The Board of Education meeting began with a heartfelt acknowledgement from Superintendent Kristin Perkowski honoring the recent passing of Mr. Mike Shelton and Mr. Dan Meyers. She reflected on their lasting impact on Grand Haven Area Public Schools and the broader community, recognizing their service, dedication, and the many lives they touched.
Grand Haven High School Update
Presented by Principal Tracy Wilson
The Board received a comprehensive update on the many ways Grand Haven High School is preparing students for success beyond graduation. Several programs and initiatives were highlighted, including:
“Do You Have a Plan?” Week, which encourages students each year to reflect on post-graduation pathways such as college, skilled trades, employment, or entrepreneurship.
Bucs Brew, a partnership between GHHS students and Kenzie’s Be Cafe, empowering students to fulfill and deliver coffee orders to staff while building real-world job skills.
Award-winning music programming, with special recognition of the marching band’s role in school culture and community celebrations.
Career-connected learning opportunities, including the Graphics Lab (where students gain experience and comfort with Adobe and AI tools), the school’s marketing class that operates the school store, student internships with local business leaders, and entrepreneurship-focused coursework.
Community partnerships, including work with Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP), which provides college visits, tutoring, and scholarship opportunities.
Unified Basketball, a new partnership between the GHAPS Special Education and Athletics departments, expanding team sport opportunities for students with special needs.
Action Items Approved by the Board
Model United Nations Field Trip
The Board approved a March 2026 field trip for 11–16 students to New York City, including visits to the United Nations headquarters, the 9/11 Memorial, and several museums.Tax Levy Collection Resolution
The Board approved a resolution to continue collecting 100% of the district’s tax levy in the summer. Historically, this approach has supported district cash flow, particularly during periods of delayed state funding.Cabling Services Agreement
The Board approved a contract with Rapid River Technologies to support the installation of district cabling infrastructure. This work is tied to the future implementation of a unified district public address (PA) system, which would enhance communication, safety, and emergency response capabilities.Health Insurance Cost Sharing Resolution
The Board approved a resolution confirming the district’s long-standing 80/20 health insurance cost-sharing arrangement, which aligns with existing agreements and is required to be approved annually prior to the new plan year.
Epic-MRA Community Survey Results
The Board reviewed findings from a recent Epic-MRA scientific survey focused on community perceptions, school facilities, and potential future bond considerations. Key takeaways included:
Respondents overall do NOT believe the district is over-funded (36% “too little funding” vs. 13% “too much funding”).
Nor do they overwhelmingly believe taxes are “too high” (58% “about right” vs. 28% “too high”).
Concerns about high taxes (30% to 32%) and district spending (19% to 22%) remain the most and consistently cited reasons for a NO vote throughout the survey by half of all NO voters.
Two-thirds of all respondents rate existing buildings and facilities as “positive” overall, with just over half saying “pretty good”). However, half of all parents rate the facilities as “negative” vs. three-quarters of all non-parents rating the facilities as “positive.”
On district financial management, a plurality offer a “positive” rating (43%) vs. a “negative” rating (46%), with parents offering a “negative” rating of 56% vs. non-parents offering a “negative” rating of 43%.
Parents consistently support the proposal(s) presented in 2-to-1 proportions over non-parents.
High ratings for district facilities mean visualization of what would be improved with bond funds, what the finished product would look like, why those improvements are needed, and how those improvements benefit district programming, offerings, students, and the community will be critical—especially among non-parents and older/less engaged members of the electorate.
Explaining the fiscal responsibility of, and rationale behind, any capital improvements will also be critical.
A consistent communications and informational campaign will be required, as will encouraging identified supporters to vote, before assuming passage of any bond proposal is likely.
Superintendent Kristin Perkowski emphasized that the data reinforces the importance of continued community education and storytelling to better inform the broader voting electorate about the district’s needs following its recently finalized long-term master plan.
Superintendent Evaluation
The Board completed Superintendent Perkowski’s annual evaluation, resulting in an “Effective” rating, the highest rating available for superintendents in the state of Michigan. Board President Nichol Stack commended her leadership and the progress made over the past year.
Board Member Resignation Announcement
Board member Carl Treutler announced his intent to resign effective in January. Treutler reflected on his long history with Grand Haven Area Public Schools, having coached and taught since 1965 and served 18 years on the Board of Education. He shared his continued commitment to advocating for the district. Board President Nichol Stack thanked Mr. Treutler for his steady leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact on the district.
