[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6576637,"mediaKeyId","3074994-3ccdecc40eccbe592ec8e11393f1a44f","parentId",3074994,"title","Board adopts FAFSA graduation requirement, approves sports and operations contracts; other measures split","audioSeconds",1109,"startMs",6189000,"endMs",7298000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074994-3ccdecc40eccbe592ec8e11393f1a44f&start=6189&end=7298","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074994-3ccdecc40eccbe592ec8e11393f1a44f/thumbnail_6189000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6576637/Michigan/Board-adopts-FAFSA-graduation-requirement-approves-sports-and-operations-contracts-other-measures-split","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576637-8cd7d50c3421c40b6339ef3a9aaa9046/orig.mp4?Expires=1770582169&Signature=VNXoxi8V5T1n6ZaRN6DoTISDOShpnfJttzdkR9BxXb11qscC4kCCEH6Me14K6LQqUGMTgE99oKjxr8UCnnjpnFIHGeQBr1lQhNRAHqMsQTgAyaCJeLXZ~Zd2GU-JcjRL5Cs1r1qzXW7tUyYec~tALnd5NEfa84TrV6HE0GVlZrMnksr6S71097NmDTCAOhErVe-zOhOXoCmXHImdUcwZvDYpmtd76ASV-Y2KMeLB9wsyuvmd3BiK6Z6w-p0iTCU-OxYwyVRlqsu93xjqshCS26goy-8kT2ynU6VL9mG8IG2B5IXEJbAMtxRzEFmdGTUFjwn7O88N0NfIEj34~kzGOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hartland Consolidated Schools","date","2025-04-22T02:17:35.513Z","article","The Heartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education on April 21 approved a revision to its graduation requirements to make completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) a documented graduation expectation for seniors while preserving an exemption for students who qualify. The board also approved several operational items, including a cooperative application to field an MHSA-sanctioned field hockey program, a bond-funded computer replacement purchase and extensions of custodial service contracts.

The FAFSA policy change was presented as a condition for the district to receive a state college-access award intended to fund counseling and college-awareness activities. Superintendent Chuck Hughes and district counselors told the board the award—about $300,000–$382,000 (figures disclosed in meeting discussion varied by rounding)—would be recognized through state aid and used over multiple years to support college- and career-readiness activities, including FAFSA filing help, celebration events and related staffing. The board voted to add the required exemption language specified by the state: the graduation requirement applies “unless a student qualifies for an eligible exemption.”

Why it matters: district staff said the grant will fund counseling and activities to increase FAFSA completion, which they said helps students access scholarships, trade-school funding, apprenticeships and other postsecondary supports. The district described counselors’ ongoing outreach, parent nights and in-school supports intended to raise FAFSA completion rates.

Other votes at the meeting covered a mix of program and operational items, including approval of a cooperative (MHSA) field-hockey application and three contract-related votes for technology procurement and custodial services. One board proposal (policy 166, agenda policy revisions) failed. A separate policy change to the district’s “3 R” (Respect/Responsibility/Results) language was debated and approved after heated discussion.

The board recorded the following formal outcomes and vote tallies at the meeting (motions are summarized from board minutes/transcript):

Votes at a glance
- Revised graduation requirement (Universal FAFSA) — Motion to revise policy to require FAFSA completion for graduating seniors, with stated waivers/exemptions and related administrative guidance; motion amended on the floor to add the state-recommended phrase “unless a student qualifies for an eligible exemption”; amendment and final motion adopted. Mover: Mrs. Coleman; Support: Mrs. Shaw (amendment moved by Mr. Scott). Vote: 7–0 (yes: Mr. Scott; Mr. Gogoleski; Mrs. Coleman; Mr. Keller; Mrs. Shaw; Mr. Campbell; plus the seventh board member as recorded). Notes: District staff said the award will fund FAFSA outreach and related activities; administrative guidance and an opt-out/waiver process will appear in the high-school curriculum guide and administrative guidelines.

- Revised policy 166 (agenda/reporting changes) — Motion to adopt updates to policy 166 (board agenda/notification/reporting items). Mover: Mrs. Shaw; Support: Mr. Keller. Vote: failed (recorded votes in transcript: yes — Mr. Scott, Mr. Gogoleski, Mr. Keller; no — Mrs. Coleman, Mrs. Shaw, Mr. Campbell; resulting in the motion not passing). Notes: trustees debated scope and frequency of information published to the agenda.

- 3 R changes (definition of Respect) — Motion by Mr. Gogoleski to change the wording of the district’s Respect definition under the 3 R framework. The motion prompted extended debate and an unsuccessful effort to postpone for student input. Final motion (no additional amendment) passed in the meeting. Mover: Mr. Gogoleski; Support: Mrs. Coleman. Recorded roll call included yes votes by Mr. Scott, Mr. Gogoleski, Mr. Keller and Mr. Campbell and no votes by Mrs. Coleman and Mrs. Shaw; the motion passed. Notes: the item drew extended public and board discussion about whether the policy should retain enumerated identity groups or rely on the single word “all.”

