Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – Grand Haven Area Public Schools school board held their monthly meeting Monday night. Superintendent Kristin Perkowski stopped by Good Morning Grand Haven to chat.

Hear the interview below:

The Grand Haven Area Public Schools Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Griffin Elementary School.

Announcements & Recognitions

Grand Partner of the Month

The district recognized American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28 as September’s Grand Partner of the Month. The recognition celebrated the organization’s longtime support for students and staff, including providing flags, supporting the Teacher of the Year Award, participating in Ferry Elementary’s first-day flag-raising ceremony, and presenting the colors at Bucs Pride events and commencement.

Duneside Discovery Center Playscape Ribbon-cutting Ceremony

Superintendent Kristin Perkowski invited the community to the ribbon-cutting for the new outdoor playscape at Duneside Discovery Center at Mary A. White on Thursday, October 1. Guests may arrive at 4 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 4:15 p.m. at 1400 Wisconsin Avenue. Families are welcome to enjoy the playscape before and after the ceremony, with activities planned for children. The project came together through ODC Network’s design and construction expertise and grant support, with the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation helping connect available funding with the needs at Duneside.

GHAPS Bond Community Information Sessions

Perkowski also thanked those who attended the first bond information session at Ferry Elementary for their thoughtful questions and discussion. Remaining sessions will take place virtually on Thursday, October 1, at noon, and at Peach Plains Elementary on Wednesday, October 14, at 7 p.m. The virtual session can be viewed live at www.ghaps.org/bond or through a link on the district’s home page, just like Board meeting and athletic livestreams. Questions may be submitted in advance at www.ghaps.org/bondquestions or by calling the district’s main office at (616) 850-5000.

Celebration of Learning

Griffin Elementary highlighted its Responsive Classroom work and connections to the GHAPS Learner Traits. Classroom examples illustrated how expectations such as caring for oneself, others, and shared spaces help students practice collaboration, empathy, communication, critical thinking, resilience, and curiosity.

Business Services

The Board approved a contract with Metro Elevator for districtwide elevator and barrier-free lifting device upgrades, as recommended by Executive Director of Business Services Michael MacDonald. Metro submitted the lowest of four bids at $252,865. With a $50,000 contingency, the total authorization was $302,865, to be paid through the Sinking Fund.

Human Services

The Board approved employment contracts for five staff members for the 2026–27 school year, filling positions in early childhood education, special education, and behavioral health services across the district.

Superintendent’s Items

Following a second reading, the Board adopted policy updates reviewed by the Labor & Policy Committee. The updates addressed financial management, safety, personnel, parent involvement, and student services. A first reading took place on August 17.

Board President’s Items

The Board selected Vice President Marc Eickholt as its voting delegate for the Michigan Association of School Boards’ October 15 Delegate Assembly, with President Nichol Stack serving as the alternate.