Harper Creek board approves 2025 tax levy, sets budget hearing, hires staff and OKs athletics membership

The Harper Creek Board of Education unanimously approved several routine but consequential items at its meeting (date not specified), including the district's 2025 tax levy, a June 23 budget hearing, membership in the Michigan High School Athletic Association and five recommended new hires.

The board voted 7-0 to set the operating millage at 18 mills for non-homestead property and 7.12 mills for debt retirement for the 2025 tax collection year, covering the taxing units listed on the district form L-4029. The board later set its public budget hearing for June 23 at 5:30 p.m. and approved the annual resolution to remain a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association so the district may participate in MHSAA-sanctioned events and access related catastrophic insurance provisions.

The board approved five recommended new hires as presented: Amber Vandy (Beetle Lake Elementary, BA), Bobby Van Wormer (Sonoma Elementary, MA), Anna Cleary (Wattles Park Elementary, BA), Holly Morris (middle school, BA, alternative pathway teaching certificate) and Stephanie Howard (high school principal, M.Ed., leadership). The board also introduced a proposed high school drama mural on the back wall of the stage and voted 7-0 to allow the project to proceed.

Multiple routine items were approved on the consent agenda by unanimous roll call, including minutes from meetings on 05/12/2025 and 06/05/2025 and committee minutes listed in the consent packet.

All motions brought for a vote during the meeting passed on unanimous roll calls. The meeting record shows standard "moved and supported" motions with roll-call voting recorded as yes from every listed board member.

The board adjourned following the votes and routine closing remarks.