001Board of Education U for SE Monday, September 8th, 2025. Um, naming a facilities meeting to order. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of silence. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. All right. Uh our secretary um Erin Alwart is not here this evening. So chair calls for a motion that the Harper Creek School Board uh of education appoint Brad Herson to serve as secretary for the um September 8th, 2025 uh board of education meeting. That will be for um both of our meetings tonight. The six o'clock naming of facilities meeting special meeting and our 6:15 regular meeting. So move. >> It's been moved
002and supported. Do we have discussion hearing? Seeing none, Mr. Smith? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Wallace? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Wat? >> Yes. >> Mr. Halverson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Risner? >> Yes. >> Um, Mrs. Alwart is absent and I vote yes. Motion carries 6. And with that, we'll ask Mr. Herson, our acting secretary, to call the role. >> Right. Uh, Mr. Mr. President, Mrs. Risner >> here. >> Mr. Smith >> here. >> Mrs. Wallace here. >> Mrs. Wat >> here. >> Mr. Bass, >> I am present. >> All right, we have a quorum 6. Uh, six and one missing. And move on to discussion. And Mr. Ridgeway. >> All right. So, I'm going to tee this up. So, um, we, uh, received, the district received a, um, I guess request to name, uh, the high
003school gym basketball court in memory of Mr. Gary Lincoln. Uh, the request was from his son, Benjamin Lincoln. Um, and so we have a policy uh that we look at anytime somebody has a naming facility request, and it seems as though as a board, we we've seen a few of these over the last few months. Um but generally there's there's some conditions. First of all um the thing here is the requirements for someone to be considered. So first of all made a significant contribution to improving the quality of education extracurricular programs for the district students or public community service. That's one. Or advances the well-being of the local community in important ways. or is a historical figure generally recognized as improving education on a state, national or worldwide level. And so as we look at
004that um you know Mr. Lincoln and and in his legacy I guess I will call it um I I printed off when he received an award a couple years ago from the schoolboard association of Kalum County. And maybe you know maybe you don't but Mr. Lincoln taught at Harper Creek for 31 years. He was a teacher. He was also a coach. He was also athletic director, junior high athletic director for many years during his tenure. Um Gary was then on the school board for 13 years, trustee, treasurer, and secretary. Um and during this entire time, he served on the Waddles Parks Men's Club for 52 years, of which 22 of those were as the executive director. Um, and the one thing about Gary that I'll remember most when he talked about the men's club specifically
005in the philosophy, he always said that all kids have an opportunity to participate no matter how good they are, their ability. They did not cut players and all kids play in all contests and and the men's club and their philosophy lives on. Um, one of the crowning achievements was the uh the building that was built over by Wild Elementary. Um, so that's a little background on on Mr. Lincoln. Another part of our policy is that once the request comes in, the board uh has a naming comm naming of facilities committee that has representatives from the community, from the school, uh from the teachers group, from the coaches group, from parents, community members, a board member, and then a principal. And that committee looks at these recommendations. And the committee met um I have a memorandum
006that I had written a few few weeks ago. The committee met on August 6th. Um, they heard the request. They had a lot of questions. Uh, they had some, uh, potential ideas and they asked if I would reach out to Benjamin, Mr. Lincoln's son, and have a conversation with him about some of their ideas. Um, potentially they asked, you know, is naming the court the only possibility of the request, or was there other ideas that would be considered? had a great conversation with him. Actually, I talked to him a few different times during this process. Um, and I think genuinely Ben uh wants to give back to Harper Creek, but Ben doesn't live here, so you know, he can't give back like his dad did it with time. And so, he's trying to give back
007in other ways. Um, and he really felt like basketball was the he I think he called it the the glue or the the premise for how and why Gary got so involved in the Harvard community, the men's club included. And that's why he felt that he wanted or he was requesting that the court be named after his father. Um, and so I went back to the committee. uh talked to every M member individually and said, "Okay, this is where we're at and where where would you stand on where u Mr. Lincoln would fit in terms of naming the basketball court?" We have seven members on the committee and five of the seven members said that they were they were good with the with the board or with recommending to the board uh to name the
008court after Gary. The other two weren't um not in favor of a facility naming for Mr. Lincoln, but they were more of they they thought maybe there was another facility that would be a better fit um in their opinions. So that's what we got from the naming committee. Now I would be uh I need to talk about the whole thing. So we want to look at the merit of Mr. Lincoln and his legacy, but a bonus with this is if we were to uh accept this naming, then there would be a large financial donation. U we wanted to make sure we understood what that large financial donation was. And so after conversations with Benjamin uh it would be a4 million dollar donation to Harford Creek Community Schools to use as we see fit basically. So
009I have a recommendation from the from the naming committee that the board will either you know discuss or act on at the regular meeting but this public hearing is so that the public can state you know their thoughts and their impressions of of this potential um facility naming request. I'm not sure the board has any discussions or we want to go to community input. >> No, I think we'll have some discussion most likely. Um, you know, in my opinion, um, uh, I knew, in fact, Gary was the, uh, reason I'm sitting in this chair right now. Um, he had asked me a year a year and a half before he had told me a story. He said, "Oh, that's right. You're a finance guide. You'd be you'd make a good board member." I said, "Well,
010if it ever ever need need somebody, give me a call." Well, he called me up a couple weeks before the um your name had to be in the hat and um so I'm here. So I've known Gary for, you know, our new Gary for a good probably 20 25 years as I coached at men's club for about 20 years with two different bookends of ages of of my kids. And um I have to say that, you know, I I I really feel highly about Gary. I think the the merits of what he's done for the Harper Creek community and Harper Creek schools stands on its own. I know some folks uh had some challenges with him, but I think um Gary's heart was always pure, was always in the right place. Um, I think the
011um quarter million dollars um is the bonus part, but that does also tie in with our our um uh strategic plan of um I don't want to say corporate giving, but um you know, if Myers wanted to name the floor for $250,000, we would also probably look at doing that. So, um I think it's the right thing to do. And um um Ben Lincoln is also committed to um you know uh future um philanthropy for Harper Creek as far as uh monetary donations. Um and so he wants to be a partner with Harper Creek and help us help us do well. Um and he's been quite successful in his career uh financially. So I think he's able to do it. So I think it's the right thing to do. I get I I will I
012know we're going to have discussion about this in the regular board meeting when we consider this. So I'll save my comments for that. I believe we want to hear if there's anybody in the audience that has any commentaries. I guess I would >> think we need to hear that first. >> Board members, anybody else want to say anything before we move that? >> Okay. All right. It's just the one. >> We have one discussion. >> So, we do have Mark Lowry. >> Requested to comment. >> Please state your name and address. >> Good evening. My name is Mark Lowry. I live at 8240 Drive North. Um, I knew Gary prior to his passing. Uh, just give a little background. I was the, uh, Cub Scout pack leader over at Waddles Park at Pack 335. Uh
013we were able to have that Cub Scout pack because of Gary and the Wallles Park men's club. I worked through the Cub Scout. I was a den leader and then I was a pack leader and so on so forth. And then I graduated to become a member of the Wall Park men's club board um on their treasurer. I've been serving in that capacity for about the past eight years. I have um boy, I've been coaching. I coached on and off for the last since my kids were little. Like I don't even know. Um as soon as I heard about the idea of of naming the facility after Gary, I was 100% behind it. Um he had a huge impact on my family. My kids went and worked at his house several times. Help, you know,
014Gary and Gigi and and it I'm a big fan of this idea. So, I don't know. Like even setting aside, like I've never met Ben, setting aside the idea of 250,000 like that's wonderful. That is wonderful. Um, but for what this man has done for our community, I can't speak enough on behalf of him. So, I just appreciate you considering this and I would wholeheartedly support this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Appreciate those words. >> Is there anybody else that wanted to speak that hasn't turned a comment card in? signify by saying I. All right. Um if not, we will move on to adjournment. >> Yep. >> We adjourned at 6:13 p.m. All right. And we are going to start uh our next meeting um a couple minutes. Well, we're a couple minutes behind. Um,
015and so if everybody's ready, like to call the I'd like to call the Harper Creek Board of Education regular meeting for Monday, September 8th, 2025 to order. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance, followed by another moment of silence. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Secretary, please call the role. >> Mrs. Risner, >> here. >> Mrs. Wallace, >> here. >> Mrs. Wat >> here. Brad Halverson, I'm here. Mr. Smith, here. Mr. Bess, >> I am present. >> All right. Six of us present. We have a quorum. And it is my understanding, Mr. Ridgeway, have a modification to the agenda. >> Yeah. One modification. In addition,
016G school aid budget resolution under information and discussion. It just oversight on my behalf. >> You said G >> G school aid budget resolution. So, you'll notice we have an action item. So, we needed to have a discussion before we take action. >> All right. Mr. Secretary, do you have a motion there? >> I do. Um motion that the Harper Creek Board of Education approved the addition of item G information and discussion school aid resolution as discussed and reviewed. >> So, moved. >> It's been moved and supported. Do we have discussion? Hear any seeing none. Please call the role. >> Mrs. Wat, >> here. >> Sorry. >> Mrs. Risner, >> yes. >> Mr. Halverson, I am a yes. Uh, Mrs. Wallace, >> here in >> Mr. Smith, >> yes. >> And Mr. Bess >> here.
