Steve Denniston

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the district's mission statement and the Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda items included approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, noting the resignation of a teacher transferring to Spring Lake. Key discussions centered on student performance data, including October Students of the Month recognition for students who showed significant improvement. The board reviewed SAT data benchmarks, noting similar performance to the state in reading/writing but underperformance in math, and discussed the upcoming transition from the ACT to the WINT test. Furthermore, principals provided an update on student intervention programs, including success coaching and specialized math intervention courses for freshmen and sophomores. The discussion also covered chronic absenteeism rates and the analysis of student assessment data from NW A to identify root causes for performance gaps, including demographic factors and parental involvement. Finally, administration presented data regarding K-8 benchmark assessments using NW A and K-12 math performance percentiles compared nationally, as well as overall course passing rates across grades 9-12.

The District Strategic Plan for Montague Area Public Schools outlines its mission to educate and inspire students to become motivated, articulate, productive, and successful citizens, guided by core values of Community, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence. The plan focuses on key strategic areas including fostering a Whole Child Experience, ensuring Academic Success through improved proficiency and assessments, upholding Community Professional Integrity through family engagement and staff development, optimizing Systems & Services, and maintaining efficient Facilities & Finance. The plan seeks to provide quality co-curricular opportunities, implement student support systems, align curriculum to state standards, nurture a positive school culture, and establish strong community partnerships.

The board meeting commenced with the mission statement and pledge of allegiance, followed by the appointment of a secretary pro tem for the January meeting. Key discussions included the election of 2026 officers, where Joel was nominated for president, and the adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule, which largely follows the second Monday of each month. The board also moved to adopt the current bylaws for 2026 with the right to review and revise them later. The consent agenda covered annual appointments, including changes such as the administrative assistant becoming the deputy secretary and the director of business affairs becoming the deputy treasurer. The meeting also noted two retirements. Principals provided updates on various activities, including holiday events, winter sports (bowling, wrestling), ongoing chess and Pokemon clubs, NWBA testing, and 8th-grade exam preparations. High school updates mentioned a community day, exam schedules, robotics kickoff, and the FFA state star finalist. Post-high school planning discussions focused on 10th-grade CTC tours and seniors' college and career readiness planning. Board recognition was given for School Board Recognition Month, and the administrators, teachers union, and support staff union jointly announced the creation of an activity fund for student groups.

Key discussions and actions during the regular Board meeting included the appointment of a Secretary Pro-Tem, the election of officers for the 2026 calendar year (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), and the adoption of the meeting schedule for 2026. The Board also adopted the current bylaws for 2026, appointed Joel Smith as the Key Board Member for MASB and MAISD Liaison, and approved various committee appointments. The consent agenda covered numerous administrative appointments, including designating school attorneys and auditors, appointing Title IX Coordinators, and approving expenditure authorizations and credit card usage policies. New business featured the approval of the second reading and adoption of Policy 5517.01, and the approval of several technology infrastructure bids for stadium, MHS, and NBC fiber upgrades, as well as wireless access point upgrades, to be funded by E-Rate and General funds. Reports highlighted Board Appreciation Month, PTO activities, current testing status at elementary schools, and upcoming events across the educational levels. The Superintendent announced new hires and acknowledged recent losses within the employee community, noting an anticipated future Board position opening.

The discussion focused heavily on student academic performance data, specifically NWA screener results for reading and math for K-8 students, noting overall class growth but also identifying specific grade levels needing targeted intervention and support. Further discussion covered legislative updates regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget, including allocations for Title I and CTE programming, and anticipated details of the state budget proposal. A Building and Facility Committee update addressed the sinking fund balances, current fire suppression system upgrades, and future capital projects including roof repairs. A bond update detailed expenditures for construction management and architects, with remaining funds earmarked for the agricultural barn and auditorium improvements. The meeting also recognized a Board member for an award of merit and addressed his resignation due to relocation outside the district.