Education

Hart district asks for community input as superintendent search begins

January 5, 2026

Community members can complete an online survey beginning Monday, Jan. 5. HART — As the Hart Public School district begins its search for a new superintendent, the community is asked to offer input.  Superintendent Mark Platt is retiring at the end of the school year. Platt will be the longest-serving superintendent in Hart Public School’s history when he retires after…

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New band director takes the Pirate podium 

December 16, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.   By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — Reece Zeller, 24, was hired as Hart Public Schools band director right before the start of the school year. Zeller took over for John Breitenbach, who was hired as band director at Pinewood Middle School in the Kentwood…

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Hart principal happy to be running the Pirate ship

November 14, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.  By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor  HART — Jenna Oleneack took the helm of Spitler Elementary School right before the start of the school year and leads with enthusiasm and experience. Principal Oleneack served as the K-12 assistant principal at Pentwater the previous school year. She…

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Hesperia voters OK $11.7 million school bond  

November 5, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HESPERIA — The majority of voters in the Hesperia Community Schools district said “yes” Tuesday, Nov. 4, to an $11.7 million bond issue for upgrades throughout the district, including adding a secure entrance to the high school, resurfacing the track and updates to the football stadium. The bond passed with a vote of 527-494. Oceana…

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Two students hit by van at school crosswalk

October 30, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HESPERIA — A 12-year-old boy and a 6-year-old boy were hit by a van driven by a 26-year-old woman who “disregarded a crossing guard” at the Hesperia school campus Thursday morning, Oct. 30, shortly after 7:30 a.m., according to a press release from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office. The two boys were transported to Helen…

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