Board of Directors

Original Articles of Incorporation
Administrative Guidelines

• Second Amended & Restated Agreement for Continued Provision of Services, October 2016
• Second Amended & Restated Terms & Condition, October 2016
• Amendment No. 1 for Lease Between MHPSAS & MHPS, October 2016
• Contract Amendment No. 2 MHPSAS, October 2016
• First Amended & Restated Lease Agreement for MHPSAS, October 2016Restated Articles of Incorporation, October 2016
• Schedule 4-1st Amended & Restated Oversight Agreement MHPSAS
  Schedule 5 Description of Staff Responsibilities
  Schedule 6 Physical Plant Description
  Schedule 7a Governance Structure MHPSAS, October 2016 
• Schedule 7b, Educational Goals and Programs, October 2017
• Schedule 7c Curriculum
• Schedule 7d Methods of Pupil Assessment MHPSAS, October 2017
• Press Release 10.28.2016

Board Member Application According the Emergency Manager Order 2016-08, a MHPSAS Board Member must complete a Background Consent and Conflict of Interest Statement.

The Muskegon Heights Public Schools Academy System is the only K-12 Self Managed Charter School System responsible for a geographic area in the State of Michigan. This uniqueness sometimes creates confusion, the information and table below provides background information and clarifies the current governing structure.

History: 

In 2012, the Muskegon Heights Public Schools was facing a deficit of $12 million.  The district could not make payroll and was facing 50% decline in enrollment.  The MHPS District Board requested the State of Michigan provide support to ensure a local school remains in the community.  Under the old system the district could not borrow any more money and had excess classroom capacity.  Governor Rick Snyder complied with the district’s request and appointed an Emergency Manager.

Currently:

Ten years later we are celebrating success. The Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System is demonstrating success with 14% enrollment increase, 14% fund equity, 95% teacher retention, and academic progress.

Meanwhile, released from state oversight in July, 2021, the Muskegon Heights Public School Board is responsible to pay $42 million in debt. As noted in Governor Whitmer's press release removing the State's oversight of the District, the contract between the Michigan Department of Treasury and the Muskegon Heights Public Schools remains in effect until the debt is paid in full, which is projected for  the year 2047.

This means, until the $42 million debt is paid, MHPSAS will remain the operating school system for the City of Muskegon Heights.  According to the contract, MHPS is not allowed to reopen the schools or have students or staff until this debt is fully paid. 

In a Town Hall Meeting held by the MHPS Board of Education on July 20, 2021 the MHPS Board Of Education stated their desire to work with the MHPSAS Board on behalf of the children of Muskegon Heights and to be transparent in all functioning.  The MHPSAS Board agrees and looks forward to working with the MHPS Board according to the contract and with transparency.

Future:

We celebrate stability and progress and during the 2021-2022 school year we will enjoy a jubilee of 100 years of local schools.  We are in the process of developing a new strategic plan and what the schools of Muskegon Heights will look like in the future.  We welcome the families, community, and the Muskegon Heights Public School Board to be a part of this process.