- MHSA cooperative field-hockey application — Motion to approve the MHSA application to form/support a cooperative field-hockey program. Mover: Mrs. Coleman; Support: Mrs. Shaw. Vote: adopted (recorded as unanimous yes by board roll call). Notes: the district said the cooperative will prioritize Heartland student participation and that coaching/hiring decisions remain administrative responsibilities.

- Computer replacement purchase (2020 bond funds) — Motion to approve purchase of desktops for HESSC and the middle school (bond-funded). Mover: Mrs. Shaw; Support: Mrs. Coleman. Vote: adopted (recorded as unanimous yes). Notes: technology director reported vendor savings allowed the district to increase the purchase count while remaining under the bond allocation.

- Contract extension: ABM custodial services — Motion to extend an existing custodial-services contract (ABM hybrid model used for high school/middle school while other buildings are staffed through EduStaff). Mover: administration; Support: board (motion recorded and discussed). Vote: adopted (recorded as unanimous yes). Notes: administration reported improved performance and weekly operational meetings with ABM and district supervisors; the board asked for a one-page “scope of services” summary to be provided at the next meeting.

- Contract extension: Heartland Custodial Maintenance Association (HCMA) — Motion to approve a labor contract extension for the local custodial association. Mover: Mrs. Coleman; Support: Mrs. Shaw. Vote: adopted (recorded as unanimous yes).

What the board said
Superintendent Hughes said the FAFSA-related dollars were intended to support counseling, work-based-learning and college/trade awareness and that counselors have been working for years to increase FAFSA completion. Trustee debate around the FAFSA policy focused on ensuring an explicit exemption and on whether the district should place the waiver/opt-out language in policy or administrative guidelines; administration committed to document the exemption and include it in the curriculum guide and administrative guidelines.

Looking ahead
Several discussion items were held without final board action: an extended conversation about the Livingston County sheriff road-patrol agreement (board requested a one-page scope of services from the township before formal action), and a governance discussion about formalizing contract-approval and legal-counsel access protocols. The board asked administration to return with refined documents and explicit scope language for future consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","HCS Board Meeting - 04/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Heartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education on April 21 approved a revision to graduation policy requiring seniors to complete the FAFSA (with a state‑required exemption), and adopted a package of operational items including a cooperative field‑hockey application, bond‑funded computer replacements and custodial contract extensions.","taxTitle","Hartland Consolidated Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",38686,"location","Michigan","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6576628,"District begins strategic‑planning stage with public and board input sessions, retreat set for May 3",437,3508000,3945000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074994-3ccdecc40eccbe592ec8e11393f1a44f&start=3508&end=3945","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074994-3ccdecc40eccbe592ec8e11393f1a44f/thumbnail_3508000.jpg","/articles/6576628/Michigan/District-begins-strategicplanning-stage-with-public-and-board-input-sessions-retreat-set-for-May-3","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576628-70b85678a88b4075e4fd3f6672b27c87/orig.mp4?Expires=1770582169&Signature=U3ukb~2ryAP1qJy1k9-6GsPfh5kDWUoH5FK5qAWSHaVtigH7HVake1AASpTUePB4ryomE9cgB7LjoztoEyW-ebBWXlfxhVd~h4QO6Sp-AYauXMxXKy5SwXgTF11wBGWd2FmUNXgteail2TwWw4pE02YWbJtlKs36C9qiSEof6Lf8SwuVSHoi6Wz640hYfj0Pv5E1HRu88hMCcC92v97OR6rWnFsyoZuhYIJKJ0K416FpoH9ztYYOOWAMaK4Nz3vVul2sRw0GVK9f2XB0osBTM~TGRDXSXOPliAfEdfGcdi246HTx90m-7ePKjsVkJXgSyR1~8UnGOtXmF5DdT~KKNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Heartland Consolidated Schools’ administration and facilitators told trustees on April 21 they have completed a data‑gathering phase for a district strategic plan and will hold a one‑day strategic‑planning retreat May 3 with about 35 stakeholders.

Consultant Greg Janicki, who is facilitating the process for the board, summarized the five‑step planning timetable: pre‑planning (partner selection), analysis/needs assessment (surveys, focus groups), strategic formulation (the May retreat), administrative implementation planning and a board review/approval in June. Janicki said the district gathered both qualitative and quantitative input through two staff sessions, two community sessions, student focus groups and an online survey that attracted roughly 600 responses.

