Howell Public Schools board votes 4‑2 to accept Section 31aa school safety and mental health funding

The Howell Public Schools Board of Education voted 4‑2 on Dec. 29 to direct Superintendent Dr. MacGregor to accept funding pursuant to Section 31aa of the State School Aid Act of 2025.

Board discussion before the vote showed a clear split: Ms. Conn, Ms. Zurek and Vice‑President Pasini supported taking the grant to expand school safety and mental‑health services, while Ms. Marhofer and Mr. Dault opposed acceptance, saying the statutory language was unclear and could create unwanted state oversight. Mr. Bedford said he would accept the funding despite poor wording in the legislation.

The motion (#2025‑166) was moved by Ms. Conn and supported by Ms. Zurek. The roll‑call vote was: Bedford‑Yes; Marhofer‑No; Pasini‑Yes; Dault‑No; Zurek‑Yes; Conn‑Yes. The motion carried 4‑2, authorizing the superintendent to accept the funds.

Board members who opposed taking the money said they supported mental‑health and safety goals in principle but were not willing to accept funding without clearer statutory safeguards. Ms. Marhofer said accepting the funds “would open ourselves up to safety and security issues with the state manipulating the district,” and Mr. Dault said local legislators had missed the provision when the governor’s budget was drafted and he did not want to accept unknown consequences.

Supporters said the resources would be important to district programming. Ms. Zurek stated the decision was not taken lightly and emphasized the intended uses for safety and student supports; Ms. Conn urged approval so the district could access the resources.

After the vote, Superintendent Dr. MacGregor thanked the board. “Dr. MacGregor thanked the board for engaging in a very deliberate and thoughtful conversation, and wished Mr. Dault a happy birthday.” The board recorded no public comments on the item.

The motion directs the superintendent to accept the funding; the transcript does not specify a dollar amount, implementation timeline, or department assignment for managing the grant. The district will need to clarify how the funds will be allocated and whether any conditions in the state statute require future board action or reporting.