WUS Celebrates 15 Years of Partnership with the Gun Lake Tribe Revenue Sharing Program
Wayland Union Schools joined local community leaders on Wednesday, July 15th, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Gun Lake Tribe's Revenue Sharing Program, a partnership that has transformed educational opportunities for students and strengthened our district.
The Revenue Sharing Program was established through the Gun Lake Tribe's compact with the State of Michigan, which directs a portion of Gun Lake Casino's gaming revenue each year to the state and local community organizations. Since the program began, Wayland Union Schools has received more than $25.6 million in funding, allowing the district to invest in facilities, student programs, technology, safety, and family support initiatives.
Over the past 15 years, the revenue sharing funds have supported numerous capital improvement projects across the district, including a bus wash, safety crosswalks, upgrades to fitness center equipment, fine arts sound and media systems, the district's community room, and countless improvements to educational and athletic facilities.
The investment has also provided essential resources that impact students every day, including student technology, a 10-passenger van, and 19 school buses. Additionally, the funding has helped sustain key staff positions such as the District School Nurse and District Safety Officer, ensuring students have access to important health and safety resources.
The benefits have extended well beyond district buildings. Revenue sharing dollars have helped ease financial burdens for families by providing school supplies for elementary students, eliminating pay-to-play fees for athletics and extracurricular activities, and reducing tuition costs for in-district 3-year-old preschool students.
"We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Gun Lake Tribe and their revenue sharing program," said Leslie Wagner, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations. "Looking back on what this money has done for our school is overwhelming. From supporting our infrastructure to our technology, this money has truly impacted almost every aspect of our district."
Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Teresa Fulk emphasized the lasting impact the partnership has had on local families. "This funding has allowed us to invest in things that make a real difference for families, including providing school supplies and making preschool more affordable and accessible," Fulk said. "When we can take even a little financial pressure off families while creating more opportunities for kids, that impact reaches far beyond our schools. It strengthens our entire community, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued investment in our students and families."
As the Gun Lake Tribe celebrates 15 years of its Revenue Sharing Program, Wayland Union Schools is reflecting on a partnership that has touched nearly every corner of the district. From safer facilities and upgraded learning environments to expanded opportunities for students and greater support for families, the Tribe's continued investment has helped ensure more resources remain focused on what matters most, providing an exceptional educational experience for every Wildcat.
Wayland Union Schools extends its sincere appreciation to the Gun Lake Tribe for its continued commitment to public education and for investing in the future of the Wayland community.
