As Grand Haven Area Public Schools returns from winter break and gets back into the swing of the school year, there are exciting things happening across the district. From family engagement events and performances by our outstanding arts programs to exciting athletics opportunities and everyday classroom moments, students and staff are off to a strong start in the second half of the year.
Earlier this week, the GHAPS Board of Education met for its regular meeting to discuss important district business and to celebrate several meaningful recognitions and announcements.
Board of Education Officer Selections
Prior to the start of the regular meeting, the Board of Education conducted its annual process of nominating and selecting trustees to serve in officer roles for the coming year. Nichol Stack was selected to continue serving as Board President, with Marc Eickholt continuing as Vice President and Krystal Boyd continuing as Secretary. Cyndi Casemiere was nominated and selected to serve as the Board’s new Treasurer.
2026 Board Meeting Calendar Approved
The Board of Education approved its calendar of regular board meetings for the 2026 calendar year, as required by the Open Meetings Act. As part of this schedule, the Board will continue its practice of holding regular meetings at GHAPS school buildings throughout the school year. Longer board retreat meetings, however, will be held at the District’s Education Service Center.
Celebrations & Recognitions
Grand Partners of the Month – December & January
The Board of Education recognized two outstanding community partners whose work has had a meaningful impact on students and families across Grand Haven Area Public Schools.
December Grand Partner of the Month: Love in Action
Love in Action was honored for its extensive support of basic needs throughout the community, including food, clothing, and essential resources for families year-round. During the holiday season, their impact is especially significant through their role in the Community Cares for Teens Christmas gift program and by providing meals to families receiving assistance through the Salvation Army. Their food pantries and mobile food trucks continue to support families across the area when and where help is needed most.
January Grand Partner of the Month: Kids Hope USA
Kids Hope USA was recognized for more than 25 years of partnership with GHAPS, supporting students through one-to-one mentoring relationships across multiple schools. Currently, 71 GHAPS students participate in the program, supported by volunteers from a wide range of local churches and denominations. This long-standing commitment continues to make a lasting difference for students and school communities.
Board Member Recognition Month
In acknowledgement of January as Board Member Recognition Month, the district honored members of the Board of Education for their dedication, leadership, and service.
Board members were thanked for the significant time and care they invest in learning, listening, and making thoughtful decisions on behalf of students and the broader school community. As a small token of appreciation, each board member received a GHAPS mug and a Grand Haven monogram ornament designed and printed by Grand Haven High School students in Mr. Case’s design class.
GHAPS Unified Basketball Team Announcement
The district announced the official launch of its first Unified basketball team, marking an important milestone in inclusive athletics. Unified basketball brings together students with and without disabilities to compete as teammates, emphasizing belonging, teamwork, and shared experiences.
The team will open its inaugural season with a kickoff celebration and game at the end of the school day this Friday in front of the entire student body, building staff, family, and friends. Remaining games later in the season will be open to the public, with upcoming matchups against West Ottawa (January 20), Hudsonville (February 3), and Rockford (February 20).
Superintendent Kristin Perkowski thanked Dr. Cassady Krumm and Ally Harder from Special Education Services, along with Athletic Director Taylor Schriber, for their leadership in bringing this opportunity to GHAPS students.
Instructional Services Update: Highlighting Central High School
The Board received an instructional update highlighting student supports and engagement at Central High School. Central High School serves as an alternative high school option within Grand Haven Area Public Schools, supporting students through personalized learning and strong relationships. Central provides flexible pathways to graduation while emphasizing academic progress, positive behavior supports, mentoring, and access to services that help students stay engaged, build confidence, and plan for success beyond high school.
Principal Kevin Berko shared that the school is focused on a “whole-student” approach in which staff work to match students up with mentors, programming, and extracurricular activities that help students thrive in school and beyond. Mr. Berko also highlighted several key partnerships that have helped remove barriers for students, including Mosaic Counseling, Tri-Cities College Access Network, and the Momentum Center. He thanked his staff for their dedication to student success and the passion they bring to the school each day.
Business Services Update & Action Items
The Board received a financial update and approved two key business items:
Operating Millage Resolution
The Board approved the annual operating millage resolution, which authorizes the district to call a special election for the 18-mill non-homestead tax on businesses, rental properties, and second homes. This millage provides approximately 22.8% of the district’s General Fund revenue and is required annually to maintain operating funding levels. Primary residences are not taxed under this millage.
The 18-mill operating millage is a tax on non-homestead property—such as businesses, rental properties, and second homes.
It does not apply to primary residences. This local tax does not increase how much funding GHAPS receives per student — it simply allows us to collect the local portion of the state-set foundation allowance.
2025-26 Budget Amendment
The Board approved the first budget amendment for the 2025–26 school year, reflecting updated pupil counts, staffing adjustments, retirement and insurance costs, state funding updates, taxable value increases, and discretionary budget changes across the General Fund, Student Activity Fund, Food Service Fund, and Sinking Fund.
Executive Director of Business and Finance Michael MacDonald recognized the Food Service team for maximizing revenue through efficient operations, allowing funds to support projects such as the recent cafeteria update at White Pines Intermediate School.
He also reviewed staffing cost increases tied to the expansion of GSRP programming, which is covered within the GSRP grant.
Human Services
The Board approved the hire of a new Resource Room Teacher who will support Lake Hills Elementary and the district.
Board Policy Updates
The Board conducted a second reading and approved revisions to the following board policies:
3118 – Title IX Sexual Harassment
4113 – Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA)
4221 – Employee Speech
5407 – Instructional Program and Curriculum Development
Strategic Plan & Superintendent Updates
The Superintendent shared that the district will finalize and publish a Strategic Plan dashboard on the district website later this month. A more in-depth Strategic Plan update will be provided to the Board of Education later this year, beginning with a formal update at the September board meeting.
The Board also reviewed the Superintendent’s 2026 goals, which focus on strengthening strategic plan monitoring and reporting systems and conducting a comprehensive review of district organizational structures to improve efficiency and alignment.
Board President Items
The meeting concluded with items led by the Board President, including discussion related to the district’s Master Plan, future bond timeline considerations, and execution of the Superintendent’s contract.
As part of the board’s future bond timeline conversation, district leadership was asked to explore the possibility of a November 2026 ballot measure, clarifying that no formal decision would be required until later in the year, when ballot certification timelines come into play.
