Arrowhead board approves petition to begin annexation talks with Village of Hartland

The Arrowhead UHS School District board voted to approve a draft petition to start the annexation process with the Village of Hartland, a step administrators said would open further review by the village and the state Department of Justice.

The superintendent introduced a draft document and said the village has scheduled the subject for its next agenda. A board member who attended the village meeting summarized village concerns and the local chief of police's presentation about services the village already provides. Board members discussed practical issues that might arise if annexation proceeds, including sewer infrastructure, tax implications and the status of school resource officers.

Board members framed the action as a procedural step to "set the wheels in motion," not an approval of a final transfer of territory. Administration explained the sequence: if the board approves the petition, the district will send it to the village; the village will conduct due diligence and, if it accepts, forward materials to the state for further review.

A motion to approve the petition was moved and seconded and then adopted by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion "passes" and the petition will be circulated for signatures. Administrators said the petition does not obligate village acceptance and that subsequent steps and findings will determine whether annexation progresses.

Next steps listed by administrators included circulating the petition for board signatures and returning with any additional questions that arise during the village's review process.