Public comment dominated much of the Whitehall District Schools Board of Education meeting on May 18, as community members voiced concerns about the possibility of LifeWise Academy operating within the district and called for the resignation of board trustee Tim Cross.
At the same time, the meeting also highlighted student achievement, robotics innovation, library partnerships, and upcoming graduation celebrations, creating a night that reflected both tension and pride within the Whitehall school community.
Public Comment Focuses on LifeWise Academy Concerns
Several residents addressed the board regarding LifeWise Academy, a religious release time program that allows students to leave school during the day for Bible based instruction. Speakers repeatedly raised concerns about the separation of church and state, student safety, classroom disruption, and the role public schools should play regarding religious programming.
Community members questioned why instruction would need to occur during the school day rather than after school hours and expressed concern about students missing instructional time, particularly elective courses such as art, music, and physical education.
Others voiced concerns about how the program could affect school unity and inclusiveness for students who do not participate.
Superintendent CJ Van Wieren later stated during his report that, as of the meeting, he had not been contacted by anyone affiliated with LifeWise Academy.
“I’ve not been contacted by anyone from the LifeWise program,” Van Wieren said. “If that changes, I’ll keep you guys updated.”
A resident speaks during public comment at Monday’s Whitehall District Schools Board of Education meeting while holding signs related to concerns about LifeWise Academy.
Calls Made for Trustee Tim Cross to Resign
Public comment also included multiple calls for the resignation of trustee Tim Cross.
Speakers referenced comments Cross reportedly made in a YouTube video regarding abuse allegations connected to Living Word Church in Midland. Several community members said they were troubled by statements indicating Cross initially questioned or struggled to believe abuse victims even after investigations and convictions had occurred.
One speaker said school leadership requires “an unwavering commitment to protecting students first,” while another stated they no longer trusted Cross to serve in a leadership role within the district.
Cross was not present at the meeting.
Student Representatives Highlight Busy End to School Year
Student representatives Emily Van Dam and Kate Beda shared updates on the final weeks of the school year, including graduation preparations, concerts, testing, and scholarship recognition.
The pair noted that Whitehall High School seniors were recognized during the recent senior awards assembly, where students collectively received more than $2 million in scholarships and awards. This year’s graduating class includes 145 seniors.
They also highlighted recent Ride with Pride activities, choir and band concerts, Advanced Placement exams, and the transition process for next year’s student representative.
Van Dam and Beda were recognized by the board for their service throughout the year. Both students also shared plans for their futures.
Van Dam plans to attend Muskegon Community College before transferring to either Michigan State University or Grand Valley State University to pursue elementary education.
Beda will attend Lawrence Technological University in a five year physician assistant program while also competing in softball.
Robotics Program Showcases Innovation and Student Impact
One of the evening’s most celebrated presentations came from the district’s robotics program, which spotlighted rapid growth and meaningful student driven innovation.
Program leaders shared that participation grew from 33 students on six teams last year to 88 students across 14 teams this year.
The presentation focused heavily on how students are using 3D printing technology to create adaptive tools for students with disabilities within the district.
Examples included custom table risers, adaptive utensil holders, pencil grips, and card holders designed specifically to help students access classroom activities more independently.
The collaboration involved robotics students, occupational therapists, and special education staff.
Presenters also discussed efforts to recycle plastic bottles into usable 3D printing filament through a developing project within the robotics program in the future.
Board members praised both the technical skill and compassion demonstrated by the students.
Robotics leaders and students during their presentation
White Lake Community Library Shares Annual Update
Representatives from the White Lake Community Library Board also provided an annual update during the meeting.
Board members reported that the library experienced a 7 percent increase in visitors during 2025, welcoming nearly 50,000 people throughout the year. Active library accounts also increased by 7 percent.
The library highlighted collaborative efforts with Whitehall District Schools, including partnerships connected to out of school programming and accessibility improvements funded through grants.
Officials also noted the addition of solar panels at the library and discussed expanded resources available to residents, including household tools, radon detectors, and the popular free costume library.
Graduation and National Competition Updates
Van Wieren reminded the community that Whitehall High School graduation is scheduled for Thursday evening at the Viking Athletic Complex.
He also encouraged residents to attend the Duck Creek graduation ceremony on May 27 at 7 p.m. at Montague High School, describing it as one of the district’s most meaningful celebrations.
The superintendent additionally recognized four Whitehall students who qualified for the National History Day competition in Maryland later this year.
The board also approved several financial and budget related items during the meeting, including the MAISD 2026 to 2027 operating budget resolution, Budget Amendment No. 2, and a resolution to hold the district’s June budget hearing on June 15.
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