Dear Families,

It has been a busy two weeks in Highlander Nation with reasons to celebrate both our staff and our students.

In this edition of MacGregor’s Message:

• High school fall play

• District and collective bargaining units approve new contracts

• Co-curricular accomplishments

• David Cherry, named National Distinguished Principal

The Howell High School Performing Arts Department will present Clue: High School Edition, November 7–9, at the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. Clue: High School Edition brings the classic board game to life in a fast-paced, comedic mystery. Throughout the performance, audience members will be trying to figure out if it was Colonel Mustard with the candlestick in the kitchen or Professor Plum with the wrench in the study. The talented cast and crew have been working hard to bring the show to life, and I know they will shine on the stage. You can visit https://bit.ly/43Azl3k to learn more about the show or purchase tickets online at http://bit.ly/2ZGF1HK. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Earlier this week, the Board of Education approved a new contract with the Howell Education Association (HEA), the union representing our teachers and certified staff members. This follows action last month to approve a contract with the Howell Education Support Personnel Association (HESPA), which represents many of our support staff team members. Both contracts include step increases for eligible employees and wage improvements in each year that the contracts are in effect. The wage increases recognize the hard work and dedication of our staff while also continuing to be fiscally responsible. Negotiating the contracts was truly a collaborative effort by both unions and the district, and I am thankful for the work that went into the process.

We’ve had some very impressive athletic and co-curricular accomplishments by our students. Howell High School freshman Chloe Crandall has been named to the 2026 United States Archery Team in the U15 Barebow division and is currently ranked number one in the nation for U15 Barebow Archery. Chloe began her archery career as a member of the Howell Archery program. Howell High School junior Jack MacGregor recently claimed the KLAA Conference Boys Cross Country Championship and set a new school record with a time of 15:04. Additionally, the Varsity Football Team captured the KLAA Division title and will compete for the KLAA Championship tonight against Belleville.

David Cherry, principal of Challenger Elementary, has been named a 2025 National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). The program honors outstanding elementary and middle-level principals who ensure that children develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. Each year, NAESP recognizes principals from across the nation in both public and U.S. overseas schools for their exemplary leadership and accomplishments. Mr. Cherry joins 36 other elementary school principals in earning this prestigious honor. We are fortunate to have Mr. Cherry here in Highlander Nation, helping ensure that our students are Future Ready for careers, for college, and for life.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and Go Highlanders!

Sincerely,

Erin J. MacGregor Ed.D.

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools