Blog

I support our Teachers and Feel they deserve the best! I am fully committed to supporting our teachers and staff at Hartland. 

Here is part of my Call to Public Speech from June as it relates to teachers:    

"My sole purpose is to serve our community, our children, and our educators. The issues I care about and the changes I seek to implement are all aimed at improving the quality of education and the safety of our schools.

Over the years, I have dedicated myself to addressing the real issues within our district. I’ve tackled problems like safety procedure violations, ensuring proper radon testing, and addressing concerns with our asbestos management program. I’ve made sure that our facilities are safe and that parents have the information they need.

I am committed to fiscal responsibility. I am sickened to know that this board approved two brand new work trucks that had less than 40,000 miles on them, yet when our teachers request funds for supplies for a simple project, they are denied and have to pay out of their own pockets. It's outrageous that a teacher who has dedicated over 25 years to Hartland is paid only $14 something an hour. How disgusting is that? Our district's resources must be managed wisely to ensure that every dollar spent directly benefits our students and teachers.

I am running for this position to continue this work, to be a strong advocate for our students, teachers, and parents. Together, we can create a school environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and where teachers are supported and valued.

Thank you for your time and support. Let's work together to make our schools the best they can be for our children."

Here are some key points to clarify:

I can absolutely confirm that the three of us—Jeff Scott, Angela Yarber, and myself—support our teachers wholeheartedly. Angela Yarber is a teacher herself, I am a former substitute teacher, and all three of us have children currently attending Hartland schools. Our vested interest in the success and well-being of our district is personal and deeply rooted.

I have consistently advocated for better support, higher pay, and more incentives for our educators. This commitment is not just talk; it's a public stance I have taken on multiple occasions.

Our platform prioritizes safety, transparency, and community values. We believe in creating a safe environment for all staff and students.

We understand and appreciate the dedication of our school staff. Our goal is to work together to improve the educational environment for our children and support the professionals who make it possible.

It's crucial to base our discussions on facts and shared goals for the betterment of our schools. I encourage everyone to join us in creating a supportive and thriving educational community.

For more information, please visit www.hartland2024.com. You can also see our individual campaign websites for more information about us! Thank you. 

10632 Hibner Rd. Hartland, MI is considered to be a LUST site. Which Stands for Leaking Underground Storage Tank.   

- The school was built on 4 fuel tanks

- Since then, all 4 have supposedly been reported as being removed

o 2,000 gallon – Gas

o 15,000 – Diesel

o 12,000 – Diesel

o 550- Used Oil

Unfortunately, these tanks leaked, which resulted in contaminating the water and soil at the school and surrounding residential areas. 

- In 2021 the school requested for the monitoring wells to be “closed” and after undergoing the risk assessment, they could not prove (Hartland could not prove they did enough therefore they did not pass that inspection) so the Monitoring Well, remains open.
 So the well remains open…. If they have done everything they need to do…… then that well should have been filled and sealed shut. That has not happened. 

Here Is information on the LUST site: https://www2.egle.state.mi.us/.../inventory-of.../facilities

Go to "Facilities Name" and type in 10632 Hibner Rd. Hartland MI

If you click on the three dots to the right of "Livingston" you can find documentation regarding this LUST site. The tanks leaked, and contaminated the soil and water. Since, then there has been a plume which Hartland Schools is responsible for tracking. The school is still considered to be contaminated, considering they have not been able to meet EGLE's standards to grant them the closure for the release.  What this means, The District has still not done a  good enough job proving these facts to have the location deemed safe enough for the closure. 

Every piece of paperwork documenting this site is evidence that it is contaminated ground water and soil. The law states that contamination can be left in place, however, the district has to prove that the contamination that they are leaving there is not going to impact anyone in the future. Which they have not done successfully at this time.  The district has tried multiple times to submit the closure report, and it has not yet been approved. 

They have two wells, OW 22-23 that tested positive for Tetrachlorethene. They have not yet been able to prove to EGLE that this has been fully remediated. Hartland has been using NOVA to help get this closure approved. However, given the fact that this has been repeatedly unsuccessful, I would think it would be more prudent to use a different environmental consultant company to achieve the results we are looking for. This is costly to the district, and the repeated unsuccessful attempts are unacceptable. 

