By CatchMark Community Staff
The Montague Area Public Schools (MAPS) Board of Education held its regular meeting on April 14, 2025, at the Montague High School CAT Lab. The meeting showcased continued efforts to improve curriculum, support students, and ensure future-readiness across all grade levels, aligning with the district’s mission to “educate and inspire all students to become motivated, articulate, productive, and successful citizens for today, tomorrow, and forever.”
Opening Actions
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, the board unanimously approved both the agenda and consent agenda, which included:
- Approval of minutes from the March 10 and March 27 meetings
- Expenditures totaling $1,021,273.72 across general, food service, technology, scholarship, activity, and capital funds.
Public Comment
A representative from CatchMark Technologies and SportsNet presented an opportunity for students to join a new volunteer media program covering local events. The initiative aims to provide real-world experience and integrate into student development programs.
Reports: Spring Progress & Student Engagement
Elementary Update – RRO Elementary
Principal Sandy Lundquist shared a packed update highlighting:
- Second graders working with FFA students on garden planting.
- 90% turnout for recent parent-teacher conferences.
- One School, One Book launch featuring read-alouds by staff.
- Donuts with VIPs event welcoming family members into the building.
- Girls Only Club, PBIS assemblies, and strong support for M-STEP testing preparation.
Middle School Update
State testing begins this week with eighth graders taking the PSAT. The school also received a $12,000 grant from the White Lake Community Fund to revamp the sixth-grade band and choir experience. Other highlights include:
- Aviation Camp growth with potential ties to a new aviation mechanics program at the Career Tech Center.
- A new Career Exploration Day for 8th graders.
- Spring sports fully underway.
High School Update
Principal Jennifer Hyatt noted:
- ACT, SAT, PSAT, and M-STEP testing ongoing.
- March Madness dodgeball tournament raised funds for prom.
- FFA chapter earned national recognition and multiple state titles.
- Greenhouse projects and trail building at the MAC continue.
- New line dancing club launched with strong student interest.
Curriculum Update: Elementary ELA Adoption
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a presentation by elementary staff and principals Sandy Lundquist and Jen Stillman, outlining the rigorous, year-long process to adopt a new English Language Arts curriculum.
Staff piloted two programs—Bookworms and EL Education—ultimately selecting Bookworms unanimously based on its:
- Strong alignment with the Science of Reading
- Rich student vocabulary and writing engagement
- Clear teacher support materials and onboarding for new staff
- Full compatibility with district goals and grant requirements
Thanks to the 35j grant from the State of Michigan, all instructional materials and professional development will be fully funded, including training from Bookworms creator Dr. Sharon Walpole.
New Business
The board reviewed and approved the following items:
- 2025–26 School Calendar: School will begin the week before Labor Day, aligning with most regional districts and maximizing instructional days.
- Personnel Approvals:
- Philip Koops as high school physical education teacher and varsity football coach
- Jeff Balon as JV softball coach
- Dawn Tibbits as RRO cook aide
- Technology Upgrades:
- Purchase of 200 Chromebooks for grades 1–2 ($58,052)
- Purchase of 420 Chromebooks for the middle school ($121,909.20)
- Infrastructure:
- Purchase of two Generac generators for RRO and NBC buildings to support food service operations ($60,548 from food service funds)
Final Notes
The board concluded with a closed session to discuss the Superintendent evaluation process. As the district enters the final stretch of the academic year, leadership emphasized gratitude for staff dedication and the momentum generated from innovative programs and successful grant funding.
