The Montague Area Public Schools Board of Education meeting Monday night blended routine business with moments that reflected the district’s larger priorities — welcoming new leadership, celebrating student accomplishments, and making decisions that affect both staff and families across the district.
The most visible change came early in the meeting as Douglas Schmidt was sworn in to the Montague school board, stepping into the role after former board member Brent Raeth’s departure. The oath of office marked a transition moment for the district’s leadership, as the board continues guiding decisions affecting students, staff, and the broader community.
Douglas Schmidt is sworn in by Stacey Brown, Director of Business Affairs.
Board members also approved several pieces of routine business, but the discussion throughout the meeting underscored a consistent theme: supporting student opportunities while maintaining stability in how the district operates.
A look inside the schools
Principals used the board’s “meaningful minute” updates to highlight programs that are shaping students’ experiences across the district.
At the elementary level, classrooms are focusing on literacy engagement through a “One School, One Book” initiative, encouraging families to read together at home while students participate in trivia and activities tied to the book.
Other events emphasized community connection, including a Valentine’s concert that RRO Principal Sandie Lundquist described as one of the most memorable in recent years. Preparations have also started for a large end-of-year celebration that brings together families, food trucks, the public library, and student activities.
Meanwhile at Montague Middle School, students are preparing for a Wildcat Wellness Walk, a community event organized by the school’s Hope Squad to promote mental health awareness. The walk will take place March 23 and is designed to encourage conversation and connection among students and families.
Career exploration also remained a focus. Eighth graders recently spent a day visiting workplaces across Muskegon County, giving students hands-on exposure to fields ranging from health care and marketing to law enforcement and architecture.
Administrators say the goal is to help students understand how classroom learning connects to real-world careers before they enter high school.
Students bringing home recognition
The high school report highlighted a wave of recent student achievements in academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
Among the biggest honors was Dylan Bailey receiving the State Star award through FFA, the highest individual recognition in the organization. Montague’s FFA chapter also finished third out of 110 chapters statewide.
Other highlights included:
- Strong finishes for students competing in DECA’s state conference in Detroit
- The band program earning top ratings at festival
- Multiple athletes recognized as all-conference selections
- The wrestling team continuing a long streak of academic all-state honors
- The school’s chess team winning its conference tournament
Administrators emphasized that the recognition reflects both student achievement and the range of opportunities available within the district.
Decisions affecting staff and enrollment
During new business, the board approved several items that will shape the district’s operations moving forward.
One vote confirmed that Montague will continue participating in Muskegon Area ISD’s Schools of Choice program, allowing students from outside district boundaries to enroll in Montague schools. District officials noted that Montague historically receives more transfer requests than it sends out.
Board members also approved letters of agreement with the teachers and support staff unions tied to new state legislation distributing retirement-system savings back to school employees.
Under the agreement, eligible district employees will receive $756, which they can take as a direct payment or deposit into retirement or health savings accounts.
Superintendent comments also touched on upcoming state budget discussions in Lansing, including proposals that could increase per-pupil funding and expand funding for programs such as career and technical education.
Looking ahead
The meeting closed with routine appointments, including designating a board representative to attend the Muskegon Area ISD annual budget review.
While many of the actions were procedural, the updates throughout the evening reflected a broader picture of the district’s priorities; investing in student experiences, supporting staff, and maintaining programs that connect schools to the wider community.
As spring approaches, district leaders say the focus will remain on keeping students engaged through academics, extracurriculars, and community events that help prepare them for what comes next.
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