017Yes. And okay. >> Motion carried 6. >> All right. Thanks. >> You have to record all three. >> Maybe. I don't know. >> Okay. Got to keep it a little fun. All right, I'll move on to communications and president's remarks. Good evening to everybody in the audience tonight and those watching at home. Um, at our first home game, Harper Creek honored, that's our first uh football home game. Harper Creek honored Mr. Greenman with the naming of the athletic facility that the Ed Greenman athletic complex and the Burns family, right? >> Burns Burns. our family with the naming of the service drive to Matt Burn way. Harper Creek did a fantastic job celebrating and making this wonderful evening for all in attendance. Mr. Greenman and Matt Burn represent all that is great about Harper Creek. They
018are the heart of Harper Creek. Thank you to Melissa Fasel for spearheading the celebration um planning. John Rummanap for providing a delicious array of appetizers. Um and I assume Mr. Robinson also had some um help in setting all that up as well. So, thank you to those three. Um as a community member, we could feel the excitement. The stands were full. The bandwidth sounded great. The cheerleaders palm team and the football team represented the school um in an excellent manner. All in all, it was a fantastic night to be a Harper Creek Beaver. Please check our website for more opportunities to cheer on our amazing students. And with that, I'll turn it over to Mr. Ridgeway. >> Okay. All you need to know in 90 seconds. All right. So, uh we have a steering committee
019meeting on Wednesday, September 10th in the high school media center at 5:30. We are hearing about the um the facility assessment results. The steering committee's role is going to be a group that's going to meet for the next four months or so and then listen to the community staff, kids, uh parents, uh general community, and come to the board with a recommendation if we would like to go forward with a bond issue. >> What time was that at? >> Uh 5:30 and September 10th. And we have two board members who are on the the uh steering committee or or have volunteered, Ashley and Barry. So if you can't make it, let us know so somebody can fill in. If you can, great. uh high school is having class parent meetings. The seniors are in September
02011th, sophomores and juniors on September 16th, and the freshman are in September 18th that the high school administration and uh and counselors and staff are going to talk about all the things getting ready for college and career ready. Uh the band band night for the Friday night football is on Friday, September 26th. Count day is on Wednesday, October 1st. Our homecoming uh versus Parma Western is Friday, October 3rd. Put that on your calendar. Uh our fall play is going to be Murder on the Orient Express and they have a cast in place now after audition. Wild Park Elementary has a therapy dog, Charlie. Charlie uh is going to make his appearance very soon. I went over and talked to Mrs. Shipley and she's very excited about having Charlie there and he is an addition now
021to Boone at Beetle Lake Elementary. Uh the Wild Park Elementary readathon is occurring uh between September 5th and the 15th. Uh we have a chess club that has just started up at the at the middle school thanks to Mr. Don Wartz, our teacher. Uh the Beaver Booster and Harper Creek Educational Foundation golf outing occurred uh about a week ago. Uh good or very good successful outing uh raising about $12,000 for scholarships for kids and and our athletic program. Um handle with care. This is something that I explained a little bit to the board, but I want to talk to the audience and the folks at home. Handle with care is a program that is in most counties in Michigan, and we found out that it wasn't in Calhoun County. And so, one day after going
022to uh an event, um Mrs. Wallace came to me and said, "I think that we should look into this program as a county." So, I made a phone a few phone calls and uh Sheriff uh Hinckley decided to assign one of his folks on the law enforcement end and I was the rep for our school end. And what handle with care is, it's really a simple simple program. If a child is involved in a police interaction, and I'm not talking about the child's in trouble, the child just is involved. Let's say that there is a domestic violence situation at a at a household and police come to the house. Basically what happens is the police notify the school building that there was a police interaction. They don't say what happened. They don't give up any
023details. They just simply say this child was involved and so we're going to handle this child with care the next day. So when the child comes in um you know we don't know what's going on in their I always talk about their backpacks. We don't know what somebody's carrying in their own backpack. And so when the child comes in maybe they're having a bad day. We have an idea why and we can get them to the proper counseling. Now, we don't just jump to counseling right away. Not all all kids handle things different ways, but if we see the child's having an issue, then you know the the classroom teacher, the counselor in the building, they know something's up and they can help that child. So, it's a great program, I believe. Um, and then,
024um, at the last meeting, there was some some uh question about artificial intelligence and how we're handling that as a school district. And so, I have set up a policy committee meeting October 6, and we're going to brainstorm. We have a policy in place, but we need to take a look at best practices. Um, Mrs. Williams, uh, Mr. Maynard have been doing some background work on that already. And so, we want to talk about that work and then look at guidelines for a district. Now, I had created some things last year after I went to a conference, but we needed to dig a little bit deeper because we know more now than we did even a year ago. So, we think it's time for us to take a look at that. And our so our
025policy committee meeting will be meeting about that. And I believe that is all my updates even though I took more than 90 seconds. >> Flag on the play. >> All right, I'll move on to board secretary. Uh Mr. Secretary, do you have one communication? >> I do. I have a thank you um card from the uh Harper Creek Clay target team. Uh thank you for supporting the 2025 team. >> Coach Hamilton, super guy and uh really doing it the right way with those kids. All right. Uh, thank you for that. Move on to curriculum. Mrs. Williams, good evening. >> Um, first and foremost, did you have any questions that you want me to address after you read the narrative? >> I was happy to see that. Um, uh, Brendan from um, King Scott was at
026the um, >> yeah, >> I thought >> connected him and I looked for a time where we have district. So, >> I think that's really good. >> Never know how that facilities. >> Yeah. Never know how that shapes something that he designs for us in the future. So, >> his reputation proceeds. So, >> awesome. >> Um, then I guess I just would like to bring attention I revised the board report to align with the strategic plan priorities. stuff that looks a little differently. You'll see that I took the pillars that um are influenced by the curriculum instruction assessment department and trying to funnel um some information based on the strategic priorities. So, that's slightly different. One thing and I just caught it, but an exciting news is the literacy grant that I applied for this
