Artist rendering of the new middle school
by Joseph Schultz
The upcoming millage request May 5 was not officially on the agenda, it remained a prominent topic during Monday night’s Hopkins School Board meeting.
Held at Sycamore Elementary in Dorr, the meeting room featured posters displaying details about the proposal. The bond request aims to fund safety and security improvements for the elementary and high schools, replace the current middle school, and construct a new Performing Arts Center.
Approval will not increase the tax rate from the 2025 millage rate but rejection will allow the millage rate to drop once the current bond has been paid.
Superintendent Scott VanBonn told the board that postcards are being mailed this week to all district voters. Absentee ballots will start going out next week.
Hopkins Schools will be host for community forums on the millage Wenesday, March 18, and Monday, April 23. Board members also will be on hand to distribute information this Saturday at the Easter Egg Hunt at Hopkins Elementary. Information also will be distributed at the upcoming school musicals.
Board members also plan to place “informational” signs in their yards. VanBonn said it was his understanding that some citizens were independently making and distributing some “Vote Yes” yard signs.
Attendance improvements sought by schools
VanBonn also presented to the board a program to improve students’ attendance. The focus shifts from total days absent to “Lost Learning Time” (LLT).
Under the new system, teachers will code attendance as absent, late, or tardy. When asked to clarify between “late” and “tardy,” VanBonn admitted that the words are often used interchangeably. The distinction typically lies in the reason for the delay.
Wayland Union Schools has already switched to the attendance program this year. Hopkins Schools will start it in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Communication and support issues raised
During the public comment section, Jessica King – a Hopkins graduate and a 20-year elementary school teacher – expressed disappointment with the board over their lack of communication on the removal of an assessment tool. King also said teachers of kindergarten and 5-year-old students have seen a decrease in para-professional support over the last few years. She said many teachers are no longer excited about teaching, but are rather “counting down the days” to retirement.
Grants and purchases approved
The board did approve $6,200 in student grant requests and authorized the purchase of a new walk-in cooler/freezer for the food service department, estimated between $61,000 and $65,000.
