Houghton Lake Community Schools

The board conducted a budget hearing to review the final 2025-2026 general fund, food service, debt service, capital projects, and student activity budgets. Detailed revenue and expenditure adjustments were explained, including increases in tax funds and categorical state support, as well as expenditure shifts related to online classes and bus repairs. Additionally, the board reviewed the proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year budget, discussing enrollment projections, state aid assumptions, and planned expenditures for infrastructure projects like kitchen upgrades and parking lot expansion.

The board meeting featured the recognition of student athletes and staff achievements, alongside a superintendent report covering the conclusion of the school year, graduation figures, and facilities improvements. Action items included the adoption of resolutions regarding tax rate requests, the hiring of a new principal for Community Education, and the approval of various quotes for equipment, technology, and construction projects, such as a walk-in freezer, Chromebooks, and parking lot repaving. Additionally, a first reading of several district policies was conducted, and the board reviewed its upcoming calendar.

The Board discussed various student and staff achievements, including recognitions for academic success and grant awards for literacy initiatives. Updates were provided by the Superintendent regarding career programs, sex education progress, band activities, legislative developments, and upcoming facility projects. The Board also reviewed the April financial report and authorized several action items, including the renewal of an educational software license, procurement of alternative seating, purchase of software licenses, and the opening of new bank accounts.

The board discussed and approved several initiatives, including a new reading curriculum for younger students to support various learning needs, a parking lot repavement project at the school campus, site preparation and drainage work for a new parking area, and the purchase of a new walk-in freezer. The meeting also included the renewal of the NWEA assessment software and the purchase of Chromebooks for student testing purposes. Additionally, the board held a first reading of several updated policies, including changes to device definitions, staff ethics, online learning regulations, and comprehensive school health education standards.

The board discussed and acted upon the school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year. The action item focused on rescinding a prior approval of a revised calendar that added an instructional day due to emergency closures. Following updated guidance from the Michigan Department of Education regarding House Bill 5797, the board restored the original calendar and established June 10, 2026, as the final day of school to maintain compliance with instructional time requirements.