I am very concerned with NOVA as our rep has claimed that the barrels had no holes or openings, which is not true. NOVA  also claims that storing rusted barrels like that for years and years full of waste is standard practice, which EGLE has told me it is absolutely not standard practice and the barrels should have been disposed of immediately back in 2017. NOVA also told me that the sand inside the barrels is safe enough for children to play with, I don't think it takes an expert to take a quick glance at these barrels and realize that any product inside those barrels is clearly not safe especially not for children. So the fact that we hire an “expert” to manage something like this, and for them to make a claim like that really makes me wonder what exactly is going on here?  

EGLE has advised me that even if something is "non-toxic" it still can be a hazard, such as those barrels. And they still have contaminants inside them, making them contaminated. That is why it is considered to be a "waste" and why you are supposed to dispose of it properly. I'm shocked that the consultant, Nova, deems the sand to be safe enough for a child to play with, that's really concerning to me. Given this information, and the fact that there have been multiple, unsuccessful attempts at closing this site, would it be more prudent for us to find a different environmental company who can help us successfully get this situation fixed? 

The fact is, Hartland Schools has not been able to prove that there has been enough corrective action taken for EGLE to approve the closure. Because of this, until the site is deemed closed, I would suggest putting a plaque or sign on the building stating "This is a contaminated site" so that parents are informed of this fact. The school has not agreed to doing this. I have personally offered to pay for the sign myself as a donation to the school. 

Stay tuned for an update on this situation!

I encourage any parent with concerns on this matter to reach out to the schools asking why there has never been a notification as to this elementary school being a LUST site. https://www.hartlandschools.us/Staff-Directory/index.html

I wanted to bring to your attention an important matter regarding the safety of our school environments, specifically in Hartland Schools. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a healthy and safe learning environment for our students and staff, we as parents, teachers and administrations should recognize the importance of testing for radon, a naturally occurring gas that can pose health risks if present at elevated levels.

Currently, at Hartland Consolidated Schools the following have been confirmed:

1. There has been NO implementation of testing procedures. 

2. There are NO available resources or materials in this regard.

3. There is an ABSENCE of any records related to this matter.

Unfortunately, to date, our school system has not conducted radon testing, and there is a possibility that radon levels may be higher than recommended levels in some of our school buildings.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into buildings through cracks in the foundation, posing potential health risks, particularly with prolonged exposure. Given the potential risks associated with radon exposure, I believe it is essential for our school system to prioritize radon testing and mitigation efforts.

We urge parents, teachers, and community members to join us in advocating for radon testing in our schools. By working together, we can ensure that our school environments are safe and healthy for everyone.

For more information on radon and its health effects, please visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-11/documents/managing_radon.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/indoor-air-quality-tools-schools-action-kit#tab-3

And please stay tuned for an important town hall meeting regarding a short presentation followed by a Q&A on how radon effects our schools, and proper mitigation options. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and together, let's prioritize the safety and well-being of our school community.

As a parent, I've personally navigated challenges related to pesticides in our schools. Did you know that legally, the Hartland School district must give proper notice upon request about harmful pesticides?

*If you would like this information, it is quite simple, follow the steps below…*

You may contact Director of Operations, Matt Marino via email here: mattmarino@hartlandschools.us. Simply email him requesting the notification the district is legally required to provide. Here is an example, feel free to copy/paste this as your actual message:
Please provide me with proper notice by first-class US mail postmarked at least 3 days for any pesticide application to (insert school name you wish to be notified of) at any time for the duration of the school year. Please also include notice of any emergency pesticide applications that cannot be notified prior to the application for emergency reasons.
Name/Address
Additionally, please add my email address to the email notification list (insert email)
Please confirm you are in receipt of my email and will comply with this request.
Thank you,
(Your Name)

