MDE report flags 'under development' oversight areas for Elk Rapids as authorizer of Mill Creek Academy

The Michigan Department of Education’s Public School Academies Unit provided an Assurance & Verification (A&V) feedback report to Elk Rapids Schools that identified multiple authorizer oversight functions as "Under Development," recommended a Master Calendar of Reporting Requirements (MCRR), and urged clearer reauthorization and financial-monitoring procedures.

The report—documented in the packet and dated Oct. 2, 2025—notes: "Under development means something substantive is missing, or there’s evidence it’s not working," and recommends that Elk Rapids adopt standardized application and reauthorization processes, formalize site‑visit forms, require quarterly financial reporting and post contracts and board documents on the PSA website. Tammy Hatfield, MDE PSAU supervisor, and consultants Neil Beckwith, Eric Lipinski and Tom English are listed as contacts in the memo and accompanying report.

The A&V feedback reviewed 16 oversight indicators (application/authorization, governance, facilities, quality of learning, financial accountability, etc.) and in many areas suggested formalizing procedures that are currently handled informally. The board packet includes the A&V feedback report and supporting documentation such as the MCA oversight agreement, governance materials and examples of uploaded documents. The MDE recommended starting reauthorization work 12–18 months before contract expiration and basing renewal primarily on student achievement across subgroups.

Board members had the A&V report in their packet for discussion; the report was listed under discussion items for the meeting and the district planned a follow-up meeting with MDE staff to review the feedback. The packet does not record an extended public debate or action at the Oct. 13 meeting beyond receipt of the report and listing it for discussion.