Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – The Grand Haven Area Public Schools Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Education Service Center.
Announcements & Recognitions:
The Board recognized Homeless Prevention Partners as the district’s November Grand Partner of the Month for their ongoing commitment to supporting GHAPS students and families through direct assistance, food pantry support, and collaboration with the district’s McKinney-Vento program. Board members also highlighted the upcoming Soup For All event taking place this Thursday, which raises funds to prevent homelessness across the Tri-Cities and directly benefits GHAPS families. District staff are again participating through pre-ordered “to-go” meals delivered to schools, reflecting the strong partnership between GHAPS and Homeless Prevention Partners.
The Board also presented a Gold Standard Award for Excellence to the Grand Haven High School girls rugby team in celebration of their Division 1 State Championship, the first in program history. The recognition honored the team’s perseverance, teamwork, and representation of Buccaneer pride on and off the field.
Instructional Services:
The Board received an update from White Pines Intermediate School, presented by Principal Mike Shelton and Assistant Principal Jennifer Shaughnessy, highlighting ongoing work to elevate student voice and strengthen school culture. Through daily wellness checks, building safety surveys, and student-led groups such as Solution Seekers and POPS (Power of Peer Support), students are taking an active role in identifying school needs, promoting inclusion, and shaping a positive learning environment. Staff also shared examples of students tracking academic data and setting personal goals as part of continuous improvement efforts.
The Board also reviewed several curricular field trip requests, including out-of-state travel requiring Board authorization under Policy 5506. Approved trips include:
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An AP Literature trip for GHHS students to Chicago to attend a Shakespearean play.
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A German American Partnership Program (GAPP) trip for GHHS students to Chicago to visit German exchange students.
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A GHHS Band Program trip to Orlando, Florida, providing performance opportunities at Disney and Universal.
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An 8th Grade Band trip for Lakeshore Middle School students to Chicago to attend a Broadway musical.
Business Services:
The Board engaged in an in-depth discussion about the district’s Section 31aa funding opt-in resolution, acknowledging the complexity and differing perspectives surrounding the state requirements tied to this funding. President Nichol Stack noted that the thoughtful and respectful deliberation made her proud of the Board she serves on.
Following discussion, the Board approved the resolution on a 6–1 vote. Adoption provides GHAPS with nearly $800,000 to support student safety and mental health initiatives, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention System (TCIS) training and related behavioral and mental health supports. Under state requirements, adoption of the resolution grants the state access to certain district communications should a qualifying critical incident occur.
Human Services:
The Board approved the hiring of a new English Language Learner (ELL) teacher to support multilingual learners across the district. ELL teachers provide targeted language instruction and partner with classroom teachers to ensure students developing English proficiency can access academic content and fully participate in the school community.
Strategic Plan Update:
The Board received an update on the implementation of the district’s Strategic Plan, including the development of new metrics that will be used to measure progress. These indicators incorporate both leading measures—such as program participation and implementation benchmarks—and lagging measures tied to student outcomes and community engagement. Quarterly reporting and a multi-year implementation timeline will support transparency and accountability.
Master Plan Updates:
The Board also reviewed updates related to the district’s Long-Term Master Plan, including preliminary findings from a recent EPIC-MRA scientific survey that gathered community input on future facility planning. Early results show strong community interest in elementary renovations, essential facility upgrades, transportation, and technology improvements, with more cautious views regarding larger-scale configuration changes.
As part of this discussion, the Board examined feedback from 5th- and 6th-grade teachers on possible grade configuration changes. Survey results reflected strong support for keeping 5th grade within the current 5–6 intermediate model, citing academic, social-emotional, and developmental benefits as well as the continuity and collaboration provided by the current structure.
Following discussion, the Board voted 7–0 to approve the district’s long-term Master Plan, allowing next steps in planning for project phasing, timing, and community engagement.
The Board then received a school finance primer outlining key components of Michigan’s funding structure:
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The School Aid Fund provides per-pupil operational funding for instruction, staffing, and daily operations.
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Bond and sinking fund dollars may only be used for capital needs, such as facility improvements, technology infrastructure, and buses.
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The 18-mill operating millage is a tax on non-homestead properties—businesses, rentals, and second homes—and is required by the state. It does not apply to primary residences and does not increase how much funding GHAPS receives per student; instead, it ensures the district can collect the local portion of the state-set foundation allowance, which the state does not replace if the millage fails.
The Board also reviewed millage comparison data, which show that GHAPS currently has the lowest total millage rate (combined debt and sinking funds) among area districts and one of the lowest in Michigan overall at 0.696 mills, underscoring both the challenge and opportunity for long-term community reinvestment.
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