District overview
Waverly Community Schools
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How is Waverly paid for, and how healthy are its savings?
Waverly Community Schools serves about 2,700 students in six schools on the west side of Lansing, in Eaton, Ingham and Clinton counties. Like most Michigan districts, it gets most of its money from the state, which pays a set amount per student (0,684 in 2026-27). So the number of students drives the budget. About 32% of students come from outside the district through School of Choice. A seven-member elected board makes the decisions, and Superintendent Glenn Mitcham runs the district day to day.
Mostly state money
In 2026-27 the general fund expects $32.9 million from the state, $10.8 million from local property taxes and $4.2 million from the county for special education and Medicaid.
Fewer students
Fall enrollment fell from 3,035 in 2017-18 to 2,719 in 2025-26. The 2026-27 budget plans for about 2,679 students.
Savings going down
General fund savings were $10.0 million in June 2025. The 2026-27 budget plans for $8.2 million by June 2027.
Big building program
Voters approved building bonds in 2022 and 2024. The district owed $106.6 million on them in June 2025, with $47.3 million of construction still under contract.
Savings at 16% of spending are still above the 10% floor the district says it aims for. The budget also assumes about 1.5% of spending will go unused; without that, savings would fall faster.
Where the district stands
Down from $10,043,259 in June 2025 (21.9% of spending to 16.3%).
Down from 3,035 in fall 2017.
Up $250 from $10,434.
Major projects
2022 and 2024 building bond construction
under construction; $47.3 million of contracts left at June 30, 2025The 2022 Series I bond money ($62.4 million spent) was used up during 2024-25. The district began spending the 2024 Series II bonds, with $50.8 million unspent and $47.3 million of contracts still to pay. The collected records do not list which buildings each contract covers.
- Series I spent down; Series II $4.2 million spent, $47.3 million committed
- 2024-25 audit issued
Funding
2024 Building and Site Series II bonds (voter-approved)
Sinking fund renewal for repairs
renewed by voters November 4, 2025 (news report)The sinking fund pays for building repairs and construction without borrowing. The renewal keeps the 1-mill tax for 10 more years, about $1.1 million a year.
- Renewal on the ballot; WKAR reported 59% yes
- First renewed levy year (2026)
Funding
1-mill sinking fund property tax, 2026-2035
"Away for the Day" cell phone policy
draft resolution open for public commentThe board posted a resolution that would have students lock away phones, smartwatches and earbuds for the whole school day at every school.
- Board vote planned
Funding
Not stated
Recent news
View the news feed →Resources
Practical guides to school phone policies, district budgets, and administrator hiring.
Explore resources →Built from the district's own website: Michigan budget-transparency postings (budgets, the 2024-25 audit, spending reports, employee contracts and pay disclosures), board pages (meeting schedule, the proposed cell phone resolution, election information), the strategic plan, the sinking fund proposal and the superintendent's pages. Board agendas and minutes are posted on BoardBook, which was not collected.
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