I encourage anyone who has a concern about pesticide use at our schools to get in touch with Mr. Marino - (Hartland Consolidated Schools Building and Maintenance Operator) directly. If you would like more information about my experience, please feel free to contact  me. You can also learn more Here: https://www.hartlandschools.us/Departments/FacilitiesGrounds/FacilitiesGrounds-Important-Information/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1li4BmtCt8ru-xDhY1Uc9EcsFSNgKYReloEz2Tj0gxzwjYRGTUUyz0OdE

For more information on Pesticide Laws and Regulations please visit: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/licensing/pesticide/pesticide-laws-regs

Did you know that you can watch Board meetings LIVE?! Just click on the "Meeting Information" Tab and you can view meeting minutes and videos for past meetings. The Zoom meeting link is also provided for future meetings so you can watch in real time! https://www.hartlandschools.us/Board-of-Education/index.html

If you miss the meeting live, it gets posted to their YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@hartlandschoolsboardmeetings

Additionally, you can find all of the Board policies here! Do you need help finding a policy? Reach out to me and lets see if we can get you the information you need!

As a candidate for Hartland School Board, I firmly believe that cultural responsiveness should be at the forefront of every decision the board makes. Our diverse community deserves representation that reflects our culture here in Hartland, and also to reflect the perspectives, and experiences. This is not just a matter of inclusion; it's about ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the educational journey of our children.

Cultural responsiveness goes beyond mere acknowledgment of diversity. It requires proactive engagement and genuine efforts to understand the needs and aspirations of all members of our community. As a school board member, I am committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

One of the key ways to achieve this is by actively seeking input from our community members. Whether through parent surveys, town hall meetings, or other forms of engagement, it's essential that we create avenues for dialogue and collaboration. By listening to the voices of parents, students, teachers, and other stakeholders, we can gain valuable insights that inform our decision-making process.

Moreover, cultural responsiveness means recognizing that the needs and priorities of our community may vary. What works for one group of students or families may not necessarily work for another. Therefore, we must be adaptable and willing to tailor our approaches to meet the diverse needs of our constituents.

By prioritizing cultural responsiveness, we not only strengthen the bonds within our community but also enhance the effectiveness of our policies and initiatives. When decisions are made with the input and support of the majority of the community, we can be confident that they are truly reflective of our collective values and aspirations.

As a candidate for the school board, I am committed to championing cultural responsiveness every step of the way. Together, let's build a school system that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and empowers every child to reach their full potential. Your voice matters, and I am here to listen.

Join me in embracing cultural responsiveness and shaping a brighter future for our community. Together, we can make a difference.

Did you know that you can watch Board meetings LIVE?! Just click on the "Meeting Information" Tab and you can view meeting minutes and videos for past meetings. The Zoom meeting link is also provided for future meetings so you can watch in real time! https://www.hartlandschools.us/Board-of-Education/index.html

If you miss the meeting live, it gets posted to their YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@hartlandschoolsboardmeetings

Additionally, you can find all of the Board policies here! Do you need help finding a policy? Reach out to me and lets see if we can get you the information you need!

I support our Teachers and Feel they deserve the best! I am fully committed to supporting our teachers and staff at Hartland. 

Here is part of my Call to Public Speech from June as it relates to teachers:    

"My sole purpose is to serve our community, our children, and our educators. The issues I care about and the changes I seek to implement are all aimed at improving the quality of education and the safety of our schools.

Over the years, I have dedicated myself to addressing the real issues within our district. I’ve tackled problems like safety procedure violations, ensuring proper radon testing, and addressing concerns with our asbestos management program. I’ve made sure that our facilities are safe and that parents have the information they need.

I am committed to fiscal responsibility. I am sickened to know that this board approved two brand new work trucks that had less than 40,000 miles on them, yet when our teachers request funds for supplies for a simple project, they are denied and have to pay out of their own pockets. It's outrageous that a teacher who has dedicated over 25 years to Hartland is paid only $14 something an hour. How disgusting is that? Our district's resources must be managed wisely to ensure that every dollar spent directly benefits our students and teachers.

I am running for this position to continue this work, to be a strong advocate for our students, teachers, and parents. Together, we can create a school environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and where teachers are supported and valued.

