Harper Creek trustees preview potential bond, emphasize school choice messaging and safety priorities
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Summary
Board members said a small, no-tax-increase bond could be proposed now to bridge to a larger 2034 issue; the steering committee will deliver a priority list to the board in January. Trustees also emphasized clarifying school-of-choice funding to the public and implementing safety measures recommended by Emmet Township.
Harper Creek Board members reviewed strategic-plan priorities and discussed whether to place a smaller, no-tax-increase bond before voters as a bridge to addressing longer-term capital needs when current bonds mature in 2034.
Superintendent Speaker 1 said a steering committee prioritized district needs after a community survey (138 responses) and plans to present a proposal to the board in January. She described a strategy of issuing a smaller bond now—structured as no tax increase—to cover immediate needs and bridge to a larger bond when current bonds are paid off earlier than planned after refinancing. Speaker 1 said refinancing saved roughly $16 million in interest, which improves near-term flexibility.
Board members also discussed public messaging: Speaker 3 emphasized linking the bond to a long-term strategic plan and addressing community concerns, and the board proposed focused community meetings about school choice to present the facts and improve turnout. Speaker 1 clarified a common misconception: the district receives the foundation allowance for school-of-choice students (she cited $10,050 per choice student) and said school choice contributes to district enrollment stability; the district reported current enrollment at 2,799 versus an ideal operational target around 2,800.
On safety, the superintendent reported Chief Mackey of Emmet Township briefed the committee after reviewing a mass-shooting playbook; recommended improvements included tactical medical kits in classrooms and go-bags for reunification procedures.
Next steps: steering committee to deliver a recommended priority list in January; the board will plan community engagement and return to bond design and timing.