All the Buzz
HCS News and Information -- September 10, 2026
Supe Scoop
Hornet Nation,
On November 3, voters in our school district will be asked to renew our non-homestead operating millage. The millage has been renewed from time to time since the passage of Proposal A in 1994, which dramatically changed the structure of both property taxes and school funding in Michigan.
Before Proposal A passed, the school millage rate for our district was 29.5857, and it varied widely across the state. After Proposal A, primary residences were assessed 6 mills, and non-homestead properties were assessed 18 mills, for a total of 24 mills uniformly across the state. There has been no increase in those rates in 32 years.
Local funds collected from the non-homestead operating millage go directly into our general fund. The general fund is used to pay for staff wages and benefits, transportation and custodial services, maintenance of our buildings, instructional materials, athletics, extracurriculars, and other programs. If the non-homestead operating millage fails to pass in November, all of those areas will be on the chopping block as we would need to cut 20-25% of expenditures.
If you have any questions about the millage, please reach out to me
In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
Judy Walton
989.539.7871
Ms. Millspaugh welcomes her students in the morning
Ms. Terry and Ms. Hartwell ensure students safely exit the bus
Ms. Cohee helps a student choose a book
A momentary pause on the playground
Self-affirmations
Mapping it out
Building collaboration skills
Critical thinking
Math manipulatives
Students are flying high in PE!
Teamwork makes the dream work!
Ms. Driver's 4th grade class
Building teamwork skills
Lunch time!
Learning the aerodynamics of planes
Team (and staff) breakfast at the Jackpine
Basketball team working the concession stand
Learning about Buzz Bucks
Greetings at the door with Ms. Loafman
Daily morning announcements
Cheerleading practice timeout
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.
