TCAPS outlines sustainability goals and approves superintendent contract

Traverse City Area Public Schools trustees reviewed a one-year sustainability "1.0 plan" aiming to have each school reach Michigan Green Schools "Green" status in 2026, and they approved a new three-year contract for Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner.

Trustees for Traverse City Area Public Schools met Monday to discuss a recommended one-year "1.0 plan" of sustainability initiatives for 2026 and to approve a new three-year contract for Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner. The sustainability committee, made up of district stakeholders and community representatives, has been meeting for over a year and presented goals in four areas: Michigan Green Schools, Food Service, Energy, and Resource Efficiency. The board reviewed steps that would involve students in leading projects such as waste audits and an elementary challenge to generate schoolwide ideas. Trustees also reappointed board leadership for 2026. Board decisions and goals: - The district is aiming for every school to achieve at least Michigan Green Schools "Green" status in 2026, which requires completion of at least 10 approved environmental activities. - Food Service plans include student "food champions," cafeteria waste audits, a potential partnership with Food Rescue, and exploring a switch from disposable plastic cutlery to metal silverware. - Energy goals include completing energy efficiency and solar audits, seeking grant funding to repair two broken solar arrays at Central High School and Traverse Heights, and establishing preventive maintenance for solar systems. - Resource Efficiency actions include paper and garbage audits and a move by trustees to stop default printing of board packets to reduce paper use. - Trustees approved a new three-year contract for Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner after a December evaluation that earned an "A" effectiveness rating; the contract sets a 2025-26 base salary of $214,683 with planned increases in subsequent years and includes longevity pay adjustments and other benefits. - Board officers — President Scott Newman-Bale, Vice President Erica Moon Mohr, Secretary Josey Ballenger, and Treasurer Scott Hardy — were reappointed for 2026. Summary: The board framed an initial set of districtwide environmental actions intended to engage students and staff in reducing waste and improving energy practices. Trustees approved the superintendent's refreshed three-year contract, and the board expects a February vote to adopt the sustainability 1.0 plan along with a more detailed discussion of superintendent goals.