Ten years of measurable progress tell the story of a school district that has strengthened its financial foundation, welcomed more students, demonstrated competitive academic performance, and maintained a stable debt retirement mill rate.
HEMLOCK, MI — A lot can change in ten years. Buildings change. Programs evolve. Students graduate, new families arrive, and communities face challenges and opportunities that could not have been predicted a decade earlier.
But some of the most important changes are not always the most visible.
At Hemlock Public School District, the past decade tells a story worth sharing. It is a story of financial discipline, growing enrollment, competitive student achievement, and a commitment to making decisions that strengthen the district today while preparing for tomorrow.
And unlike opinions or assumptions, this story is supported by numbers.
Between 2016 and 2026, Hemlock's general fund balance grew by approximately 85%, student enrollment increased by 9.2%, and the district maintained a relatively stable debt retirement mill rate. Available academic achievement data also show Hemlock students outperforming statewide proficiency averages in mathematics and English language arts in the years highlighted.
These are not isolated accomplishments. Together, they reflect a decade of planning, responsible financial management, and the collective efforts of employees, students, families, Board members, and community partners.
"When you look at where Hemlock was ten years ago and where we are today, there is a great deal to be proud of," said Board of Education President Matthew Wesener. "This progress represents years of thoughtful decisions, responsible financial oversight, and a community that believes in its schools. We have worked to build a district that is financially stronger, educationally competitive, and positioned to serve students well into the future."
From Limited Reserves to Financial Stability: An 85% Increase in Fund Balance
Perhaps one of the most important, yet least visible, accomplishments of the past decade has been the transformation of Hemlock's financial position.
In 2016, the district reported a general fund balance of approximately $4.1 million. While that may sound like a substantial amount, the district's reserves represented a relatively low percentage of its annual operating budget.
That limited the financial cushion available to manage unexpected expenses, fluctuations in revenue, and other financial challenges.
Fast-forward to 2026.
Hemlock's general fund balance has grown to approximately $7.6 million, an increase of nearly 85%.
More importantly, the district has moved from relatively limited reserves compared with its operating budget to a healthier, more appropriate fund balance that supports stability, flexibility, and long-term planning.
And that financial strength makes a real difference for students, employees, and taxpayers.
A healthy fund balance allows the district to maintain financial stability when unexpected expenses arise, plan for competitive and sustainable wage increases for teachers and support staff, and continue providing educational programs without constantly reacting to short-term financial pressures.
It also helps the district meet one of its most fundamental responsibilities: making payroll without borrowing money.
Some Michigan school districts rely on short-term borrowing, including state aid anticipation notes, to manage cash flow when expenses come due before state funding payments arrive. That borrowing carries interest and financing costs.
Hemlock's stronger financial position helps the district avoid those unnecessary expenses, keeping more resources available for educational priorities.
"One of the Board's most important responsibilities is making sure the district remains financially sound, not just for this year, but for the years ahead," Wesener said. "A healthy fund balance is not about accumulating money for the sake of having money in the bank. It is about stability. It means we can meet our obligations, support competitive compensation for our employees, respond to unexpected expenses, and avoid unnecessary borrowing and interest costs. That is responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources."
The distinction is important. A strong fund balance is not simply money sitting unused. It is a financial safeguard that helps protect students, supports employees, and gives district leadership the ability to make thoughtful decisions rather than reacting to financial emergencies.
Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck emphasized the practical impact of that financial improvement.
"When I think about the difference between 2016 and today, I think about what financial stability allows us to do," Killingbeck said. "We can focus more of our attention on supporting students and staff rather than worrying about how we are going to meet the next financial obligation. We can plan for wage increases, maintain programs, and make payroll without borrowing money and paying interest on those loans. That is a significant improvement in how we are positioned to operate."
The accomplishment is not simply growing the fund balance from $4.1 million to $7.6 million. It is building a stronger financial foundation that allows Hemlock to invest in its people, meet its obligations, and plan for the future with confidence.
Growing Enrollment: More Families, More Students, More Opportunities
Enrollment is another important part of Hemlock's decade of progress.
In 2016, Hemlock Public School District served approximately 1,221 students.
By 2026, enrollment had grown to approximately 1,333 students.
That is an increase of 112 students, representing 9.2% growth over the decade.
In a state where school enrollment is an ongoing concern for many communities, Hemlock's growth is particularly meaningful.
Every additional student represents a family choosing to be part of the Huskie Pack and placing its confidence in the district's schools, employees, programs, and opportunities.
Enrollment growth also brings additional responsibilities. More students require thoughtful planning for staffing, instructional resources, classroom space, and student services.
"Enrollment growth is something we should be proud of, but it also comes with responsibility," Wesener said. "Families are trusting us with their children, and the Board takes that responsibility seriously. Our job is to make sure the district continues providing the programs, facilities, and resources necessary to serve a growing student population."