027summer. Um we received 20 thou $277,000 and3 $277,000 basically. Um and that was because soon after we purchased the Amplify. Um you know a new edition came out. It's like when you buy your favorite car and then the next day something else comes out and everyone's we want the new edition. Well you can see that's pretty pricey. So we will be streamlining that in to transition for the fall of 26 so they can have the third edition specifically for amplify. So very excited about that as are the teachers and we will >> be using um >> really all the structures we have in place. It really wasn't hard to do the grant because that's what they were looking for. And I do want to shout out to the DCC leads and the teachers that worked
028hard on the pilot because we identified Amplify as an evidence-based curriculum and then the state came up with their list. So what would have been a tragedy is if what we identified wasn't even on the list. It was number one. And so kudos to our team for the diligence um and figuring that out. Really everything is self-explanatory. I do want to kind of highlight I moved our data which And we did ask our principles to be here because they're instrumental them and the instructional coaches in the results of this. So under celebrate student success which is a subcategory of best in class or >> achievement >> student success sorry. So did you have any questions about that? Again it's pretty self-explanatory. If you would take a look at this which is in your folder there
029is an right on the margin. This is the data over time. Um, but a change that I've made, if you look at the the Harper Creek tells the percentage, which is not where we want it yet, but it tells where it is. And if it's green, it means it increased from last year. If it's red, it means it decreased from last year, um, by grade. And then, um, the state average is right next to it. So, I lift it up in narrative form. The successes but this is the visual that goes with that. Um I will say we are continuing with the same goals like once the curriculum like what we teach the instruction how we teach and the assessments are aligned um kind of like a chiropractor and 80% will be proficient. We're not
030quite there yet but um we do know that we're headed in the right direction. Did you have any questions specifically? Um, you'll see a spike in social studies. Interestingly enough, we started teaching to the standards when they came out. Unfortunately, the test, so this is a good example, was not aligned to the standards even though the state gave us the standards and um our hypothesis that's the reason for the big increase because the test now aligns um with the standards we're teaching to which we were given 1819. Yeah, looking at the test results, I mean, can't say all, but many. I almost say the word most of our grade levels have increased over year to year. Many are above a state state average. Um, you know, highlighting some of the high school that was a
031focus area at the high school to have all kids take this test um to the best of their ability. And you can see that um 12.8 8 increase in English language arts, 3.1 increase in math, 29% increase in science, and 35% increase in social studies. So I know the test was aligned, but that's significant. >> Another piece, the data protocol that we do with all our data. There's three phases basically. What the first phase is what do you anticipate the results would be? So that could be perception data, that could be student achievement data, any any kind of data. Um and so the teams what do we think it's going to be then they see the data and what is it actually relative to what they thought it was going to be. So the more
032refined we are with understanding what our students understand the closer our anticipated result will be. And the third one which is really really important is uh root cause. So what are the causal factors? And so teams are getting much better at um that and the main root causes are viable curriculum which we know our ELA is in year one and the implementation of that curriculum. So we did some course correcting with bridges. We've had it since 2018 but we we as we were getting into classrooms realized we needed more support and so we have um provided that for our teams per their request. So, science says no testing, but there are nothing. >> Which one are you at, Mr. Bus? >> I'm on the last page and then and then also the third page in
033the second page. But >> so, the science moved, it used to be in elementary. So, if you look at the middle school, >> Uhhuh. >> there was some shifts. Um, so if you look at seventh grade, it used to be in it moved to seventh grade. So the middle school does more testing than I mean Kim's here probably nodding her head just thinking about it because they have all the content areas are tested where in the elementary it's ELA and math. So the science and social studies moved some time ago. So and where it says moved it tells you where it moved to. >> And just what is your thought of where's our our lowline fruit to make our greatest improvements? >> Where's our what >> where where do we need to make our greatest
034improvements? So, we're gathering um the the data protocol, but I am 99% sure it's in implementing like the viable curriculum. So, the curriculum that we have, are we teaching it the way it's supposed to be taught? >> Um, and what what supports do teachers need to make sure that they can do >> what subject area? >> It well, we're focusing on the ELA and the math right now. I mean, >> yes. Okay. >> As far as um K8, we are working. It's not that we're not paying attention to secondary. We're working at the rigor and the uh building thinking classrooms. So we um the principles are doing walkthroughs looking for high engagement. And so I've already seen some shifts in classrooms like they're way less in rows and they're implementing those practices that we've been
035learning about for the last year plus. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> So So a lot of lot more improvement than decline. And yes, >> it does look like there's quite a few areas where we're above the state average. When do we or do we start to look at like top cortile? >> Well, when we >> state average, >> so that aligns strongly with the when I said the curriculum, instruction, and assessment are >> um so we know a goal is to be a model PLC school. And so once we have to get to where our tier one is aligned so that we're higher like in the 60s 70 that will come when those are aligned. So if if what we're teaching and instructionally doesn't match with the assessments >> Yeah. >> after after
036it matches with the assessments. >> So So do we have a goal to get there? Like is it a three-year time horizon or >> we with a viable cur I mean I want to put a number on it but most school improvement with a viable curriculum would happen within three to five years. So the data that's not really elevated here but that we're seeing the lower. So, we have eligible for tier two, which means they would need supplemental support or eligible for tier three. We've moved in many of the grades more to the partially proficient. So, we're seeing that bottom. They're still non-proficient, but we're seeing that increase in several of the spaces. So, those are Yeah. >> What what curriculums do we still need to kind of dial in >> um as far as
037content? >> Yeah. Subject areas. Well, um, wh >> which ones don't we have solid? >> So, we're looking at our social studies right now at the high school. We're piloting um a DBQs. Um, math we're piloting, as you know, and that's off to I just want to lift up our math teachers because, you know, we wanted to to share with you a curriculum in the spring, but as I came alongside of them, they said, you know what, we really need to take the fall. And the the why is how you teach math is taught in the first unit where we kind of came in the middle of the movie if you will. Um and they're working really hard. So math, social studies, um and then science will be reviewed as we look at the data.
