The Montague Area Public Schools board agenda was approved unanimously, and the consent agenda—which included minutes from the June 9 meeting, $1.09 million in expenditures across six funds, and a retirement acknowledgment for Sue Dyer (MACC Cook)—was passed without amendments.
Public Comment
No public comments were recorded during this session.
Superintendent’s Report
Staff Tenure Recognitions
Superintendent Jeff Johnson shared several key updates:
Alexia Francis, first-grade teacher at RRO, was granted tenure after five years of service, alongside an 11-year tenure as a district parapro.
Michelle Bunton, an eighth-grade math teacher at NBC, was also recognized for her dedication.
New Support Staff
Shannon Knapp and Scott Thomas were welcomed as new custodians. Knapp is a Montague graduate, while Thomas brings 15 years of custodial experience.
Legislative & Bond Project Updates
The legislative landscape remains uncertain; however, a potential $64,500 impact from withheld Title II federal funds is anticipated.
The gymnasium remodel is complete, awaiting final logo installations.
Preliminary planning is underway for the new barn facility, though cost concerns remain.
The longstanding transportation partnership with New Era Christian will continue, now including both AM and PM services.
New Business Approvals
2025-2026 Handbooks
The Board approved handbooks for MHS, NBC, RRO, and MAC, noting updates such as:
Field trip policy clarifications.
Technology damage fee additions.
Graduation participation requirements.
A new statement on AI-generated content in the plagiarism section.
Chromebook damage costs and athletic code clarifications.
A behavioral policy for school dances.
2025-2026 Course Catalogs
The only updates occurred at the high school level, including:
New courses like Life Skills, Fundamentals of Coding, and Fit and Healthy.
Adjusted PE course descriptions and combined offerings.
Addition of MCBA Virtual Academy link and course titles.
New Teacher Hire
The Board unanimously approved Brooke Laroux as a new elementary teacher at RRO. An Alma College graduate and multi-sport athlete, Laroux was praised for her leadership and involvement in local athletics.
Financial Measures
School Loan Revolving Fund Application: Approved to borrow $49,687 to meet debt obligations, with repayment expected by 2027.
Relinquishment of Title III Immigration Funds: Approved to return $685 due to limited use restrictions and inapplicability to exchange students.
Middle School Carpet Project: Approved a $35,621.64 quote from Bethany Mills via Sourcewell for classroom recarpeting, budgeted across fiscal years for efficiency.
Athletics: Overnight Trip Approval
An overnight trip for the Varsity Girls Golf Team to the Traverse City Central Golf Invitational at Crystal Mountain Resort (August 18–20, 2025) was approved. Board members discussed the potential benefit of bundling athletic trip approvals for efficiency in the future.
Neola Policy Updates: First Reading
Superintendent Johnson presented the first reading of numerous Neola policy updates, with second reading and adoption scheduled for August. Key highlights include:
Technical Corrections Authorization: Superintendent may now fix minor errors without full board approval.
Field Trip and Transportation Policies: Consolidated for clarity.
Health and Safety Revisions: Updates on immunization, medication protocols (including Epipens), and mental health wellness.
Disciplinary Authority: Policy 5610 raises questions about superintendent powers over long-term suspensions; clarification is pending.
Federal Compliance Adjustments: Updates due to shifts in Title IX interpretation, reverting to 2020 standards.
Next Meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2025 at 6:00 pm in the High School CAT Lab.
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