District overview
Maple Valley Schools
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How Maple Valley schools are paid for and who decides
Maple Valley Schools serves Vermontville, Nashville and surrounding townships in Eaton and Barry counties, Michigan, with Fuller Street Elementary, Maplewood Elementary and Maple Valley Jr./Sr. High School. Most operating money comes from Michigan's per-student foundation allowance, so enrollment drives the budget. Michigan districts also must ask local voters to levy an operating millage, mostly on business and second-home property, to receive the full allowance; the board put a renewal on the August 2026 ballot. A seven-member elected Board of Education sets the budget and hires the superintendent, Dr. Katherine Bertolini. Special education and career programs are shared through Eaton RESA.
Per-student state money
The finance director's March 2026 presentation to the building-use committee walked through the foundation allowance, categorical funds and enrollment trends.
Local operating millage
The board voted April 20, 2026 to put an operating millage renewal on the August 2026 ballot.
Building study
A citizens' committee reviewed building-use scenarios with Performance Services; the board's July agenda listed approval of option 4, and October's lists leasing district property.
Seven elected members
Four seats (Dunham, Kenyon, Franks, Lackscheide) have terms ending in 2026.
The 2024-25 audit was accepted without reported problems, and the superintendent's December 2025 evaluation was rated Effective, the highest rating on the scale.
Where the district stands
Major projects
Building use study
in progressA citizens' advisory committee met from March to May 2026 to study the district's buildings, utility and maintenance costs, and scenarios from Performance Services, then ranked preferred options. The July 2026 agenda lists board approval of option 4, and the October agenda lists a request for proposals to lease district property. The documents collected do not describe what option 4 includes.
- Committee members approved
- Facility study agreement with Performance Services
- Four scenarios presented
- Costs of three scenarios
- Option 4 on board agenda
- Proposal request to lease property
Funding
Operating budget
High school auditorium sound and lighting
approvedThe board approved an HAV Design quote for audio, video, theatrical lighting and stage rigging upgrades after a DeCamp Foundation donation.
- DeCamp Foundation donation announced
- HAV Design quote approved
Funding
DeCamp Foundation donation and district funds
Recent news
Board of Education agendas, minutes and resolutions, and Citizens' Advisory Committee for Building Use documents, posted in the district's public Google Drive folders (November 5, 2025 through the October 19, 2026 agenda), read in full.
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