Walled Lake earns Michigan's Best Award honors

The Walled Lake Consolidated School District this month was one of nine districts in the state to be awarded the 2012 Michigan’s Best Award by the Michigan Association of School Boards.

The district, which was awarded top honors in the professional development and school improvement category, received special recognition for its Spice It Up! Technology Conference, which offers a special approach to professional development by customizing training to teachers and staff while reducing expenses.

“We are very proud of Pam Shoemaker, our technology integration coordinator, and all the staff involved with Walled Lake Schools’ annual Spice It Up! staff conference,” said Walled Lake Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. “Mostly, we are fortunate to have staff deliver exciting instruction every day in Walled Lake Schools using strategies and technology they learn at Spice It Up!”

The program allows technology and techniques to be identified and presented to those attending the district’s conference, saving about $150,000 per year in staff development and substitute expenses, according to district spokeswoman Judy Evola.