038But >> okay. >> Yeah. Um K8 we are solid with what is identified as the evidence base which means research done on that curriculum and evidence when implemented it works. What we're monitoring at the high schools, we have some locally done units, but if we're moving in the right direction, right? If it's aligned, then we maintain. If not, we'll have my recommendation would be we look at evidence-based, but we have to allow the foundation of the evidence-based K8 to trickle and I'm confident it will. >> It seems to me that'd be the best approach even at the high school as well. So, >> yep. >> Uh, there's evidence-based medicine as well. So, it's >> correct. >> Goes hand in hand with Chris. >> All right. >> We are I mean more than ever, we're definitely
039paying attention to all that for all the tiers. >> Sure. >> Yeah. With with our principles in attendance today, I want to make sure we take these are these results are are much better than we've seen. We we're seeing increases across the board um in many cases above state average, which which was our first benchmark. as Brad said, what's the next thing? What's the next step? But I want to take a second to say great job on the hard work so far to the principles and then of course to their staff and our students um who are the ones really taking this test on the ground floor. So I appreciate all the work that's happened to get to this point. Now we are just going to continue that momentum forward. >> Excellent. >> Great. >>
040Board members, anything further? >> All right. If not facilities, Mr. Robinson, good evening. >> Thank you. Um, I submitted the report. So, um, just a couple things I want to highlight on it. Um, pardon me, we did get the, uh, I put in the report we were having some fire panel issues that has been replaced and fixed as of today. We finalized that one. So, that's all taken care of. Um, and then we're still waiting on a quote for Waddles Park Media Center. I don't have a firm number on that. We're trying to work with the the vendor right now and and getting condensing units compatible the one that's failed. So, as soon as I can get that information, we'll get that out. And uh the last big thing is the rental house. I am
041working with uh Emma Township and we are looking at doing some sort of a a drill with that. Uh we just don't have a firm date yet. So, we're working through that. >> Anybody bring Hershey bars and marshmallows? The drill is a controlled burn, correct? >> Will they shut down the road out there or not? >> Couldn't tell you. I probably doubt it. It'll be just like a normal if there's a >> fire. Well, >> it depends really on what happens. I know he was very concerned about the stadium, >> so they got to make sure the wind is just right and stuff, too. >> Sure. Sure. >> All right. If nothing further for Mr. Robinson, thank you. Finance. Good evening, Mrs. open my ear. >> Good evening. Um the I feel like the last
042few months I've said the same thing as your uh you're given the added item. But the first thing would be um we still don't know our budget for this year. Um we're hoping that comes out soon, but still no real rumblings. >> Yeah. the the one well just one good thing about the budget is all sides are have about the similar amounts of money. So we expect to get certain amount per per student um about 10,000 per student is the number that everybody's kind of came up with and so I'm not terribly concerned about that. It's more concerning if they don't get it finalized it goes to a shutdown and what does that mean for schools? Well our our state aid payment comes on October 20th and so October 1st is a deadline. So the
043worst case scenario is we don't get a payment in by October 20th and we run out of cash eventually. >> So that that's the >> creek would be fine if that happened because a huge part of that would be I mean it's not fine. It's not okay but but cash flow wise since we do do the summer taxes uh it would be we would end up being okay for a month. >> Right. >> I've only seen a shutdown one time in Michigan in my history is only for a day. So see what happens. Um but talking about cash balance, I just I had him pull that up because um we are okay. We did add 23,000 uh and interest this month. Uh couple of CDs matured last week and I will be opening a couple
044um new ones either this week or in the beginning of next. Uh so those will go from 4.55 to 4% which still is uh doing all right and that's for 13 months. Um I'm still doing the myaf which uh is earning quite a bit more um and it's better cash flow wise. The other major thing we did have our audit last week. Uh >> I'm gonna pull the hold on let me pull this this over. >> Overall the audit went >> this is in your board book as well as a hard copy if you want to take in your I'm sorry in your folder if you want that way. >> Overall went really well. The auditors are great to work with. Durac, my team did amazing at getting them everything they needed. Um, in the
045end, we're adding to the bottom line. Um, I w I was more conservative than normal. We are adding 631,000. Um, a big one was the retirement. I know I've said for several months that the retirement was everyone was being thrown off by that a little bit. Um, and then some some health insurance was I was too conservative with health insurance, but overall good news. We're adding to the fund balance and uh puts us at 16.6%. I >> think we we started the year at 15%. Is that right? >> Yes. >> Excellent job in a challenged environment. I said my team did great and >> I think I think I know I know I think that um I mean you know personally I want to be closer right it's 3.1% it is um usually I'm I'm
046a little bit closer but um >> what was it last year difference of one 1 something >> it was 1.0% 0% >> 1% last year >> between the our final budget number and then our >> which is not normal right but it um it was was good um but yeah so with that I I also included my other regular ones I have like August breakdown of year um but we've had two teacher payrolls I mean there it's very minimal but you'll start to you'll stop getting this one now and you'll start getting this this information. Our auditor, uh she hasn't confirmed yet if she'll be here next month to talk about the audit. Um but that's my goal is to have her come next meeting. >> And just for fair disclosure, uh Christine, right? >>
047Christine. Yeah. >> Yeah. Christine called me and talked to me for about 10 minutes. I think it's the second time um that she's done that over the years. last time I did in person, but asked me quite a few questions and um make sure there was no malfeasants of any type or um fraud or anything of that nature. So, uh I really feel like they're a a straightforward group and um do a really good job with the audit. I think they're >> um doing things the right way. So, >> y I just want to take it a little further. I think it's it is definitely very good news but it was earned throughout the year um in doing a very I thought um sound budgeting fiscally responsible budgeting um while there is a shift in
048the percentage you also enacted initiatives to control costs as well as find new revenue streams. So I think it was a great effort by the administration in turning around what would have been a reduction in our fund balance to an improved fund balance which will give us flexibility to invest in other areas as we move forward. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Yeah, we got plans for the month. Well, and it again it validates I think the strategy of this board for years has been to heir on the conservative side and I think that has been that continues to reap benefits for the for the district and the community financially and validates the strategy. Well done. >> It gives us a lot of wherewithal in in any future potential challenging environments that that could happen. That's a
049nice position to be in. Um, what what what is is there a state average? Do you know, Rob? Is it >> Oh, for fun balance percent. I I really couldn't comment on that, but I know that auditors say 15% of where you want to be to be healthy. >> Yeah. >> And districts in our area are between probably the low end is 10%, the high end is 20%. >> Yeah, I would say 20% would be our goal. Well, if we got much more in that, I would say will we start to, you know, spend money for other needs. But >> I'm going to start to spend money right now. >> Yeah, we we we literally have you'll be hearing about them coming up. >> Yeah. Uh we've we've talked about those. >> All right. Anything
050further, Ginger? >> That's all I have for >> board members. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you for that technology, Mr. Mayor. Good evening. >> Right. and I'm going to help with some of that money spending. So, student devices, we budgeted for very conservatively for those as well. And it's a good problem to have. We ended up with like, I don't know, better part of 20 more students in the freshman class this year, which ate up all the spare devices we bought. >> So, it's been a challenging start to the year getting devices juggling around, but we we're managing now, but we are going to be looking at buying some more to um you know, fill in the gap, especially at the lower grades where we use the Chrome devices. We were short on a
