Whitehall, MI – April 21, 2025 – Monday’s Whitehall District Schools Board of Education meeting brought together parents, staff, and administrators for a packed agenda that included significant public comment, technology purchases, and a continued push for policy updates and infrastructure improvements.
Tensions High During Public Comment
The meeting opened with a strong showing from community members during the public comment period, with multiple parents raising serious concerns over an incident at Shoreline Elementary involving a second-grade student reportedly bringing a dangerous object to school. Parents criticized the lack of immediate communication, limited supervision at recess, and questioned safety protocols. One parent noted that her child is now on preventative medication due to the incident.
“I’m a child social worker,” one parent stated. “From that perspective, the language in the superintendent’s letter was deeply problematic. It shifted the responsibility to the children instead of addressing the lack of adult supervision.”
Another parent added, “My son has autism and ADHD. The way his suspension was handled shows a lack of understanding and support for students with special needs.”
Additional comments focused on transparency, particularly around the district’s Code of Ethics and committee meetings. A resident pointed out that the Code of Ethics has not been publicly acknowledged or signed since 2022, as required by board policy and the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
Board Response to Allegations
Board President and administration responded by citing legal counsel to clarify that there have been no voting conflicts of interest or violations of financial protocol involving board members. They also addressed the function of board committees, emphasizing that these groups exist solely to gather information and make recommendations—not decisions.
Superintendent CJ Van Wieren responded emotionally to the safety concerns, stating, “There was absolutely no intent to downplay the incident. We take it seriously and are already looking at ways to improve our response and supervision systems.”
Technology and Financial Approvals
Despite the weight of the public comment section, the board proceeded with scheduled action items, including the approval of:
- 325 new HP Chromebooks and licenses at a cost of $96,122.50, funded through Technology & Security Funds. This supports the district’s 1:1 technology initiative.
- First reading of policy updates related to food service charges and Title IX compliance.
- Review of the upcoming MAISD biennial election resolution, with voting scheduled for the May meeting.
The board also received updates on monthly financials, including state aid disbursements and progress on several grant-funded projects such as district-wide security camera upgrades and drinking water system improvements.
An especially notable announcement involved a major internet infrastructure upgrade through federal e-rate funding, which will modernize wireless access across all school buildings this summer.
Student and Community Highlights
The student representative reported exciting news: three Whitehall students advanced to Nationals in the National History Day competition, while two others earned alternate spots.
Community member Terry Campbell also spoke about educational opportunities at the Oak Creek Natural Area, inviting teachers to bring students for science and nature-based learning experiences.
Looking Ahead
The district will host two community Q&A sessions on April 30, offering families an opportunity to engage directly with Superintendent CJ Van Wieren about the upcoming operating millage and other district initiatives. Graduation is scheduled for May 22.
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