Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Bond projects, district initiatives to ensure students are future-ready, and parent communication regarding school incidents were all discussed during a recent Coffee Chat hosted by Howell Public Schools Erin MacGregor.

MacGregor held his second Coffee Chat of the school year – this time in a virtual format. He first provided an update on the “Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond”, which was approved by voters in 2023.

Work is progressing and construction on a new youth baseball and softball field is completed while turf replacement at Parker Stadium is also done. Interior door and lock replacement at the High School 10-12 building is halfway done and new furniture has been installed at Innovation Academy.

It was noted the design phase continues for the replacement elementary schools and the district will be going out to bid. The two oldest elementary schools are being replaced – Southwest and Northwest – which were built in the 1950’s. MacGregor said they intend to break ground in the spring around April on those projects.

MacGregor said they’re also doing a bit of an addition at Highlander Way Middle School to add extra space for classrooms, music and robotics - as well as significant renovations throughout the school, which was built in the 1970’s. He said they’ll begin work on the addition when students are finished with the school year around June 1st and then the renovations will be a multi-year project.

The fourth major project is a community center. MacGregor said they’ve kicked off the design phase for the center but are hoping to move up the timeline due to community interest.

Following the bond update, MacGregor moved into efforts to make sure students are career and college ready but also prepared for life and challenges.

For the career and technical education, he said he’s really proud of the options they have for students to prepare for various careers out here. MacGregor also touched on co-ops and internships that are available, as well as military path for those interested. College options include advanced placement classes, dual enrollment, and early college programs.

MacGregor also took time for questions from those in attendance.

One parent raised some issues with the method of communication being email following an incident at Parker Middle School last week. The school went into shelter-in-place mode for around 15 minutes after it was reported a student made a concerning comment regarding bringing a weapon to school while on the bus. No direct threat was made and it was said to be quickly confirmed the student did not have a weapon and that there was no danger to students or staff.

MacGregor clarified that they want to use phone calls and texts for emergencies. When they know a situation been handled, there’s no threat, a student wasn’t thinking and said inappropriate things – he feels those situations can be handled in an email versus “lighting up” everyone’s phones. MacGregor noted when that happens, it will be due to something that is extremely serious – saying that’s the balance he tries to find and it’s not always easy. He added the district is also limited on what information can be shared regarding incidents and specifics cannot be given for outcomes or situations.

The parent suggested a parent leadership meeting, workshop, or even Coffee Chat around threat assessments and what they look like and what steps are taken and considered to help with education efforts - which MacGregor said was a good recommendation and discussion item.

MacGregor’s Coffee Chats offer an informal opportunity for district families and community members to learn about things happening within the district and ask any questions they may have. Each Coffee Chat is free to attend and open to all.