Thank you for your time and support. Let's work together to make our schools the best they can be for our children."

Here are some key points to clarify:

I can absolutely confirm that the three of us—Jeff Scott, Angela Yarber, and myself—support our teachers wholeheartedly. Angela Yarber is a teacher herself, I am a former substitute teacher, and all three of us have children currently attending Hartland schools. Our vested interest in the success and well-being of our district is personal and deeply rooted.

I have consistently advocated for better support, higher pay, and more incentives for our educators. This commitment is not just talk; it's a public stance I have taken on multiple occasions.

Our platform prioritizes safety, transparency, and community values. We believe in creating a safe environment for all staff and students.

We understand and appreciate the dedication of our school staff. Our goal is to work together to improve the educational environment for our children and support the professionals who make it possible.

It's crucial to base our discussions on facts and shared goals for the betterment of our schools. I encourage everyone to join us in creating a supportive and thriving educational community.

For more information, please visit www.hartland2024.com. You can also see our individual campaign websites for more information about us! Thank you. 

10632 Hibner Rd. Hartland, MI is considered to be a LUST site. Which Stands for Leaking Underground Storage Tank.   

- The school was built on 4 fuel tanks

- Since then, all 4 have supposedly been reported as being removed

o 2,000 gallon – Gas

o 15,000 – Diesel

o 12,000 – Diesel

o 550- Used Oil

Unfortunately, these tanks leaked, which resulted in contaminating the water and soil at the school and surrounding residential areas. 

- In 2021 the school requested for the monitoring wells to be “closed” and after undergoing the risk assessment, they could not prove (Hartland could not prove they did enough therefore they did not pass that inspection) so the Monitoring Well, remains open.
 So the well remains open…. If they have done everything they need to do…… then that well should have been filled and sealed shut. That has not happened. 

Here Is information on the LUST site: https://www2.egle.state.mi.us/.../inventory-of.../facilities

Go to "Facilities Name" and type in 10632 Hibner Rd. Hartland MI

If you click on the three dots to the right of "Livingston" you can find documentation regarding this LUST site. The tanks leaked, and contaminated the soil and water. Since, then there has been a plume which Hartland Schools is responsible for tracking. The school is still considered to be contaminated, considering they have not been able to meet EGLE's standards to grant them the closure for the release.  What this means, The District has still not done a  good enough job proving these facts to have the location deemed safe enough for the closure. 

Every piece of paperwork documenting this site is evidence that it is contaminated ground water and soil. The law states that contamination can be left in place, however, the district has to prove that the contamination that they are leaving there is not going to impact anyone in the future. Which they have not done successfully at this time.  The district has tried multiple times to submit the closure report, and it has not yet been approved. 

They have two wells, OW 22-23 that tested positive for Tetrachlorethene. They have not yet been able to prove to EGLE that this has been fully remediated. Hartland has been using NOVA to help get this closure approved. However, given the fact that this has been repeatedly unsuccessful, I would think it would be more prudent to use a different environmental consultant company to achieve the results we are looking for. This is costly to the district, and the repeated unsuccessful attempts are unacceptable. 

I am very concerned with NOVA as our rep has claimed that the barrels had no holes or openings, which is not true. NOVA  also claims that storing rusted barrels like that for years and years full of waste is standard practice, which EGLE has told me it is absolutely not standard practice and the barrels should have been disposed of immediately back in 2017. NOVA also told me that the sand inside the barrels is safe enough for children to play with, I don't think it takes an expert to take a quick glance at these barrels and realize that any product inside those barrels is clearly not safe especially not for children. So the fact that we hire an “expert” to manage something like this, and for them to make a claim like that really makes me wonder what exactly is going on here?  

EGLE has advised me that even if something is "non-toxic" it still can be a hazard, such as those barrels. And they still have contaminants inside them, making them contaminated. That is why it is considered to be a "waste" and why you are supposed to dispose of it properly. I'm shocked that the consultant, Nova, deems the sand to be safe enough for a child to play with, that's really concerning to me. Given this information, and the fact that there have been multiple, unsuccessful attempts at closing this site, would it be more prudent for us to find a different environmental company who can help us successfully get this situation fixed? 

The fact is, Hartland Schools has not been able to prove that there has been enough corrective action taken for EGLE to approve the closure. Because of this, until the site is deemed closed, I would suggest putting a plaque or sign on the building stating "This is a contaminated site" so that parents are informed of this fact. The school has not agreed to doing this. I have personally offered to pay for the sign myself as a donation to the school. 

Stay tuned for an update on this situation!

I encourage any parent with concerns on this matter to reach out to the schools asking why there has never been a notification as to this elementary school being a LUST site. https://www.hartlandschools.us/Staff-Directory/index.html

I wanted to bring to your attention an important matter regarding the safety of our school environments, specifically in Hartland Schools. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a healthy and safe learning environment for our students and staff, we as parents, teachers and administrations should recognize the importance of testing for radon, a naturally occurring gas that can pose health risks if present at elevated levels.

Currently, at Hartland Consolidated Schools the following have been confirmed:

1. There has been NO implementation of testing procedures. 

2. There are NO available resources or materials in this regard.

3. There is an ABSENCE of any records related to this matter.

Unfortunately, to date, our school system has not conducted radon testing, and there is a possibility that radon levels may be higher than recommended levels in some of our school buildings.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into buildings through cracks in the foundation, posing potential health risks, particularly with prolonged exposure. Given the potential risks associated with radon exposure, I believe it is essential for our school system to prioritize radon testing and mitigation efforts.

We urge parents, teachers, and community members to join us in advocating for radon testing in our schools. By working together, we can ensure that our school environments are safe and healthy for everyone.

For more information on radon and its health effects, please visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-11/documents/managing_radon.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/indoor-air-quality-tools-schools-action-kit#tab-3

And please stay tuned for an important town hall meeting regarding a short presentation followed by a Q&A on how radon effects our schools, and proper mitigation options. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and together, let's prioritize the safety and well-being of our school community.

Have you heard of a FOIA request? It stands for Freedom Of Information Act.  

This means, by law, you as a parent, have the right to access information through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and make public records requests. FOIA is a federal law that allows any person to request access to public records held by government agencies, including educational institutions that receive federal funding, such as our school district.

Here are the key points you need to know about making a public records request under FOIA:

1. Who Can Make a Request: Any person, including parents, can make a public records request under FOIA. This means you have the right to access certain information held by the school district.
2. How to Make a Request: Requests for public records must be made in writing, which includes methods like email, fax, or other electronic transmissions. These requests should be sent to the FOIA Coordinator or their designee. It's essential to provide enough detail to identify and locate the requested records. If you know the date and title of the document, including that information is helpful.
3. Scope of Requests: Your request should be broad enough to cover all desired information but narrow enough to be practical, especially when the date and title of the document are unknown.
4. Equal Treatment: All requestors, including parents, will be treated equally unless a law specifies otherwise. The process is designed to be fair and consistent.
5. Contact Information: You may include a contact telephone number in your request. This allows a District employee to reach out for issue resolution, clarification of the request's scope, or assistance in identifying specific documents containing the information sought.
6. Limitations of FOIA:FOIA only applies to existing records. The school district is not required to collect new information, answer questions, or create new records to comply with a request. However, if records are maintained electronically, the district may need to retrieve information, potentially resulting in the creation of a new document.
7. FOIA Coordinator Responsibilities: The FOIA Coordinator is responsible for handling requests, maintaining records of requests and their dispositions, and providing reports as requested by the Board.

Understanding your right to access information through FOIA empowers you to stay informed about your child's education. 

https://www.hartlandschools.us/documents/Quicklinks/FOIA-Procedures-and-Guidelines-1.pdf

TYFFANY BAIRD (running for the 6 year term) 

https://bairdforhartland.com/
JEFF SCOTT (running for the 2 year term)

https://www.scottforhartland.com

ANGELA YARBER (running for the 6 year term)

https://angelayarber.com

https://hartlandschoolboard.com