The regular meeting of the Montague Area Public Schools Board of Education was called to order. The meeting focused on adopting the district’s 2025-26 budget, which accounts for declining enrollment and uncertain state funding. The Board also approved several key memberships, overnight athletic trips, and multiple new staff hires across the district. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Johnson provided updates on legislative budget impacts and new personnel.
Budget Hearing (2025-26)
A public hearing was held on the district’s proposed 2025-26 budget, presented by Business Manager Stacey Brown:
Total expenditures: $20,634,970
Debt levy: 7.8 mills
Sinking fund levy: .7802 mills (slightly reduced from last year)
Key highlights:
Budget reflects conservative planning due to uncertain state funding and declining enrollment.
Enrollment projection: 1,225 students, with $10,000 per pupil (based on the governor’s proposed figure).
Loss of 64 students this year results in an estimated $200,000 revenue decrease despite a $392 per pupil increase.
Major impacts include reduced local, state, and federal sources due to the conclusion of grants and contracts.
Key investments: a new student support counselor at the high school (grant-funded) and potential resurfacing of the track.
Anticipated fund balance: $1.2 million (6%) by June 2026.
The Board approved adjourning the budget hearing.
Approval of Agenda & Consent Agenda
The Board approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda, which included:
Approval of expenditures totaling $1,159,291.45 across various funds.
Acceptance of resignation: Joe Brunson, high school teacher and cross country/track coach.
Public Comment
No public comments were received.
Reports
Financial Report – Stacey Brown
Detailed the proposed budget and associated assumptions (as outlined above).
Addressed Board questions regarding student enrollment shifts and the status of the Electric Forest contract (anticipated to continue but not budgeted conservatively at this time).
Superintendent Comments – Dr. Jeff Johnson
Announced new hires:
Jacqueline Revilla, MACC Administrative Assistant
Ashleigh Lind, RRO LRE Aide
Noted ongoing uncertainty with the state and federal budget processes but expressed confidence that schools would continue to be funded through temporary measures if necessary.
New Business
The Board approved the following items:
2025-26 Budget – Adopted as presented.
MHSAA Membership Renewal – Ensures participation for both middle and high school athletics.
MASB Membership Renewal – $4,144 annual membership fee supports Board professional development, legal resources, and policy updates.
Overnight Athletic Trip Requests – Approved:
Girls Varsity Basketball – June 15-16, 2025 (Northstar Shootout)
JV & Varsity Football – July 28-30, 2025 (Montrose)
Senior Football Leadership Trip – August 7-9, 2025 (Hershey) Note: Transportation details for some trips will be clarified.
MAISD SEPAC Representative – Reappointed Mary Cavalier for a new two-year term.
New Staff Hires:
Carrie Briggs – Special Education Teacher, RRO
Alexis Cobb – 3rd Grade Teacher, RRO (Montague graduate, long-term sub in same grade)
Claudia Rumsey – Kindergarten Teacher, RRO (adjusted from originally planned 2nd grade)
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