051lot of those. We kind of got surprised that many of the devices have a, for lack of a better word, an expiration date. Google says you can only update them for so long and then even though they still work, you can't update them past that point. So, we have to replace some additional ones. We're going to be looking at getting numbers and what that's going to take, but I don't think it's going to be catastrophic. Um, and in good news, I thought I'd give a shout out to the new and improved Harbor Creek High School HCTV news program. Teacher Mike Schmidt over at the high school has been doing a wonderful job and he's he's gotten that program completely rebuilt from the ground up. He's got kids over there doing all the different roles. Looks
052really cool. So, if anyone's ever free during second period, you should go check it out. >> Uh Rob gave the the board a little shout out during the week. So, we're aware of the uh >> I stole your home didn't hear it. >> Um we love to hear that that type of good news. glad that um program is doing well and thank you for your support of whatever you're doing there. >> So, well, it kind of so Mr. Best and I a long time ago we went down to Nashville to look at some schools and we saw a school where they were doing their own productions and so this is similar to that where kids are doing the production which is not what we've done in the past. So, it's it's something a little bit
053new uh and it's probably a may look a little rougher at first but eventually is going to have a product that's going to be unbelievable I think. Very neat. >> Yeah, I need have some I need some like guests. >> You said Ginger should be Ginger should talk about the budget a little bit on there and you can get the student the people on there. >> Yeah, >> she's not into that. >> Mr. Smith, you should volunteer. >> Shay Shay would be a good guest. >> Yeah. >> No. All right. Anything further for Mr. May third? All right. Move on to comments related to agenda items. >> Nobody's got any comments. All right. Mr. Secretary, consent agenda. Right. Have a motion that the Harper Creek Board of Education approve the consent agenda as follows. approved
054the general fund check, school services fund checks, uh, school lunch, and school student or student school activities fund checks in accordance with the list discussed. Approve the general fund checks, school services fund checks, the student school activities fund checks in accordance with the list discussed. Approve the following minutes as reviewed. Approve August 11th, 2025 regular board of education meeting minutes. approves August 27th, 2025 building committee meeting minutes and approves September 4th, 2025 Budget Committee meeting minutes. >> So moved. >> Support. >> It's been moved and supported. Do we have discussion? >> Hearing see none, please call the role. >> Mrs. Risner, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wallace, >> yes. Mrs. Alwart is absent. Mrs. Wat, >> yes. >> Mr. Halverson, I vote yes. Mr. Smith, >> yes. >> And Mr. Bess, >> I vote yes. >>
055Right. Motion approved. 6. >> Thank you for that. Move on to information discussion. A, school safety. Mr. Ridgeway. >> Just a a quick update from the meeting. We are moving around the district now. Uh, talking to each building. We went to a middle school today. We asked the middle school where their uh concerns, thoughts, ideas uh were for school safety. Um got got a lot of good feedback. Um you know, they did they have done a lockdown drill already. Uh they identified some areas where the speakers were hard to hear. And so the next uh lockdown drill, we are going to use the notification system, otherwise known as the clock system that we talked about quite a bit at the this meeting. So, we're going to use those uh speakers and move forward with using
056those. We feel that those will be a better fit. Uh the camera system update was talked about. So, we are doing installing ourselves. Our tech guys are installing cameras and so we have lots of them in. We need to get all of them in. So, we have all the new cameras installed. Um and they just talked about some of the benefits of the new versus the old camera system. It's much clearer for sure. Uh we talked about the a concern was the windows at the middle school. If you're in a classroom, they're person size and Jim said they were built >> that as big as that door. >> Yeah, they're about as big as that door right there. And they were built as uh exits uh for emergency exits and but they are an issue
057because if they're open it creates a safety issue. So as long as our heating and cooling systems are working well, we don't open them. But when they do get open, it was a concern that was shared. Um little bit of concern on after school activities with making sure the building is locked down from our coaching staff. So we'll talk to them. Um and we do have what we call the safety squad which used to be called the watchdogs. Uh that is at um the middle school. They did report that vaping was much down. Sorry, I say it different. Vaping is down at the middle school. So much better than it was uh even even a couple years ago. Um, we did hear some other updates about our our our current uh projects. So, the notification
058system is being installed at Soma. We had our first Friday night event and so we talked through what the pros and cons were of that event were mostly pro. And then we are going to more than likely install a doorbell system for our alternative education in this building. And what that means is it would be a video where you push the button, the video comes on and then Chris Mer who is in the audience would be the person letting in her kids on an individual basis. So a safer environment. >> Excellent. Any questions, thoughts, concerns? All right, move on to strategic plan update. Okay. So, we we just saw probably the biggest part was the uh the achievement scores and where we where we sit that I think if we think about strategic plan, we
059think about school districts, number one is student achievement and where are we at with student achievement? And so, we saw some improvements. I I feel really good about that. And again, I wanted to make sure I elevated our our staff because it's been a lot of hard work. You know, the board has set direction and they also looked at and supported um curriculum resources and I think we're seeing some benefits from those. I really do appreciate that and I think that the staff does too. Uh knowing that we have the the mo best researchbased ELA curriculum um that that there is to offer is was good news to hear as well. Um we are always looking at development and succession planning development of our employees and succession planning. And so all of you know about
060the grow your own program. We've talked about that a lot at the board meetings. Uh, a new thing that's happening is that there is a fasttrack for ed leadership program and that would be for principles or for assistant principles or anybody that wants to be an administrator. Um, it's a program that Western Michigan University did a few years ago. They did a cohort. It's an 18-month program to a degree, a master's degree, which comes with an ED leadership certificate. And I was really happy when I sent the information out that I had had 13 interested staff members. Now, now probably not all of them will move forward. Um, this is not district paid. This would be paid by the employee or the by by the person, but it would be a quicker way to get
061to a masters. Um, much of the programming or much of the courses would occur here at Harbor Creek or within the county, I guess I should say. It's not a Harbor Creek program, it's a county program, but we would probably have the most people if that many stepped up. And then finally, bond planning. Um I can't say right now that we are going to have a bond issue because it's going to be the decision of the community. You know this board I feel like there are needs that we have to be filled but we want to first listen and the steering committee is one of the first steps in the process. Our building committee did hear the facilities planning. Now the uh steering committee is going to hear hear it as well in terms of
062the assessments and so we can see what our next steps are. And for the for for me, the biggest part of the next step is listening. We're going to listen to all facets of our community to say, what is it that people might support? Where do the needs lie in in Harper Creek? We know based just on bonding and how the system works that we could potentially raise $28 million with a no increase millillage. So that's about the amount of money that we have. But the, you know, the building committee saw that we had about what 81 million in needs. So, we've got to see what are the priority areas that we should do first because we know once we pay off the current bond issue in about eight years, we more than likely are
063going to be able to have a 150 to $175 million bond without raising taxes. So, we've got to we've got to get ourselves through the next 8 to 10 years so we can get to that point. So, >> and it's been what is it 17 18 years since the >> the last vote was in 2007. So, that's the last time the the community I'm sorry, the last successful vote. >> Yeah. So, 18 19 years. I mean, you look at our peer districts around Kellum County and you know, the the other big three here in Battle Creek have all went out to bond um a lot more recently and I think Lefuse went out two or three times. >> Yeah. The biggest thing is I don't you know people don't want to pay any more taxes
