Hello, welcome to our recently renovated athletic stadium turf. I am Rob Ridgeway, and I have the privilege of being the superintendent of Harper Creek Community Schools. I think the field turf project turned out great, and I am proud to be part of a district with the best athletic facilities in our area. Many have asked questions about the turf –how much it costs, how long it lasts, and why now.
First and foremost, the money for the turf came from revenue received from the Firekeeper’s Casino Local Revenue Sharing Board in which 2% of all electronic gaming is given to public entities connected to the casino and reservation. Harper Creek’s school board has saved money from this revenue over the past ten years to prepare for this project. The field turf replacement costs approximately $500,000. The Board of Education made a promise in 2008, when the turf was first installed, that they would not ask taxpayers to pay for this project, and our current Board of Education kept that promise through sound and sensible budgeting. Promise Made/Promise Kept.
The lifespan of field turf is typically ten years. The original turf, installed in 2008, lasted for sixteen years and was at the end of its lifecycle. We hope to get sixteen years of use out of the newly installed turf, which has an eight-year warranty. Having field turf allows athletic teams to play in all weather conditions and allows them to practice daily on the turf. Game fields that are grass only allow for limited use and must be maintained, including mowing, watering, fertilizing, and lining. With field turf, all of our outdoor sports can benefit from good field conditions for both practice and
games, even in the worst weather, all while allowing our community access for personal wellness.
Finally, I want to thank Firekeepers Casino and Hotel, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, our school board, and the community for their continued support. Harper Creek Community Schools will remain strong now and into the future as we Educate, Empower, and Equip Students for Life. I can't wait to see all of you this fall. Go Beavers!
Thank you to Andy Sutton, HC Class of 2003 for the photos.
It's Time for Countdown to DK/Kindergarten 2026 February 19, 2026
Welcome to Harper Creek Community Schools! Our Developmental Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs offer a safe, caring, and engaging start to your child’s education. We look forward to partnering with you to Educate, Empower, and Equip students for life.
Countdown to Kindergarten is for children who will be attending DK or Kindergarten in the 2026 - 2027 school year. Two sessions will be held at each of the Harper Creek Community Schools' elementary schools. Join us:
Tuesday, March 3, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
and
Tuesday, April 7, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Harper's Unsung Hero - Lesa Kenney February 18, 2026
Lesa’s passion for music as a child led her to pursue a teaching degree. She was inspired by middle school music teachers and knew that she also wanted to be a music teacher. Although she couldn’t become a music teacher, she still completed her degree at WMU to become a teacher.
Harper's Unsung Hero - Dennis McKeen February 11, 2026
Dennis developed a passion for theater as a student at Battle Creek Central High School. He was fortunate enough to enjoy a long career, writing, acting, and directing shows in various venues. A few years after retiring from the theatre industry, he signed on to be a district sub for Harper Creek. He and our other district subs are of great value to our day-to-day operations, helping out wherever they are needed.
Harper's Unsung Heroes - Stefanie Howard December 17, 2025
Stefanie attended Harper Creek Schools starting in 1st Grade, all the way through high school graduation. She developed a love for school as a young student at Beadle Lake Elementary. Upon graduation, she started at MSU with hopes of earning a marketing degree, but this didn’t last long. She quickly switched her focus to education. Her teaching career began in Houston, but she would eventually return home.
Harper's Unsung Hero - Matt Bilger December 3, 2025
Matt grew up in the Bilger family, the second of four children. He was different than his siblings, the first in his family to participate in athletics. Through these differences, Matt has been able to find his own niche as a teacher and a coach. He has developed a passion for his career, making an impact on current and former Harper Creek students.