Janicki asked trustees to complete a short strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/vision sheet during the meeting and offered to capture their commentary live for use at the retreat. Trustees and administrators highlighted recurring themes for the plan: a strong culture, staff longevity, broad extracurricular offerings and a desire to balance investment in facilities and new programs. Trustees also emphasized continuing support for college and career pathways, including trades and professional certificates.

Why it matters
The strategic plan will establish a five‑year “true north” (vision, mission and belief statements) and aspirational goal categories covering academics/programs, culture/learning environment, personnel/leadership, finance/operations and community engagement. Administration said the final product will include initiatives, metrics and annual interim targets that can be translated into budget and policy decisions.

Next steps
Janicki and administration asked trustees to bring the completed input sheets to the retreat and to expect implementation‑planning materials in June for final board approval.","Consultant Greg Janicki and Superintendent Hughes summarized stakeholder input and the timeline for a May 3 strategic‑planning retreat; administration reported about 600 survey responses and multiple in‑person input sessions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6576633,"Board asks administration to formalize contract‑approval and legal‑counsel protocols after debate",600,12360000,12960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074994-3ccdecc40eccbe592ec8e11393f1a44f&start=12360&end=12960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074994-3ccdecc40eccbe592ec8e11393f1a44f/thumbnail_12360000.jpg","/articles/6576633/Michigan/Board-asks-administration-to-formalize-contractapproval-and-legalcounsel-protocols-after-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576633-f71cc07692f9547eea3f1582b7d554eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770582169&Signature=KmCnR418hewRi08X7Si4z~a8SrgO8g9KSkW-6xlErEv0OCC6DI28hdufarSpYN8l6xLHTTy4Jqdon8VGtH06PVD9WU8tWuwNlmlvFvRFqf50a43eliMJSp3AEOx35xwkg1WrfFOXjeBwVwbzBQp~E9A9nc5R2Im~QRF41nj6pyA8nWjV83j9YeDAekz03~SYkKKFBeCiry0FYZVBQlwh9c68iMp6gnaNZwaCbzZEpzNIl~xksQwtMdItjDQkaPzi3Qs71b-H4sKuCRKyzeFcR8YZ8u84GNWsSPwmBFqbIJKd41fOkM9w5qV2U7y-cAIXwKV1Nb5bGTGl~I~Gr0N-3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees asked administration on April 21 to draft formal, written protocols for two recurring governance issues: (1) when and how the board must review or approve district contracts and renewals, and (2) the process by which individual trustees may request legal advice and how counsel’s advice is documented for the board.

What trustees debated
- Contract approval thresholds and duration: Trustees said identical procedural language is not currently in district policy for service-contract renewals and asked administration to propose a dollar threshold and a duration threshold (for example, requiring board approval for multi‑year deals or contracts above a stated dollar amount). Trustee Greg Keller noted the board’s interest in distinguishing routine purchases from multi‑year service contracts that carry operational exposure. Several trustees said they want a policy that keeps the board informed but does not require sign‑off for small routine purchases.

- Legal‑counsel access and documentation: Trustees asked for a written protocol for board access to the district’s retained attorneys. The discussion covered how to balance timely access to legal advice (trustees said they need practical counsel) with fiscal oversight of retainer costs. Administration said that memos summarizing attorney recommendations have been provided to the superintendent and can be made available to trustees; trustees asked that counsel provide a short written memo after substantive attorney conversations so the board can track legal advice without creating attorney‑client confidentiality issues.

Administration response and next steps
Superintendent Hughes and district staff said they will draft policy language for the board to review. Specifically they agreed to:
- Prepare a proposed contract‑approval policy (including suggested dollar and term thresholds) and bring it to the board’s policy committee for editing. Trustee Keller volunteered to draft initial language and bring it to the policy committee for discussion.
- Provide a one‑page “scope of services” summary for the Livingston County sheriff road‑patrol agreement before the next meeting, so the board can vote on a clearly described service level.
- Create a standard practice that attorney conversations of substantive import are summarized in a short memo to the superintendent and placed in central files for trustees to review; administration said it will identify a retainer/roster process so trustees can know which legal firms are available for what specialties.

Why it matters
Board members said the policy changes are about transparency and long‑term fiscal stewardship: formal thresholds limit the chance of unanticipated multi‑year obligations, and clearer legal‑access rules ensure consistent documentation of advice in cases that affect district policy or litigation risk.

What the board asked for next
Administration was asked to present draft language and supporting examples at the next Committee of the Whole or regular meeting. Trustees said they want the contract and legal protocols to return as discrete agenda items so the board can act in a deliberative forum.","Trustees discussed adding clearer thresholds and procedures for contract renewals and for board access to outside legal counsel; administration will draft policy language and bring scope summaries to a future meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board adopts FAFSA graduation requirement, approves sports and operations contracts; other measures split

District begins strategic‑planning stage with public and board input sessions, retreat set for May 3

Board asks administration to formalize contract‑approval and legal‑counsel protocols after debate