064and and this is a pathway where we can move forward without having anybody pay any more taxes in Harper Creek. Um so that that I think is a real benefit in this situation. I'm going to say it. I'm going to keep saying it. The board of education has re refinanced bonds over the last 20 years and has saved the taxpayers $15 million in interest. Two full years of repayment of our bonds so that we could pay this off. So, $15 million that's been saved just simply by refinancing. Nothing that that that that taxpayers, nothing anybody had to do except for change the amount we pay in interest, >> which cut off two to three years off. >> It cut off at well, I think it cut off three years in total because 2037 was the
065original um end date of our bond because it was done in 17 for 30 years. Now it's 2034 is when we're going to pay off the bonds, the current bonds, >> which puts the potential middle school project that will need to be done um three years earlier for the community if they choose to so support it. >> Yeah. I also want you to know that the this board whole board will see the field's assessment as well. The building committee saw it, the steering committee is going to see it and then it'll come to the full board. We'll have the architect and uh construction management firms come in. We won't do the long version. I mean, it was probably what an hour. There's no sense having the committee if we can do the same thing again,
066but you'll be able to see the things that were involved in um what we have needs needs with. >> It was pretty thorough. I thought it was pretty >> I thought it was pretty impressive. Definitely $81 million worth of pensions. Obviously, that's Jim, have they have they prioritized that yet? >> Sounds good. Are any questions, comments? All right, information discussion item C, school year update. >> All right, so the one thing I've been uh communicating with the board and I I want to communicate with our community now. Uh we have seen an increase in students for this school year. And a lot of times when when we talk about increase in students so that we jump right to oh we must have more school of choice kids. And it's been really interesting. So, I've talked
067to um our pupil accounting person as well as the person in our office that register students and it's been interesting that we've had a lot of movein students to the district. Now, I can't sit here and tell you the exact reason why. you know, there's not a lot of new housing. And I know when I was at Snow Elementary the other morning talking to staff, they had said that I believe it's Hickory Hills had had a dramatic change in the number of students that have enrolled from that particular location. Um, our high school is up about 63 or so students, we believe, right now. Now, we're not at count day yet, so we can't count on those numbers for for, you know, budget sense, but it really is indicative of where we are at. Last
068year, we went down about 50 students as I remember, and so this year coming back up about 80 kids um from what our budgeted number is is is, I think, pretty good and a pretty good sign for the district. So, that's number one. But with um additional students comes additional needs. And so, I've talked to the board a little bit. I'm going to say um so far the things that we've added into the budget in terms of folks for you know in classrooms um first of all we added a halftime person at the high school um and that helped us offset so we could have more um offerings in our elective courses we off or sorry we added a full-time art teacher at the middle school so now we have two of them um and
069again that helped our elective cause uh you know Mrs. there was trying to do everything she could to have 900 students with uh full schedules, but we were getting really full classes at electives in the electives um on top of the full classes that we have with the non-elective courses. And so that that was helpful um in the middle school. Just remember our middle school is up about 100 students than we were three years ago. So that particular building has seemed to explode and I don't see it reducing a lot. We had a really large eighth grade go to ninth grade this year. We have a really large I believe it's seventh grade now, right? Am I correct? >> Very large. >> Yeah, very large seventh grade. But our classes at the elementary are not
070small. So, it's not like we're going to reduce a lot. We may go down a little bit, but not a lot. Um, and we are also or I am telling the board that we are moving forward with a first grade teacher at Soma Elementary. uh we had two first grade teachers and the the numbers in that cla those classrooms rised to 28 and 29 in the class which is in my opinion way too many and so we made the decision to add a first grade teacher. It's in process of hiring. So, we haven't hired anybody yet. Uh, but we are in process of doing that. And just remember, anytime that we do add a course and because our buildings are full, we don't have open classrooms, it displaces somebody. And in this case, it's going
071to displace the person um that happened to teach specials in the elementary school. So, I don't want to say it's just everything's rosy. Those are tough conversations when we we have to displace people out of classrooms. So, um, that is happening. Uh, other places that we're high, third grade at Soma, kindergarten at Wattles Park Elementary, as well as English in the high school. And we're talking with each of those uh, groups. The principles are talking to their teachers. Right now at Waddles, I believe we're going to add AIDS into their classroom. That's the choice that they would like to do instead of adding a teacher. Um, they're sitting at about 24 or 25 in a classroom right now. So, it's not quite as large as that first grade was. at Wild, I'm sorry, at Sonoma
072in the third grade. Uh we're not looking at adding another teacher at this point in time. I I think that they're sitting right at the the maxes in the classroom. And then English, we're we're trying to look for solutions because it's really hard to reschedule high school at this time. It just is because it would it would cause lots of rescheduling to happen and we've already done a lot of changes with high school, right? Um, one thing at the high school that I did want to mention, I'm talking too long probably, but one thing I wanted to mention, we had to adjust the bell schedule. Um, and it was a had to. Uh, unfortunately, when when we did the schedule and we had our current bell schedule, we found out on the very first day
073of school that our math science center kids and our tech center kids were missing a portion of fourth hour because they weren't getting their their lunch. Um, and the way we have our schedule, they used to stop and eat on the way back a lot of times, but they don't have time to do that now. So, we did the adjustment. Everybody has time. Uh, the other adjustment was because our lunch room was full with two lunches. So, we added a third lunch period. And you might wonder how that works. And I can I can send you the schedule that um Miss Howard has created so you can see what the bell schedule looks like. But basically, at lunch, one group eats while the other two groups are in class. Then at the next group eats,
074so they cut their class in half, then they go back to class and the third group eats lunch. So, three lunches and I think it's worked well in terms of the numbers now. Um, and kids and staff and everybody are getting used to the new bell schedule. So, one hiccup um on the new schedule. Not I I look at things I look at things kind of rosecolored glasses, right? Like, oh, it's all great. I'm sure if we have teaching staff in the high school, they'd be like, "Oh, there's other things, Mr. Joy, that are hard." Like, I have to change how I teach because instead of being 90 minutes, now it's 60 minutes and it's different. So, there's a lot of changes on the teaching end as well as the administrative end that I'm not
075just glossing over. I understand there's a lot of work that's happening and I do appreciate that. I do think it'll be better for kids. That's my opinion. Uh it's not just a personal opinion. It's my professional opinion that we will be better off and we'll see even better assessment scores because of it um at the high school. >> Any questions about this school year start? Ju just a totally non-scientific observation right here, but I I got to commend Rob, you and the all the building principles because I've been on the board long enough where when we've had this level of of I'm not going to use the word chaos, but change at the start of the year, uh that usually results in a boardroom full of angry parents at our September board meeting. And um
076the non-scientific observation is that we don't have a room full of angry parents, which suggests that you guys have done an incredible job of of managing the change and getting kids and parents comfortable with that. So yeah, so >> well done. >> Just to speak to that very a little bit, um a lot of that's because of the systems approach and I got to give Laura a lot of credit there. Um, I think our administrative staff knows she's a systems person and we do systems and we make it so it's consistent throughout the district, consistent throughout the community. This it's been my best start of the year I've had in 19 years as superintendent. But >> and a lot of that's to to Laura's work. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Well done. That's
