As the tulips bloom and storms find their way across West Michigan, two of Byron Center's governing bodies gathered this week with a shared sense of momentum and community pride reflecting the optimism of the season.
The Byron Center Board of Education paused to honor our State Champion Swim & Dive team, while the Byron Township Board of Trustees pressed forward with development plans that point toward a bright future for our community. Honoring our students while keeping our eyes firmly on what's ahead - it’s what We Are BC is all about.
BCPS Board of Ed Regular Meeting, 4/13/26
The meeting of the Byron Center Public School board started promptly at 6:30. President Brenda Hondorp presided with one member, Tim Oberst, absent.
Superintendent’s Report
Tonight’s superintendent report highlighted the boys swim and dive team winning the 2026 Division 2 State Championship after a Division 2 runner-up spot in 2025. It was also their third consecutive year as conference champions, as well as having multiple swimmers placing in both individual and relay at State Finals. With eight athletes finishing as all state winners, it was a notable year all around.
Not to forget the coaches, Byron Center is also now home to the Division 2 Coach of the Year for Swim, Holly Morren, as well as Regional Dive Coach of the Year, Jonathan Wallace. After a well earned celebration of the swim and dive team, it was on to the business portion of the meeting.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda consisted of last month’s regular, work, special, and closed meeting minutes and monthly expenditures; the board unanimously approved all of the consent agenda items.
Action Items
Action items included the 2025-26 Budget Amendment #2 and middle school course proposals, both of which were discussed at the previous meeting, as well as a leave of absence.
Each item was voted on individually, all unanimously passing.
Adjournment
With no public participation, the meeting ended at 7:14 p.m., leaving plenty of time to enjoy a warm spring evening.
Byron Township Board Meeting, 4/13/26
The Byron Township Board’s April 13 meeting was short and sweet, lasting about 28 minutes.
The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. with a prayer led by board member Tom Hooker, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Treasurer Becky Reid was absent.
Consent Agenda
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including accounts payable, minutes from the March 23 meeting, and a fireworks permit for Byron Days, scheduled for July 24-26.
Old Business
Under old business, the board reviewed and approved a water and sewer variance request for 8301 Harlow Ave. SW, allowing an extension from the home to a pole barn. The township’s Water and Sewer Committee had reviewed the ordinance and made changes aimed at reducing similar requests.
New Business
Under new business, the board approved Bultsma Construction to build the Burlingame Planters Row sidewalk and 76th Street pathways at a cost of $274,900.
The board also voted to move the commercial fire inspector and rental inspector from the building department to the fire department. Inspections will cost $300 each, with the change expected to generate an additional $170,000 annually for the fire department.
Public Comment
Three residents spoke during public comment. One asked about cleaning out drains, while two raised concerns about road conditions and water drainage due to the construction along 64th Street
During board comments, Supervisor Don Tillema said he wanted to move forward on park renovation projects. The board agreed to follow standard procedure and have the township’s Park and Recreation Committee present proposals.
The meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
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