Voters choose trustees for HPPS Board of Education

HAZEL PARK — During the Nov. 5 general election, eight candidates competed for four seats on the Hazel Park Public Schools Board of Education.

The winners were April Beaton, in first with 3,839 votes (20.33%); Heidi Fortress, in second with 2,948 votes (15.61%); Darrin Fox, in third with 2,338 votes (12.38%); and Nathan Becker, in fourth with 2,296 votes (12.16%).

Coming up short were Chris Johnston with 2,267 votes (12.01%), Ryan Bischoff with 1,852 votes (9.81%), Dennis Whittie with 1,766 votes (9.35%), and Charles Hemple with 1,431 votes (7.58%). There were also 145 unassigned write-ins, accounting for 0.77%.

The board members are paid $45 per meeting, according to the superintendent, Amy Kruppe.

Beaton, an incumbent, was previously elected to serve on the board to fill a vacated seat from May 2024 through December 2024. She has lived in Hazel Park for seven years. She is employed as a grant manager.

In her election profile with C & G Newspapers, she stated that her top goal will be ensuring each student has access to “a high-quality, inclusive education that prepares them for independence and success,” by prioritizing safe school environments, expanding access to school-based mental health resources, and pushing for programs and technology that meet the needs of students today. 

“By encouraging strong partnerships, I aim to empower students as critical thinkers and confident learners,” she said previously. 

Fortress, 52, is an incumbent. She is a lifelong resident of Hazel Park and is employed as a corporate accountant. She has served on the school board since 2020. She said in her election profile that transparency, honesty and accountability are crucial to an effective school board.

“We need to provide safe learning experiences for all students while supporting our staff with a voice and needed classroom resources,” Fortress said previously. “Meaningful discussions should incorporate the past, present, and most importantly, the future. I believe in asking bigger questions, and probe challenges and opportunities before taking action.”

Fox, 57, has been a resident of Hazel Park for more than 50 years. He is a network security administrator retired from the school district. In his election profile, he said he wants the district to improve academic performance, address absenteeism, and ensure transparency in decision-making.

“We need smaller class sizes, a focus on every student’s needs, and a greater sense of collaboration between the board, administration and the community,” Fox said previously. 

Becker, 43, has been a resident of Hazel Park for nearly his entire life. He is a utility worker who is new to politics. In his election profile, he described his top goals as increasing community involvement, maximizing academic and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring safe schools, and supporting teachers and staff. 

“I’m excited to support the students of Hazel Park,” Becker said via email Nov. 6. “I’m looking forward to working for the students and staff of Hazel Park Schools.” 

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.