related to our district finances. As a result, our Interim Finance Director took a complete look at the finances. Last week, the annual fiscal audit was completed and presented to the Finance Committee and then last night at the Board of Education meeting. Our board was advised and will be engaged in a decision making process to respond to our current financial reality.
The audit uncovered that what we believed to be a surplus was actually a budgetary shortfall. This will require the board and the district to make hard decisions.
We understand that these difficult decisions will impact all staff. During this time we are committed to ongoing and accurate communication as we strive to make any necessary transitions as smooth as possible.
Wayne-Westland remains committed to educational excellence in all that we do. We will work to ensure that the current challenges are not repeated and that a positive path forward is identified and pursued.
Thank you again for your many contributions to the lives of our students and their families. Together, we educate and prepare our students to be knowledgeable, responsible, contributing members of a global society.
If you have any questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions linked here: https://www.wwcsd.net/departments/business-and-finance/#fiscal. The webpage will be updated as additional information becomes available. For unanswered questions, please email FAQs@wwcsd.net.
Sincerely,
John Dignan, Ed. D.
Superintendent