Board of Education
Our school board members are entrusted with the important work of shaping the education of our youngest citizens. They dedicate countless hours to creating the mission, vision and goals that drive our schools.
They are dedicated to creating a school culture where collaboration and continuous learning are valued and displayed throughout our system.
The seven members of the Tri County Area Schools Board of Education do this by always keeping children as the center of their work and decision making.
Board Members
Public Participation at Board Meetings
Board meetings are held for the purpose of conducting the business of the district and are not public meetings, but meetings held in public. All regular and special meetings of the board shall be open to the public.
The board desires to hear the viewpoints of citizens, students, and employee organizations and shall schedule times at all meetings for them to be heard.
When addressing the board during Public Comment, state your name and address at the start of your comment. Please limit your comments to three minutes.
Audience time is not intended as a forum for public debate. Questions raised may require further investigation. Normally, the board will wait until its next meeting before responding to concerns raised.
Questions & Concerns
Residents of the community are encouraged to communicate with Tri County Area Schools educators and school board members.
School-related problems can usually best be solved by talking with the employee closest to the problem, i.e. teachers, support staff, principal. It is there that most problems can be quickly and productively resolved.
If questions still remain, please contact the Superintendent. And, if you're convinced that further action is required, your next step is to submit it to the Board of Education. You may address the Board at a board meeting during the Public Comment portion of the agenda or in writing to the Board of Education, 94 Cherry Street, PO Box 79, Sand Lake, MI 49343.
June Issue by Jessica Helfmann, Board Trustee
My name is Jessica Helfmann, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the newest member of the Board of Education, having assumed Brian Stewart's position in November.
I have proudly called Howard City my home for the past 18 years. My husband, Justin, teaches Woods, Advanced Woods, and Introduction to Trades at the Middle School. We have three children, all of whom are enrolled in Tri County Schools. We truly love everything about Tri County. Our district boasts wonderful teachers and staff, exceptional leaders guiding our schools and staff, dedicated bus drivers, and outstanding maintenance personnel who diligently care for our facilities.
Over the past three years, we have successfully built an amazing elementary school, done some updates to both our Middle School and High School, and built a wonderful performance space in our new cafetorium. However, as our community continues to grow, we recognize the ongoing work required to not only maintain our current standards but also to accommodate and support this growth.
This August, we will be asking our community two questions in the August 6th special election. One is to renew the district’s 18 mill Non-Homestead Operating Millage for 2 years, 2025 and 2026. The operating millage is levied on properties that do not qualify for the homestead exemption, including industrial, commercial agricultural properties, rentals, and second homes. Principal/homestead residences are exempt from this tax. The funds generated from our operating millage are crucial for our district's day-to-day operating needs and is required by the State in order for the district to receive the full per pupil foundation.
The second question seeks approval of a 1.0 mil Sinking Fund. Due to the growth in our area and increase in property values, we will lose 1 mil off our bond of 4.381 mils that voters approved in 2019. The sinking fund of 1.0 mil will help the district maintain the current 4.381 mils and help us continue the work of improving. This would be a ZERO tax increase to our community.
We are incredibly grateful for our community’s continued support, which has been demonstrated by your past approval of our operating millage, and your essential support to maintaining the quality of our schools.
I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 graduates of Tri County Area Schools. It was an honor to present your diplomas. You are destined for great things, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Always remember, once a Viking, always a Viking.
As a district, we have exciting developments on the horizon, but we need your continued support as a community. Together, we can provide our students with the best possible education. Thank you for everything you have done for our students and thank you for everything you will do!
Sincerely,
Jessica Helfmann, Trustee
Tri County Area Schools Board of Education
Board Meetings
BOE Regular Meetings
Location: TCAS Educational Service Center
Meeting time: 6:00 PM
Meetings are are held in-person on the 2nd Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the board room at the Educational Service Center, located at 94 Cherry Street, Sand Lake, MI
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
(Linked through Munetrix Transparency Site)
TCAS BOARD POLICIES
(Provided through Neola)
