WHITEHALL, Mich. — The Whitehall District Schools Board of Education met Monday, October 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Viking Athletic Complex conference room. The meeting covered a range of topics, including an audit review by Brickley DeLong, an update on student activities across the district, new gym lighting proposals, and highlights from the Whitehall High School FFA chapter.
Public Comment Raises Concerns About State Education Policy
During public comment, resident Martha Dillon spoke about concerns regarding proposed changes to Michigan’s sex education curriculum. She expressed frustration with potential state-level changes that she felt might reduce parental control over what children are taught. Dillon urged the district to protect parents’ rights and maintain local decision-making on classroom materials.
Student Representative Shares Building Highlights
The student representative presented updates from each school building.
- Shoreline Elementary: Students participated in farm visits, fire safety lessons with the White Lake Fire Department, and learned about road safety from the Muskegon County Road Commission.
- Ealy Elementary: Students held the second annual Fruits with the Family Literacy Night and attended Camp Millwalker for team-building activities.
- Whitehall Middle School: Students visited the Little Manistee River for their salmon program and attended a student leadership workshop at Reeths-Puffer High School.
- Whitehall High School: Students celebrated Homecoming with over 450 attendees, hosted a joint concert with Montague, and prepared for The Crucible theater production. The NHS is also planning a blood drive and a “Haunted Trails” fundraiser.
Audit Shows Clean Financial Report
Auditor Brenna Jacobs of Brickley DeLong presented the district’s annual financial audit. She reported that Whitehall received a clean opinion, meaning its financial statements were accurate and well-managed.
The audit noted one minor issue in the Head Start program regarding missing semi-annual staff certifications, which has since been corrected. Jacobs praised the district’s business office for being “very well-prepared and professional,” and highlighted that Whitehall ended the fiscal year with an increased general fund balance, showing stable finances despite the end of COVID-related funding boostsOct 20 at 6-30 PM.
FFA Students Recognized for Leadership and Growth
Whitehall’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter presented during the district highlight segment. Members shared how their group, founded in 2024, has grown rapidly and focuses on leadership, teamwork, and agricultural education.
Students spoke about attending conventions at Michigan State University, completing supervised agricultural experiences, and earning college credits through science teacher Mr. Michael Benning’s program. The group also hosted beach cleanups, flower sales, and fundraisers that connect classroom learning with community serviceOct 20 at 6-30 PM.
Board Reviews Policies and Gym Lighting
The board discussed several policy updates, including a new fixed-asset threshold raising the reporting limit from $5,000 to $10,000, aligning district procedures with Michigan’s updated guidelines.
A second policy discussed focused on creating administrative rules for the use of artificial intelligence in schools.
Board members also approved a gym lighting proposal for the Middle School, awarding the lowest bid of $10,325 to improve visibility and energy efficiency in the aging facility.
Superintendent’s Report Highlights Robotics and Fall Events
Superintendent C.J. VanWiert reported strong participation across programs, noting that the district’s robotics teams now include over 100 students and 30 volunteer mentors. He also highlighted the upcoming Trunk or Treat event at the high school, parent-teacher conferences, and the district-wide hay bale decorating contest that added fall spirit across school grounds.
VanWiert praised staff for their work leading up to the fall break and emphasized the district’s continued focus on family engagement and community traditions.
Meeting Adjournment
The meeting concluded with a final opportunity for public comment and adjourned at approximately 8:00 p.m. The next regular board meeting will be held in November at the Viking Athletic Complex.
