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 an email Nov. 6, Beaton said, “​​I am honored to have earned such overwhelming trust and support of Hazel Park and Ferndale voters! I’m excited to continue serving on the board, and firmly believe we have what Hazel Park students need — a shared commitment to the future of our students. My involvement in schools began with advocating for my own children, and I promise Hazel Park parents I will do the same for theirs. Public education is at a crossroads, but I will never stop believing in every child’s right to a fair and equitable education, and will work to ensure every child has the opportunities they need to thrive.”

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.

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each supporter, volunteer and community member who believed in our vision for the Hazel Park school district. Your encouragement, generosity and commitment to positive change made this journey possible,” Fox said via email Nov. 6. “As I step into this role on the Board of Education, I am energized by the trust you’ve placed in me.”

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.”

Johnston, one of the runners-up, said via email Nov. 6 that he wishes all four winners well.

“I have complete faith and trust in you to be the advocates our students need,” Johnston stated via email Nov. 6. “Thank you to my amazing wife for her unwavering support throughout the campaign — I love you. Thank you to everyone that voted, donated or supported me — I appreciate you. I hope to remain an active supporter and advocate for our Hazel Park students; I just have to figure out how best to do that.”