Meeting Overview
First, the Montague Area Public Schools Board met on August 11, 2025, at the CAT Lab. Next, trustees approved the agenda and then amended the consent agenda. Third, members removed counselor Tom Coon’s resignation after learning he would remain with the district. Afterwards, the board approved the consent agenda as amended. Finally, public comment rules were read and three residents addressed the board.
Public Comment Highlights
Kristen Tank thanked the district and recommended candidate Tammy Drau for the vacant trustee seat. Meanwhile, Teresa Eers introduced herself as an applicant and shared her community involvement. Additionally, Amanda supported Eers and proposed creating a unified district crest. Moreover, she noted board members currently cannot substitute teach and flagged that policy concern. Lastly, no further public comments were offered.
Reports from District Leaders
Superintendent Jeff Johnson previewed staff professional development on August 19–21 and the August 25 student start. Secondly, he warned about budget uncertainty at state and federal levels ahead of late decisions. Additionally, he reported Montague High School’s graduation rate ticked up to 96.36 percent. Then, Athletic Director Jay Mulder celebrated first-ever boys and girls soccer district titles and several academic all-state teams. Furthermore, he emphasized multi-sport participation, new strength and conditioning, and a 6–12 mental performance focus. Finally, Technology Director Steve Dennis detailed Windows 11 upgrades, added Chromebooks for grades 1–2, and stronger cybersecurity. Next, he described shifting to Classwize web filtering, expanding cameras, and refreshing the district website. Moreover, he outlined planned VoIP phone replacements, E-Rate funded wireless upgrades, and Clever logins for younger students. Lastly, he previewed staff training on AI tools and better use of interactive boards.
Board Actions and Policy Updates
First, after discussion of the candidates, the board appointed Ben Rubert to fill the vacant trustee seat through 2026. Next, trustees approved the administrative salary schedule aligned with recent bargaining increases, with noted adjustments for hard-to-fill roles. Additionally, the board hired Hillary Keely as High School Student Support Specialist. Moreover, members approved Kate Watkins as the MAC At-Risk Behavior Specialist. Then, the board granted a small easement to the City of Montague for Safe Routes sidewalk work along Hancock by Memorial Field. Furthermore, a first reading updated Policy 5610 to allow the superintendent to extend suspensions up to 35 days before board action. Finally, the board adopted a package of Neola policy revisions on field trips, wellness, leaves, records, discrimination, and related items, and then adjourned.
