Superintendent presents five goals, seeks board OK to begin facilities assessment and surveys

The Hudsonville Public School District superintendent presented five proposed goals aligned with the district’s strategic plan — academic performance, district reorganization, facilities planning, diversity and advocacy, and policy transitions — and asked the board for feedback and informal approval to begin a district‑wide facilities assessment that could inform a future bond proposal.

The superintendent told the board the academic goal focuses on curriculum and improving student outcomes, noting recent changes to the elementary math curriculum and ongoing discussions about middle‑school math. The superintendent described curriculum as “the number 1 thing we do in the district.”

A new goal on district reorganization would review roles that were created when the district had federal dollars and consider how to staff similar functions with ongoing operational funds. The superintendent said the work on reorganization will involve an HR subcommittee and could require early meetings so affected staff learn of changes well before the new school year.

On diversity and advocacy, the superintendent proposed shifting from reactive efforts to a more proactive approach and establishing measures to assess impact. The district’s strategic planning survey (conducted every three years) and off‑cycle surveys or focus groups were discussed as tools for gathering community feedback; staff said a presentation on survey options will be scheduled for a February work session.

Facilities planning was presented as an 18‑month planning process. The superintendent asked whether the board wanted staff to begin planning work in 2025; such planning does not put a bond on the ballot but prepares options for what a bond could look like. On the subject of funding, the superintendent said requesting a tax rate increase may not be advisable and noted the district could explore how prior bond sale timing affected available funds.

A board member referenced an article about K‑12 enrollment declines in Michigan and said the district should consider enrollment trends when planning facilities. The superintendent agreed that enrollment and district‑wide location patterns are major factors in facilities work and said the process will include engagement with parent‑teacher council meetings, the interschool advisory group and community surveys.

The superintendent asked fellow board members to submit any additional goal proposals by the next meeting and said staff will circulate the draft goals. The superintendent also said staff will bring more detailed planning and survey options to the February work session for further discussion.

Quoted in the meeting, the superintendent said, “We we don't have $10,000,000 left over to say, what do you wanna do?” to emphasize constrained funds available for new construction absent further decisions. The remark and other comments about timelines and process were made during the superintendent’s goals presentation and subsequent board discussion.

No board action to adopt the goals or to place a bond on the ballot occurred during the meeting; staff requested informal consideration from the board to begin planning work.