Some of the biggest conversations at Monday night’s Montague Area Public Schools Board of Education meeting were not about the coming school year itself, but about what today’s decisions could mean for students in the years ahead.
From moving the district’s long anticipated FFA barn project closer to construction, to discussions about science curriculum, facility improvements, and state funding, board members spent much of the evening focused on investments designed to expand opportunities for students while preparing for the future.
FFA Barn Project Takes Another Step Forward
One of the most significant updates came on the district’s agricultural education expansion.
Superintendent Jeffrey W. Johnson announced that bid proposals will soon be available for contractors interested in helping construct the new agricultural barn, classroom space, and storefront. Bids are due by Wednesday, July 29, at 2 p.m.
The facility will be built in the wooded area behind Montague High School, between the baseball field and Stanton Boulevard.
Far more than simply a barn, the project is envisioned as a hands on learning center that combines agriculture, business, and career education.
Plans include:
- Animal pens for student projects
- Dedicated classroom learning space
- A storefront where students can sell flowers, eggs, chickens, produce, and other products
- Collaboration with DECA students, who will help operate and manage retail sales through the school store
Johnson said architectural drawings are now complete, with Winberg Construction preparing bid packages for contractors.
The district hopes construction can move forward before winter.
The project reflects a growing emphasis on giving students real world learning experiences that connect classroom instruction with entrepreneurship, agriculture, and business management.
Board Discusses Science Curriculum and Agricultural Focus
While approving the district’s 2026 through 2027 course catalogs, Trustee Emily Fullmer raised a broader question about Montague High School’s science offerings.
Fullmer noted that the district’s freshman and sophomore science courses have an agricultural focus and asked whether that remains the best long term direction for providing students with a broad science education.
Johnson explained that the current structure allows those courses to qualify for Career and Technical Education funding through agricultural program designations. Offering alternative versions of those courses could reduce state funding that supports other agricultural programming.
At the same time, Johnson acknowledged the district regularly reviews its curriculum and said there may be opportunities to broaden how science standards are taught while maintaining those funding benefits.
Rather than debating immediate changes, the conversation highlighted the balancing act many school districts face between maximizing available funding and continually evaluating what best prepares students for future careers and college opportunities.
Football Scoreboard Could Receive Major Upgrade
Johnson also shared that a donor has approached the district about expanding the football stadium scoreboard.
The proposal would add a traditional scoreboard display beneath the existing digital video board, providing more game information during athletic events.
District officials are currently working with the donor to finalize plans. The donor was not identified during Monday’s meeting.
District Continues Working Through New State Budget
Johnson provided an update on Michigan’s recently approved education budget, saying district administrators are still working through many of the financial details.
Among the highlights:
- The state foundation allowance will increase by $250 to $10,300 per student.
- Free breakfast and lunch programs will continue.
- Funding formulas for at risk students have changed and are still being analyzed.
- A three year student enrollment average will benefit Montague’s funding calculations.
- Additional funding is included for educator compensation and literacy training.
Johnson said many of the new formulas are still being interpreted, making it too early to determine their complete financial impact on the district.
Staff Recognized and New Faces Introduced
Johnson welcomed new Middle School Principal Steve Gray, who was unable to attend last month’s meeting after being hired.
The board also recognized three Montague High School teachers who officially earned tenure:
- Chelsea Bender
- Deron Hunter
- Trent Felt
Lauren Ross was introduced as the district’s new varsity girls basketball coach and was later approved as the high school’s new student support specialist. Ross previously coached at Purdue Fort Wayne after completing her collegiate playing career.
The board also congratulated Finance Director Stacey Brown for renewing her Michigan School Business Officials business office manager certification through 2031 after completing the required professional development.
Other Business
The board also:
- Approved updated student handbooks for the 2026 through 2027 school year.
- Approved the district’s course catalogs.
- Approved the purchase of a new districtwide phone system using Technology and Safety Fund dollars, allowing the district to replace equipment expected to become obsolete in 2029.
- Approved new members of the Montague Teachers Education Association bargaining unit.
- Approved the annual School Loan Revolving Fund application resolution.
- Reviewed the first reading of several Neola policy updates, including ethics, artificial intelligence, wireless communication devices, volunteers, purchasing, and online learning policies.
As the meeting concluded, a common theme emerged. Whether discussing the FFA barn, curriculum decisions, facility improvements, or state funding, much of the board’s work centered on positioning Montague students for future opportunities while making thoughtful decisions about the resources available today.
Follow along on social media for daily updates, community highlights, and moments that happen between the headlines.
Facebook • Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • LinkedIn • X
Stay connected to what’s happening in our area by visiting CatchMark Community.
Powered by CatchMark Technologies — helping people, solving problems. Explore more on our website.