Killingbeck added, "Families have choices when it comes to education, and we never take their confidence in Hemlock for granted. We have to continue earning that trust by providing strong educational experiences and opportunities that prepare students for whatever comes next."
Student Achievement: Competing and Performing Above State Averages
Financial strength and enrollment growth matter, but the most important measure of any school district remains what students are learning and achieving.
Hemlock's academic performance provides additional evidence of the district's progress and commitment to student success.
In 2023, Hemlock reported mathematics proficiency of 53%, compared with Michigan's statewide average of 35%.
That placed Hemlock students 18 percentage points above the state average in mathematics.
In 2022, Hemlock reported English language arts proficiency of 50%, compared with the statewide average of 45%, placing the district five percentage points above the state average.
These results represent specific snapshots of student achievement rather than a continuous ten-year trend, but they demonstrate Hemlock's ability to perform competitively against statewide benchmarks.
The district continues to focus on strengthening instruction, supporting teachers, improving student attendance, and providing targeted academic interventions.
"Financial stability and enrollment growth are important, but student achievement has to remain at the center of everything we do," Wesener said. "The Board wants to see our students succeed academically, and we recognize the work our teachers, support staff, and administrators do every day to make that possible. We have seen encouraging results, and we expect to keep building on them."
Killingbeck emphasized that academic improvement remains an ongoing priority.
"Our goal is not simply to be better than a state average," Killingbeck said. "It is to make sure every student has the instruction, support, and opportunities needed to reach their potential. That work is never finished."
Stable Debt Retirement Millage: 3.9 Mills Since 2018
While the district's financial position and enrollment have grown, Hemlock's debt retirement mill rate has remained relatively stable over the decade.
In 2016, the rate was 3.77 mills.
In 2017, it increased to 4.10 mills before declining to 3.90 mills in 2018.
Since 2018, Hemlock's debt retirement mill rate has remained at 3.90 mills.
That means the district's 2026 debt retirement mill rate is just 0.13 mills higher than it was in 2016.
For residents, this provides useful perspective on the district's long-term debt retirement millage history.
"One of the things I appreciate about looking at ten years of data is that it gives people perspective," Wesener said. "We have strengthened our financial position and grown our enrollment while maintaining a relatively stable debt retirement mill rate. Those are important facts for our community to understand when looking at the district's financial history."
Ten Years. Four Measures. One Story of Progress.
Looking at the past decade, four measures help illustrate how Hemlock Public School District has changed.
Financial Strength: Up 85%
The general fund balance increased from approximately $4.1 million to $7.6 million, providing a healthier reserve position, greater financial stability, and flexibility to support employees and educational priorities.
Enrollment Growth: Up 9.2%
Student enrollment increased from approximately 1,221 to 1,333 students, reflecting a growing student population and continued confidence among families choosing Hemlock.
Student Achievement: Above State Averages
In the highlighted assessment results, Hemlock exceeded Michigan's statewide proficiency averages by 18 percentage points in mathematics in 2023 and five percentage points in English language arts in 2022.
Debt Retirement Millage: Stable at 3.9 Mills
The district's debt retirement mill rate has remained at 3.90 mills since 2018, following a rate of 3.77 mills in 2016 and 4.10 mills in 2017.
Each measure tells an important part of the story.
Together, they provide a broader picture of a district that has strengthened its finances, welcomed more students, demonstrated competitive academic performance, and maintained a stable debt retirement mill rate.
A Decade of Progress. A Foundation for the Next Decade.
None of this means every challenge has been solved, every decision has been perfect, or every goal has been reached.
That is not how public education works.
Strong school districts are built over time through thousands of decisions, large and small, that require balancing immediate needs with long-term responsibilities.
A healthy fund balance does not happen overnight. Enrollment growth does not occur without the confidence of families. Academic achievement requires the daily work of teachers, support staff, administrators, and students. Financial stability requires discipline and planning.
The progress Hemlock has experienced over the past decade belongs to the entire school community.
"As Board President, I am proud of the progress Hemlock has made, but I am equally proud of the people who have made it possible," Wesener said. "Our teachers, support staff, administrators, families, community partners, and fellow Board members have all contributed to where we are today. We have a responsibility to protect that progress, continue making sound decisions, and make sure the next generation of students has even greater opportunities."
Killingbeck added, "We have accomplished a great deal together, but we are not standing still. Our responsibility now is to take the foundation we have built and make the next decade even stronger."
Ten years ago, Hemlock had fewer students and a more limited financial cushion. Today, the district serves more students, maintains stronger reserves, has demonstrated above-average academic performance in the measures highlighted, and continues to operate with a stable debt retirement mill rate.
That is not an opinion.
That is a decade of measurable progress.
And at Hemlock Public School District, the work continues.
Small Town. Big Opportunities. Hemlock Together.