The Wayne-Westland Board of Education held a special meeting on January 25, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding a new three-year contract for teachers and the sale of the Marshall property.

The primary focus of the meeting was the newly negotiated contract, which aims to attract and retain quality educators in the district. The contract includes a 5% salary increase for the first year, followed by 4% in the second year and 3% in the third year. The total cost for the first year is projected at $6.2 million, with subsequent years costing $5.6 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Teachers will also receive a retroactive pay adjustment once the contract is ratified, which has generated excitement among staff.

Key enhancements in the contract include increased longevity bonuses, with amounts rising from $1,500 to $4,000 based on years of service. A new loyalty bonus of $2,000 will be awarded to graduates of Wayne-Westland who choose to work in the district, promoting internal recruitment. Additionally, the contract addresses class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention in classrooms, and provides internal candidates the first opportunity to apply for vacant positions.

The meeting also covered the sale of the Marshall property, with Pulte Builders offering $500,000 for the site, along with covering demolition costs estimated between $3 million and $3.5 million. This sale is expected to significantly benefit the district financially, potentially yielding over $4 million when combined with state grants for redevelopment.

The board expressed optimism about the contract's approval and the positive impact it will have on the district's educational environment. They plan to continue negotiations with other collective bargaining groups in the coming months, aiming for a comprehensive resolution by summer 2025.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing teacher compensation and improving educational conditions while strategically managing its property assets.