Welcome To William D. Ford Career-Technical Center

Welcome back to all our students! As we left for our break, I observed an incredible atmosphere filled with love, smiles, and an undeniable sense of community. Celebrating earned credentials, completed projects, and newly acquired skills showcases the vibrant journey we have collectively embarked upon this semester. The positive energy radiating from our students and their outstanding achievements is nothing short of inspiring and is a true testament to the power of education.

I am immensely proud of our students for not just meeting expectations but for surpassing them with remarkable determination. Their success is firmly anchored in the unwavering love, support, and enthusiasm from their teachers and classmates. The meaningful conversations and excitement they share with those who matter are pivotal to this growth.

Seeing students bring cherished recipes made with family members for our community celebrations was a powerful reminder of their creativity and community spirit. Their eagerness to share their creations and the stories behind them demonstrates their strong connections and appreciation for one another. Celebrating the unique qualities of our students is what makes Ford Tech special, and I am honored to witness this dynamic spirit.

As we move into the second half of the school year, I am truly inspired by how far we’ve come, and I am confident in what lies ahead. Our future expectations are not just aspirations; they are becoming a reality!

Kind regards!

Stephanie Bigelow, M.A., L.P.C.

NEWSLETTER: The Pipeline - December 4, 2026

Event: FIRE UP YOUR FUTURE
FEBRUARY 3, 2026 6-8 PM
36455 Marquette ˜ Westland MI 48185

JOIN US TO:

• Explore high skill, high wage, high demand careers
• Tour our state-of-the-art facility
• Meet our instructors with program specific industry experience
• Come see examples of award winning student work
• Explore various career pathways and post-secondary options

Location: 36455 Marquette, Westland, MI 48185

Fire Up Your Future Open House Event Flyer

Kick off January by getting up to date on our Did You Know video series produced by Wayne-Westland Community Schools that follows Interim Superintendent Catherine Cost, Ed.D. as she visits schools, departments and programs across the district. Along the way, we highlight the dedicated staff, departments, and programs that show how, in Wayne-Westland, Great Futures Start Right Here.

Watch the Did You Know Video Series Now

As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of our schools. This time of year is a wonderful reminder of the strength of our community — a community that consistently comes together to support our students, staff, and one another.

The Wayne-Westland Wrap Up- December 19, 2025

Event: Community Meeting Superintendent Search
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 6pm-7pm
William D. Ford Career-Technical Center
36455 Marquette, Westland, MI 48185

The Board of Education of Wayne-Westland Community Schools is seeking our next superintendent, with assistance from the Michigan Leadership Institute. Engaging members of our school community in this process is a priority for the Board, as your input will play a key role in shaping the selection of our next leader. We are offering two opportunities for you to contribute to this critical process. Your feedback is invaluable in ensuring that we identify a superintendent who will best meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.

Opportunity #1: Complete an Online Survey
Complete an online survey and share your thoughts on the qualities we should be looking for in our next superintendent. The survey will be open until Monday, December 8, at 4:30 p.m. Survey link: Superintendent Search Survey

Opportunity #2: Attend an Interactive Meeting We invite you to join us for an interactive meeting on Tuesday, December 2, where you can:

• Provide input to be used during the search for our next superintendent.
• Learn more about the search process.
• Ask questions and engage in conversation.

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for our incredible school community. I’m thankful for our dedicated staff who go above and beyond for students every day, for our families who partner with us to support learning, and for our students who bring energy, curiosity, and joy to our schools.

The Wayne-Westland Wrap Up - November 26, 2025