Wayne-Westland board approves midyear budget amendment, sells Marshall property and ratifies staff hires and contracts

The Wayne‑Westland Community School District Board of Education on the January agenda approved a midyear budget amendment, authorized the sale of the former Marshall property to a private builder, confirmed a new district chief financial officer and ratified a three‑year teacher contract.

Board members cited a positive midyear outlook driven by adjusted revenues and updated expense estimates. Claire (last name not specified in the record), the district’s finance presenter, told the board the general fund revenue estimate is about $138 million, expenses about $133 million and the district expects a net addition that would raise the fund balance to roughly 27.4% of expenditures, above the MSBO recommended 15–20% level.

The board voted to adopt the budget amendment after discussion. The roll call recorded the measure as carried unanimously by the members present.

On a separate motion the board approved a resolution to sell the former Marshall property to Pulte Homes. District staff said Pulte agreed to cover demolition costs estimated at close to $3,000,000 and to pay $500,000 for the parcel; if the site qualifies as a brownfield the builder will share 50% of any credit realized with the district. Board members said concluding the transaction before the district’s next bond package would save the district money on planned demolition costs. The sale was approved by unanimous roll call.

The board also approved the appointment of Jewel (last name used in meeting: Lehi/Claire—contract packet identified her as Jewel Lehi) as the district’s chief financial officer. Interim Superintendent Jen Curry and other administrators thanked Lehi for serving as financial consultant and recommended her hiring; the motion passed on roll call.

Separately, the board approved a three‑year WWEA teachers’ contract (2025–2027) after district negotiators and the union bargaining team presented the agreement. Superintendent Ofili said the contract provides wage increases, includes early‑childhood teachers within the bargaining unit and aims to attract and retain staff. The bargaining unit voted in favor of the contract. Doctor Fred Weaver stated he would not vote because of a potential conflict; the meeting record shows at least one abstention along with the majority of members voting in favor, and the motion carried.

The board also approved routine governance and legal items including designation of official newspapers, continued representation by the district’s listed law firms and appointment of representatives to the Wayne County Association of School Boards and the Michigan Association of School Boards.

Votes at a glance

- Midyear budget amendment — Outcome: approved (roll call majority). Notes: General fund revenue estimated at about $138 million, expenses $133 million; projected fund balance ~27.4%.

- Sale of former Marshall property to Pulte Homes — Outcome: approved (roll call majority). Motion notes: Pulte will perform demolition (estimated ~$3,000,000) and pay $500,000 for the property; 50% of any brownfield credit shared with district if applicable.

- Appointment of district CFO (Jewel Lehi) — Outcome: approved (roll call majority). Notes: Candidate previously served as financial consultant to the district; credentials provided to board.

- WWEA collective bargaining agreement, 2025–2027 — Outcome: approved (majority; at least one recusal/abstention). Notes: wage increases across members; early‑childhood staff added to the bargaining unit; union membership ratified the agreement.

- Legal firm representation and designation of official newspapers — Outcome: approved (roll call majority).