077awesome. >> Yeah. But, you know, like I said, rosecolored glasses, there's things that are happening that we're dealing with on a daily basis, and not everybody's happy with every possible thing that we're doing, but we are trying our best to make adjustments to what we're doing. >> Well, it looks like the proofs are in the pudding. So, we're on the come, which is the right. >> That's that's big. All right. Uh, let's move on to information discussion item D, new hires. Okay, we only have two today, which is the lesson we've had in the last uh Lynn Wood, halftime uh special education teacher in the um alternative education, the Harper Creek Center for Academic Achievement. Uh Lynn is a longtime teacher. I actually worked with her in Homer in my previous school district. Um she
078is has retired and is coming back from retirement. So, we appreciate having her because finding a special education teacher is hard. finding a special education teacher that um is willing to work in an alternative situation is even more difficult. So I I appreciate her and she would come in at MA20 and as you know as you know someone that's retired and coming back there is savings to the district in ret sorry in uh in insurance and and some different things. So it is a a benefit for the for the district. And then we also have Casey Cole Sonoma fourth grade teacher that we would like to hire as at BA1. So a fresh teacher right out of college. All right, thank you for that. Uh funding requests, uh sixth grade camp and fourth grade big
079zoo lesson. >> All right, I'm hoping to spend some of this money. >> Uh all right, sixth grade camp. This has been a topic not just this year, not just in the moment. Um the cost of camp for our parents has increased dramatically. And Kim, if I say the wrong number, you just speak up. But I think the parents paid about 371 or 391 >> 325 I think. >> Oh, 325. $325 last year to pay for camp. And of course we have some families that can't afford and and we do have scholarships that we do, but all of that is through fundraising. >> Yes. >> All the scholarships. And and so there's been a a pretty big effort um by the sixth grade staff. And if I'm going to be honest, it's by one or
080two staff members who put the the most of that work in, including uh Mrs. fair and and her office staff also when you see the uh what is it called the fair the homecom the carnival there you go the the car the middle school carnival during homecoming that is one of the biggest fundraisers that occurs for for the for the building um and so yes we could continue to fund raise and I'm sure that they will continue that but what I am going to ask from the board is that we commit $40,000 a year to sixth grade camp the co to to offset the cost of sixth grade camp. Last year it cost about 71,000 and the prices continued to increase. Um in my ask this would be ongoing cost. I know that was something
081in the budget committee that we wanted to make sure we brought forward uh and we can have discussion about how that might look. Um I know that in some discussion with individual board members, you know, potentially even putting in our uh communication to parents that there's no guarantee that this offset will be there. But fortunately now in the moment we can pay for it and we want to pay for it in the future but it'll be more of a year-to-year decision. The second ask is the fourth grade big zoo lesson. Um all of our fourth graders go to the Binder Park Zoo for a week. Now this is not an overnight trip. It's just a day trip. So kids get on the bus, they go to the zoo, they have school at the zoo for
082the entire week. We have found that this is a really nice academic experience for our kids. The cost for all of our kids to go is about $7,500. So my ask is that we pay that out of general fund. That was being paid for out of fundraising. It's been p a lot of parents I don't believe were were paying for it. But it was generally out of fundraising from the individual buildings and it's in my opinion not sustainable because that takes away from all the other field trips that we would do as a building. So my ask is two things. uh a $40,000 allocation to sixth grade camp and then a $7,500 allocation to the fourth grade big zoo lesson. We also in the budget committee talked about AP testing, but I'm not ready for
083to make a recommendation. Uh but there was a request that we look at AP testing. Um I'm sure there's going to be other things that are going to come forward in terms of funding, but those were the so far the top three that I could think of that would benefit in my opinion students. these experiences, the sixth grade camping and the zoo lesson. I think those experiences benefit our kids. I think it's a multiplier. Like it's a big thing that we don't want them to miss out on because we have had parents who've decided not to pay and not have to send their kids. So, we'd like to have all kids go if possible. >> When you say that big grade or the uh big zoo lesson, >> it depends. So, I believe Sonoma does
084it in the fall. >> Correct. >> And I believe that Waddles Park and Beetle Lake do it in the spring. They are typically do it when the zoo is either closed or just opening so they have the place to themselves. Sonoma might be open, but there's typically hardly anybody there. >> Not this year. We'll be there when they're closed. >> Okay. And when they're closed, the animals are still there and active. So, when you go behind the scenes, it's kind of cool. >> I think both of my kids have I mean, and my husband, I think literally my whole family, they've gone and it's such an experience and they love it. And my um daughter I think it was like the the wolves the wolves had just come in and they were super active and
085get to observe them and then write um you know write about them and teach their classmates about them and I just think like I have to sign off like both of these experiences are huge experiences that I I hope every student needs to take part in. >> Seems like for $7,500 the zoo one is is a slam dunk. I mean the sixth grade camp is obviously more expensive and adds a lot of value but everyone seems really good. >> You know, one of the issues with the the especially the six camp, the 40,000 is a significant amount and can we continue to keep that up when we get if we hit and get to tough budget times and so it's hard to say we're going to guarantee it forever. But if we can do it,
086I think that well my opinion is my recommendation is we should move forward. But >> all right, I'll move on to naming a facilities request. >> Okay, so we I already went through my whole spiel. Um, I guess I would open up for board comments now as you've had a chance to, you know, digest and and and hear what what the uh request is. >> You know, just just a couple comments. You know, first off, um I think the board we we owe a thanks to the naming committee. I won't try to mention all the names. Rob, you probably have them, but um uh I think they've done a great job this year. they've had to deal they've met a lot a lot to talk about the various requests. I think they're a really good
087group of people that uh cares a lot about Harper Creek, cares about the students. Um so uh thank you to them. Um you know for me this this uh request is is positive from from all angles. I uh recognizes Gary and I think Gary is deserving of that. um known him for a lot of years as a as a board member, as a Waddles Park men's club parent. Um it also establishes a relationship with a with a very grateful uh Harper Creek alumnus, um uh Gary's son, Ben. And I I think I mentioned this at our last board meeting. I had never had a conversation with Ben in my life. Um, I found him to be very genuine in his in wanting to honor his dad, uh, but equally and even more important, uh, genuinely
088appreciative of the experience he had at Harper Creek and wanting to, uh, continue to show that appreciation now and then out into the future. Um uh and then most importantly for me uh I think all these moves we made with naming it it I think it does uh it it hits the most important thing which is I think it's it it's good for the students of Harper Creek. It demonstrates to them um what community contribution what leadership looks like. And in this particular um event, there's also a financial benefit that will uh hopefully help our students this year and in the years going forward. So uh for me on all on from all different angles, it's it's a positive. And uh thank Rob and the naming committee for all the work they've done to bring
089this to the board. >> Anybody else? I I didn't know him well, but I've heard enough to know that he has done a ton for the community and and I've seen the work he's done. If I had anything to say, it would be simply that I wish the facility donation agreement wasn't what it is because I think he's being honored as the gentleman. I think he left who said it. You know what I mean? that it's not because of the 250 that they're giving that Ben's giving, which is absolutely amazing. It's because of who he is. So, I just wish they were more separate. Other than that, yeah, it's phenomenal. >> When he originally called me, I I I took that approach and said, "Hey, you know, what if we did the donation uh separate
