Harper Creek board approves curriculum, technology purchases and funds summer school

The Harper Creek Board of Education on April 13 voted unanimously to approve a slate of budget and program items, including purchases for curriculum and technology and funding for a K–12 summer school program.

In a series of roll-call votes, the board approved the Calhoun Intermediate School District’s preliminary 2026–27 general fund budget as reviewed; approved the purchase of a new high-school math curriculum (Illustrative Math) at $41,979.80; authorized an AP pre‑calculus course for students who have completed algebra 2; and approved Transfinder bus-routing software with the GPS/parent-app option at a year‑one cost of $38,995 and an annual recurring cost of $28,856. The board also approved purchasing 215 high‑school student devices and authorized a planned marching‑band field trip to perform at the Pearl Harbor remembrance parade in December 2026. Finally, by unanimous roll call the board approved moving forward with the district’s proposed 2026 K–12 summer school programming at an additional cost of $61,500.

Why it matters: the purchases and programs touch classroom instruction, student supports and family communications. Board materials and presenters said the math curriculum purchase builds on earlier elementary and middle‑school investments; the transportation purchase adds a parent app and GPS tracking intended to reduce calls to dispatch; and the device purchases are framed as necessary to sustain one‑to‑one learning. Several items were tied to ongoing bond planning and casino/PIL funds for technology and capital projects.

Key details from approvals: • CISD preliminary budget: board approved the ISD’s preliminary general fund budget, which board presenters said estimated roughly $28 million in revenue and $29 million in expenses for 2026–27, with an intended draw on fund balance as presented.

• High‑school math curriculum: the board approved purchasing Illustrative Math for high‑school courses (algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2) at the line‑item cost shown in the motion ($41,979.80).

• AP pre‑calculus: the board approved offering an AP pre‑calculus course; presenters estimated textbook costs for one section between $3,500 and $4,000.

• Bus routing and parent app: the board authorized Transfinder with the GPS/parent‑app (Stopfinder) option. Year‑one implementation cost was presented as $38,995 with recurring annual costs of $28,856; presenters said parent access would be tied to PowerSchool verification and an administrative portal to limit access.

• Student devices: board approved purchasing approximately 215 high‑school devices; motion and vendor details were included in meeting materials and approved by roll call.

• Marching band trip: the board approved the band’s proposed trip to perform at the Pearl Harbor parade on Dec. 4–9, 2026; fundraising and cost per student were discussed in the presentation.

• Summer school: the board approved a summer‑school program that staff described as a four‑week, 16‑day intervention model (four days per week, 8:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.) at an incremental cost of $61,500 to the general fund for DK–8 programming; staff also presented a total figure of $72,900 when including high‑school credit‑recovery costs.

Board votes and next steps: each action was approved on a roll call with all seven board members recorded as voting in the affirmative. The administration said it will proceed with procurement, vendor onboarding (where applicable) and implementation planning; some items (bond‑related purchases and permitting for a proposed electronic sign) remain contingent on later processes and approvals.

Audience comments and context: a community member, Valerie Vanuser, praised district educators and programs during public comment. Presenters repeatedly emphasized the district’s efforts to keep advanced coursework and extracurricular opportunities in‑district to support student retention.

The board is scheduled to meet next on May 11; staff indicated some items will proceed to implementation and others will continue through committee and vendor onboarding.