As we near the end of an incredibly productive school year, Dr. Christopher Lewis and Dr. Adam Spina took a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of Williamston Community Schools and to discuss future opportunities that will further enhance our district. Here’s a comprehensive wrap-up of the discussion from Dr. Lewis's recent podcast episode on the Hornet Hive. Overview: A Year of Success 2023–2024 has been a year filled with remarkable achievements for Williamston Community Schools. From academic awards to comprehensive plans for future development, the community has continued to foster an environment of excellence. Dr. Spina emphasized how the consistent top rankings for both high school and middle school, according to data from the Michigan Department of Education, speak volumes about the dedication and hard work from students, parents, and faculty. “We’re proud to be the top-rated district in our county, and this is something everyone in our community should take pride in,” said Dr. Spina. Upcoming Bond Proposal Continuous Improvement One of the critical topics discussed was the upcoming bond on the ballot in August. The bond aims to address ongoing facilities and equipment issues that have been identified over two years of detailed analysis. “We’ve conducted a comprehensive facilities assessment and gathered community feedback through surveys, and the results were overwhelmingly supportive,” shared Dr. Spina. The bond, a $38.5 million investment, will cover numerous projects without altering current tax rates. These include the redesigning of traffic patterns for better safety, construction of modern classrooms and new gyms, and installation of outdoor restrooms. It will also upgrade HVAC systems and rebuild the only public tennis courts in Williamston. “We understand that safety is paramount. The traffic redesign alone will mitigate long-standing safety concerns. We’re also planning significant improvements in our educational facilities to enrich the learning environment for our students,” Dr. Spina explained. Celebrating the Class of 2024 As the school year concludes, Williamston Community Schools will bid farewell to the Class of 2024. With 144 seniors graduating, this class has continually excelled, maintaining top academic ratings every year at the high school. “Their determination and the support of their teachers and parents have been instrumental to their success. We’re excited to see the future accomplishments of this incredible group,” Dr. Spina noted. Honoring Our Retirees The end of the school year is also a time to acknowledge the dedication and contributions of our retirees. This year, several valued staff members will be moving on, including Julie Monette, Marion Shear, Robin Monette, Phil Berlientes, Joe Rasmus, and Gail Cobb. “The wisdom and commitment of our retirees have left an indelible mark on the district. We wish them the very best in their future endeavors,” stated Dr. Spina. Highlights and Accolades The district has also celebrated noteworthy awards and recognitions: Williamston Middle School ranked as the top middle school in Ingham County according to state data.Recognition from the College Board Awards, including the Advanced Placement Female Diversity Award for Computer Science and being named to the Advanced Placement Honor Roll.Achieving rewards school status across all participating schools.Academic All-State recognition for 10 sports teams. Faculty members also earned significant awards, such as Cassandra Eberhard’s regional Teacher of the Year recognition, Becky Dierling being a finalist for a national teaching award, Steve Kersten’s induction into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and Lindsay Bolas recognized as Educator of the Year by the Greater Lansing United Nations Association. “It’s essential to acknowledge these successes don’t happen in isolation. They are a result of a collaborative and supportive community,” said Dr. Spina. Moving Forward: Stay Connected As Dr. Lewis concluded the conversation, he reminded listeners of the importance of staying informed and engaged with the district’s future plans. He encouraged everyone to visit the Williamston Community Schools website to find more information on the bond and other district initiatives. “Whether you have children in the schools or are simply a proud member of this community, your involvement matters. Stay engaged, ask questions, and be an active participant as we continue to strive for excellence,” Dr. Lewis urged. In closing, as we celebrate the end of an academic year filled with accomplishments, we also look forward to the significant opportunities on the horizon that promise to make Williamston Community Schools an even better place for our students. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Doctor. Christopher Lewis. One of the members of the Williamston...
