All the Buzz
HCS News and Information -- November 25, 2025
Supe Scoop
Hornet Nation,
In this season of gratitude, we remain thankful to all of our families for the support you provide your children and our staff as we work together to build the next generation of creative, kind, and community-minded young adults. While many of our kids will have jobs and careers that we may not even be able to fathom today, we know that creativity, kindness, and caring about your community will never go out of style.
We are also grateful for the feedback you provided around our recent bond proposal. It was thoughtful, detailed, and will definitely guide us as we map out our next steps on the journey to addressing the district's infrastructure needs.
Happy Thanksgiving to All! And thank you for choosing Harrison Community Schools.
In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
Judy Walton
989.539.7871
In this issue, we meet Jim Neff, a lifelong Hornet who was elected to the Board in 2020. Currently, he has been chosen by his peers to serve as Vice President.
- Number of Children in HCS: Two, a senior and freshman in the high school.
- Job/Position Outside of BOE: Engineer Technician at Federal Broach
- Why I Ran for BOE: I have always been involved with the youth of our town in a variety of local organizations. With my kids getting older, and still wanting to help the youth of our town, the school board made a good fit.
- Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends while sharing my love and knowledge of the outdoors.
- One Thing I Wish More People Knew About BOE: We are responsible for hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and do not have any required responsibilities over the day-to-day business or employee relations.
Heather Jensen - Keynote Speaker
On Wednesday, November 19, Larson teacher Heather Jensen provided the keynote address for the Preservice Teachers at Central Michigan University. Ms. Jensen was humbled to be selected, and thrilled to be able to offer words of motivation and inspiration to the next generation of educators.
At the event, students are welcomed into the teaching profession, and receive a teaching pin.
Mohinur Xo Jamova
Jia Yu (lillian) Liao
With the Larson students
Interested in Volunteering?
Would you like to be more involved in your child's school? Do you have time during the school day or just after to volunteer? We would welcome you with open arms!
In order to volunteer, you simply fill out and submit an iChat form (linked below). This enables us to run a criminal background check in short order, to ensure the safety of all students you may come into contact with. Assuming nothing of concern shows up, you are all set to help out wherever your school may need you. The principal of each building determines the needs, and works with approved volunteers to meet those needs; some schools may have more needs than others. If you would like to view our Board Policies in regard to volunteering, please view Board Policy 3105 on our website.
Excused Absences
When communicating that your child will be absent, the following are coded as "excused" per Board Policy 5301:
- the student’s physical or mental illness (verification from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner is required after 4 consecutive days of absence for illness);
- severe weather;
- medical appointments for the student;
- death or serious illness of the student’s family member;
- attendance at a funeral, wedding, or graduation;
- appearance at court or for other legal matters;
- observance of religious holidays of the student’s own faith;
- college planning visits; and
- personal or family vacations (form must be completed and turned in at least five (5) days beforehand; see principal for form).
The ABCs of a BOE Meeting
All Board meetings are open to the public, and are conducted in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. On rare occasions, the Board may go into closed session, but only as allowed by the OMA.
If it is your first time attending a Board meeting, you may not be familiar with the structure. Make sure you pick up an agenda on your way in, and if you intend to speak during the portion designated for public comments, please pick up a copy of Board Policy 2504, which is near the copies of the agenda. This will explain the parameters of the public comment portion of the agenda.
As you observe the Board conduct its business, the agenda will guide you. Common agenda sections are as follows:
- Opening of the Meeting (welcome, Pledge of Allegiance, additions/corrections to agenda/minutes, building instructional highlight, any other "organizational" items)
- Consent Agenda (items for approval that do not require a roll-call vote, and without objection from a Board member, can be considered all together)
- Non-Consent Agenda (one or more items that require a separate roll-call vote, such as budget approval)
- Informational Items (examples include resignations, other presentations, etc.)
- Public Comments (3 minutes each, Board members do not respond during the 3 minutes so that each speaker gets their full time; after, Board members may, but do not have to, pose questions or make statements)
- Communication (Superintendent's Report - includes subject matter of public comments; any other Board communication)
- Discussion Items (other matters any Board member may choose to speak about; may relate to public comments but not required)
- Adjournment
Within 8 business days of the meeting, minutes are posted on our website.
See below for information on our next meeting.
