As Montague Area Public Schools looks ahead to the 2026-27 school year, district leaders are preparing for a future shaped by declining enrollment, shifting finances, and new leadership appointments, all while working to preserve educational opportunities for students.
During its June 8 budget hearing and regular meeting, the Board of Education approved a conservative 2026-27 budget, hired a new principal for Nellie B. Chisholm Middle School, approved a new executive administrative assistant, and discussed several initiatives aimed at positioning the district for long term stability and success.
Budget Reflects Enrollment Challenges and Financial Uncertainty
The board approved a 2026-27 budget totaling approximately $20.2 million in expenditures following a public hearing on the proposal. Superintendent It was noted the budget includes the annual non homestead operating levy and debt and sinking fund millages needed to support district operations.
Finance Director Stacey Brown said the budget was built conservatively because state funding levels have not yet been finalized.
Brown reported the district is projecting enrollment of about 1,215 students next fall, roughly 50 fewer than the current school year.
Current state budget proposals from the governor, House, and Senate all include a proposed $250 increase in per pupil funding, bringing the foundation allowance to approximately $10,300. However, Brown emphasized that rising costs continue to outpace funding growth.
Health insurance, negotiated wage increases, utilities, fuel, and maintenance costs all continue to climb, placing pressure on district finances despite anticipated funding increases.
The board approved a 2026-27 budget that includes approximately $20.24 million in expenditures. District officials project ending the fiscal year with roughly $1 million in fund balance, or 5.2 percent of expenditures, while continuing to monitor enrollment trends, state funding decisions, and facility needs.
“We want to stay conservative,” Brown told the board, noting that future budget amendments often become more favorable as additional state funding information becomes available.
The district also continues to evaluate major facility needs, including roof repairs, elevator modernization, parking lot improvements, HVAC projects, and track repairs.
Public Comment Raises Concerns About LifeWise Program
The meeting’s public comment period included remarks from Montague resident Tracy Dobson, who expressed concerns about the potential introduction of the LifeWise Academy religious education program into local schools.
Dobson argued that public schools play a critical role in maintaining educational continuity and protecting the separation of church and state. She voiced concerns about students leaving school during the day for religious instruction and the potential impact on classroom learning and instructional time.
Board members listened to the comments but did not respond, consistent with district policy.
Summer Programs Underway
Johnson reported that the district has already shifted into summer programming mode.
Summer school began June 8 at RRO Elementary, serving nearly 70 students in grades one through eight with six teachers. High school students are also participating in online credit recovery opportunities.
The district’s summer meal program is again operating through community locations in Rothbury and Montague, providing weekly meal packages for children under 18 years old.
Johnson also highlighted ongoing literacy coaching efforts funded through state literacy initiatives, saying coaches have played an important role in helping staff implement new literacy curriculum and instructional programs.
The superintendent also recognized Executive Administrative Assistant Michelle Pulver for her service to the district as she prepares to retire.
New Principal Approved for NBC Middle School
One of the evening’s most significant decisions was the approval of Stephen Gray as the new principal of Nellie B. Chisholm Middle School.
Gray brings 19 years of educational experience spanning public, charter, private, and international schools. He currently serves at Black River Public School in Holland, where he has been a social studies department chair and middle school and high school teacher.
Johnson said Gray emerged from a competitive search process that began with 13 candidates and included multiple rounds of interviews involving staff and district leadership.
Gray holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. He is expected to begin his role July 1.
Johnson said Gray’s focus on collaboration, student support, and positive school culture made him a strong fit for the district.
Sara Blankstrom Returns to Montague
The board also approved the hiring of Sara Blankstrom as the district’s new Executive Administrative Assistant and Accounts Payable Specialist.
Blankstrom brings nearly two decades of school experience and most recently served as administrative assistant at Whitehall High School. She previously worked in Montague’s central office in both accounts payable and payroll roles.
Johnson said Blankstrom and outgoing Executive Administrative Assistant Michelle Pulver will work together during the final weeks of June to ensure a smooth transition before Blankstrom assumes the position in July.
A Montague graduate herself, Blankstrom was welcomed back to the district by board members.
Board Approves Bus Purchases and Annual Membership Renewals
The board approved the purchase of two used 2024 buses from Holland Bus Company at a cost of $83,000 each. District leaders said the purchases will help modernize an aging fleet while avoiding the significantly higher cost of new buses, which currently approach $142,000 each.
The buses will replace 2007 and 2008 models currently in service and are expected to improve reliability while reducing maintenance concerns.
Board members also approved annual renewals for both the Michigan High School Athletic Association and the Michigan Association of School Boards.
An overnight basketball camp trip for incoming ninth grade boys basketball players was approved as well.
Superintendent Contract Extended
The board approved a rollover extension of Johnson’s superintendent contract. Board President Joel Smith noted that the board recently completed Johnson’s annual evaluation and expressed appreciation for his leadership and performance.
The contract extension contains no substantive language changes beyond annual date adjustments and maintains the existing structure of the agreement.
Looking Ahead
While much of the meeting focused on routine approvals and preparations for the coming school year, the discussion repeatedly returned to one central challenge: how to navigate declining enrollment and rising costs while maintaining opportunities for students.
District leaders expressed confidence that careful planning, strategic staffing adjustments through attrition, and continued monitoring of state funding could help position Montague Area Public Schools for a stable year ahead.
As summer programs continue and new leadership joins the district, board members emphasized their commitment to preserving educational quality while adapting to the realities facing schools across Michigan.
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