Harper Creek Community School District

This document outlines a Strategic Roadmap for Harper Creek with the mission to educate, empower, and equip students for life. Its vision is to be a destination community prioritizing safety and excellence, enabling every student to maximize their potential. Guided by core values of joy, heart for people, and belief in self, the plan focuses on five strategic priorities: driving student achievement through curriculum and educator training, creating a culture of collaboration via teamwork and community partnerships, improving communications for transparency, investing in staff development, and planning for the future through facility growth, fiscal responsibility, and expanded early childhood programs.

The meeting included several key updates and actions. Administration reported on upcoming concerts, a retirement open house, the next Steering Committee Meeting, and the signing of the Gary Lincoln Court Contract, including design work for signage. The Board Secretary announced an anonymous $10,000 donation for the High School Basketball team and read a letter of appreciation from Athens Area School regarding facility use for professional development. An update from the MASB Conference highlighted legislative updates, board unity, and school funding equity. The Board recognized Grow Your Own graduates, with four staff members set to receive Master's degrees. Curriculum updates covered the transition plan for a retiring staff member and a presentation by staff at the MiCIP School Improvement Conference. Facility reports noted snow removal efforts and the ongoing installation of water filters district-wide. Finance reported on the current budget revision and earned interest. Technology updates covered the classroom notification project installation and server/device upgrades to support Windows 11. Under the Consent Agenda, various fund checks and previous meeting minutes were approved. Discussion topics included school safety measures such as tactical medical kits and go bags, feedback survey results for the 2026 Bond Proposal (which is proposed as a no-tax-increase bond), the need for a part-time Middle School Athletic Director, an older bus fleet requiring replacement planning, the schedule for the Superintendent's evaluation, a proposal for AP Precalculus, and a recommendation for the CASB award nomination process. The main action item approved was the purchase and installation of three elementary ovens under the food service spend-down plan, allocated up to $75,000.00.

The Budget Committee Meeting agenda included discussions on the Monthly Financial Reports, specifically the Cash Balance Report, noting an interest amount of $37,000 and overall good standing. A revision to the 2025-2026 Budget was reviewed, adjusting the total from ($798,000) to ($794,000), resulting in an ending fund balance projection of 14%, with discussion centered on maintaining the fund balance between 10% and 15%. The committee also discussed K12 Media Marketing costs related to the bond, estimated at approximately $30,000.

The meeting included a closed session under section 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act, MCL 15.268, regarding attorney-client privilege. The board discussed and took action on the 31aa Grant Money, authorizing the Superintendent of Schools to submit the District's opt-in form to MDE for preserving the District's eligibility for 31aa Funding, conditional on certain terms and potential rescission based on legislative or court actions regarding the privilege-waiver requirement.

The agenda includes items such as president's remarks, administration updates, board secretary updates, and a MASB Conference update. Presentations will cover the Grow Your Own Graduates program. District updates will address curriculum, facilities, finance, and technology. The board will discuss school safety, the strategic plan, the bus fleet, superintendent evaluation, curriculum course proposals, CASB nominations, and elementary ovens. The meeting will also include comments from the audience, an action item regarding elementary ovens, and items for the next meeting.