Northport board approves Promise Saves MOU backed by $180,000 state grant

The Northport Public School Board on Oct. 13 approved a memorandum of understanding with Northport Promise and TBA Credit Union to implement the Promise Saves program, officials said.

Rebecca Teahen of the Northport Promise board presented the program, saying it is supported by a $180,000 state grant that will let Northport provide $100 per student per year retroactively for each year of attendance. The program, Teahen said, aims to increase higher-education attendance rates among Northport students.

The board voted 7–0 to approve the MOU after Tom Wetherbee moved the motion and Ryan Blessing supported it. Board members and the superintendent described the partnership as a community effort to expand college-going supports and family savings habits.

Superintendent Neil Wetherbee had earlier provided context on the district’s finances, reporting local non-homestead property tax revenue of about $4.7 million, federal funding near $164,000 and a net state funding decrease of roughly $14,000, for total annual revenue of about $6 million. Board members said the Promise Saves program complements existing student supports without altering the district’s general fund commitments.

Board members and several public commenters expressed support: Ryan Blessing thanked Promise Saves leaders during board comments and community members praised school programs during public comment. The presentation noted that Northport is the first district in Michigan able to apply the $100-per-student amount retroactively for each year of attendance under the current grant.

Next steps: the superintendent is authorized to carry out the MOU’s provisions with Northport Promise and TBA Credit Union; the board did not list additional implementation deadlines at the meeting.