090and, you know, have more of a holistic approach?" But um Ben I think kind of wanted that but also didn't want it. And it it it makes it a little more sticky. But for us who knew Gary doesn't matter. The the 250 or not, he was in my opinion was definitely worthy of this uh honor. And um I think we should make sure it gets done. >> Anybody else want to say anything? All right, we'll move on to uh information discussion item G, school aid budget resolution, authored by our own Aaron Alward. >> Yeah, so after our la or during our last meeting, we had talked about uh some frustration with the school a budget not being done. I mean, Jinger mentioned it again today. It's still not done now. Um it's really adults fighting
091each other about their their viewpoints. Um, and really it should be about, okay, we get your disagreements politically, but just come together, get a get a budget. This is the kids were talking about. And so Erin wrote this. Um, I I've sent it out a couple different times. Hopefully you've had a chance as board members to read it. I don't know if I should read it out loud so at the end we has discussed or what do you want to do? >> Um, I think it's I mean, incredibly well written. >> Yeah. >> Um, and I I think it kind of deserves the honor of of being read out loud. >> Yeah. So if I read it then we can just say as read when you get to your your point Brad on here instead
092of reading the entire thing. Um and so everybody in the audience and anybody online or people watching this um recorded can can hear what Aaron had written. So this Harper Creek Community Schools Board of Education resolution regarding the lack of state budget and misaligned budget deadlines. So a lot of where whereases this is legal. Whereas the Harper Creek Community School District Board of Education along with school districts across the state of Michigan is required by law to adopt an annual budget no later than June 30th. And whereas the state of Michigan fiscal year begins on October 1st with a statutory deadline of September 30th to adopt its own budget. And whereas the absence of a finalized state budget prior to June 30th deadline for local school districts forces districts to adopt budgets based on assumptions
093and incomplete information. And whereas this year, Harper Creek Community Schools along with districts across Michigan are being forced to start the 2526 school year without a state budget in place, creating unacceptable uncertainty in funding. And whereas the the uncertainty jeopardizes the ability of Harper Creek Community Schools to plan responsibly for staffing, programs, student services, and operational needs. And whereas the continued misalignment between the state of Michigan's budget process and the mandated school budget deadline creates unnecessary unstability for school for the school community. And whereas the governor has placed a public priority on infrastructure projects such as repairing roads while the operation of Michigan public schools, institutions that serve the most vulnerable citizens of the state and prepare for the next generation should be the highest priority. Therefore, it be resolved that Harper Creek Community Schools
094Board of Education expresses its deep concern and frustration with the state of Michigan's failure to provide school aid funding information in advance of the mandated deadline. And be it further resolved that the Harper Creek Schools Board of Education calls on the remaining 704 Michigan public school districts to pass similar resolutions demanding a more appropriate alignment of fiscal years in addition to the intermediate immediate action in passing a state budget prior to the September 30 deadline. And be it further resolved that the Harper Creek Community Schools Board of Education urges the Michigan legislature and governor to take immediate action to adopt a statutory requirement for the school a budget to be finalized and enacted no later than June 1st of each year. And be it further resolved that copies of this resolution shall be transmitted to
095the governor, the speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, the majority leader of the Michigan Senate, local representatives, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of Superintendent, Administrators, School of Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, and the Calhoun County Intermediate School District. I guess you know what I I talked to her after she and this board is we were all fumbling around with what's the best way to respond to this and then she cranked that up and uh I would call that a perfect response and uh you know thank thanks to Aaron for her talent in putting like some something like that together. I have a sneaking suspicion it became the impetus for uh some other uh educational leaders in the area to come up with their own written
096document. That's just a suspicion on my part, but that was out outstanding piece of work by >> I sent that resolution to all of our well it's actually the ABC so it's Cal Branch and Barry County superintendent to use at their boards if they were interested and some did respond in favor that they were moving forward with it. >> Okay, good stuff. >> Maybe you can pass it back to them and say that we approve it. >> We passed I will you passed it and they were interested in in doing the same. I just sent her a text and telling her to read it out loud and she said that was the first time she'd had a chance to write a resolution in quite a while. So, um >> I move that she become the
097official resolution writer. >> Done. >> Check that. All right. Let's move on to action and new hires. Mr. Secretary, >> action that the Harper Creek Board of Education approve the following new hires. Lynn Wood, HCCAA part-time special education teacher, master's degree from Concordia University at MA20, prated for half FTE. And Casey Cole, Sonoma Elementary, fourth grade teacher, bachelor's degree from Satan Hall University at BA1 as discussed and reviewed. >> I think it's Satan Hill actually on in her case, right? >> I thought it was Hall too. >> Oh, Satan Hill. Sorry, I missed. >> No, I actually checked it out. uh when I went through board book I thought >> support >> it's like uh it's interesting all right it's been moved and supported do we have discussion >> are hearing see none please call
098the role >> um Mrs. Wat >> yes >> Mrs. Wallace >> yes >> Mrs. Rizner >> yes >> Mr. Halverson I vote yes Mr. Smith >> yes >> and Mr. Bass. >> I vote yes. >> Carry 6. >> All right. Thank you for that. Action item B, funding request. Uh, number one, sixth grade camp and number two, fourth grade big zoo lesson. >> Harper Creek Board of Education approve allocating $40,000 from the general fund to offset the cost of sixth grade camp as discussed and reviewed. >> So moved. >> Moved and supported. Do we have discussion hearing? See none, please call the role. >> Mrs. Wat, >> yes. >> Mrs. Risner, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wallace, >> yes. >> Mr. Halverson, I vote yes. Miss Alwart is absent. Mr. Smith, >> yes. >> And Mr.
099Bess, >> I vote yes. >> Motion carries 6. >> All right. And the fourth grade big zoo lesson. Motion that the Harper Creek Board of Education approve allocating $7,500 from the general fund to cover the cost of the fourth grade big zoo lesson as discussed and reviewed. >> So moved. >> It's been moved and supported. Do we have discussion? >> Right. See none, please call the role. >> Miss Wat, >> yes. >> Miss Risner, >> yes. >> Mr. Halverson, I vote yes. Mrs. Wallace, >> yes. >> Mrs. Albert is absent. Mr. Smith, >> yes. >> And Mr. Bess, >> I vote yes. >> Motion carries 6. >> Thank you for that. Move on to the uh action item C, school aid budget resolution. Motion that the Harper Creek Community School Board of Education uh resolution
100regarding the lack of a state budget and misaligned budget deadlines as read. >> Did you say it? >> I'll support that >> with thanks to Aaron. >> All right, it's been moved and supported. Do we have discussion? >> Yes. Thank you to Aaron. All right, please call the RO. >> Mrs. Risner, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mr. Wat, >> yes. >> Mr. Halverson, I vote yes. Mrs. Wallace, >> yes. >> Mr. Smith, >> yes. >> And Mr. Bess, >> I vote yes. >> Motion carries 6. >> Thank you. Action item D, naming of facility request. And there's a motion that the Harbor Creek Board of Education approve the recommendation by the naming committee to name the high school basketball court in memory of Gary Lincoln as discussed and reviewed. >> So move support. >> Been moved
101and supported. Do we have discussion? I think it's a great thing. Please call the role. >> Right. Mrs. Wat. >> Yes. Mrs. Risner, >> yes. >> Mr. Halverson, I vote yes. Mrs. Wallace, >> yes. >> Mr. Smith, >> yes. >> And Mr. Best, >> I vote yes. >> Motion carries 6. All right. And items for the next meeting? Anybody have anything? As usual, I'll reach out by text and email before meet with Rob and not meet with Rob, but anything you guys have as of right now. All right. Uh if not, meeting a journ at 7:21 p.m. Good evening.