District overview
Potterville Public Schools
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How Potterville Public Schools is paid for and who decides
Potterville Public Schools serves about 730 students in Eaton County, Michigan, in an early childhood center, an elementary school and a combined middle/high school. A seven-member elected board sets policy and the budget. Most operating money comes from state per-student aid, so enrollment drives revenue. Local voters approved a $28 million bond in 2021 for building work and separately fund sinking funds for repairs, security and technology. The district operates under a state-required deficit elimination plan.
Deficit plan
2025-26 ended with a positive fund balance, but the 2026-27 budget relies on deficit spending and plan reports await state approval.
Enrollment below budget
728 students on July 30, 2026, against 743 first budgeted.
Bond project costs
Unplanned drainage (up to $750,000), roof ($90,000) and sewer ($50,000) work was added in summer 2026.
Leadership change
Daniel Gilbertson became superintendent after a split 4-3 vote in June 2026, replacing Interim Superintendent Michelle Falcon.
The district ended 2025-26 with a positive fund balance, and the new superintendent's salary was projected to save about $60,000.
Where the district stands
Major projects
2021 bond building project (auxiliary gym, renovations, parking lots)
construction finishingThe auxiliary gym opened in spring 2026. Summer 2026 work added drainage (up to $750,000), roof repairs (up to $90,000), sewer replacement (up to $50,000), elementary emergency lighting and an elementary/ECC parking lot rebuild. Contractors were finishing punch lists in September.
- ECC parking lot rebuild approved
- Furniture and bond resolution approved
- Bond financing approved
- Drainage overrun approved
- Punch list work
Funding
2021 voter-approved bond; contingency funds for roof repairs
Superintendent search
completedThe board ran an MASB search starting in February 2026, restarted it after a 4-3 vote in April, and hired Daniel Gilbertson on a 4-3 vote in June. Dr. Mark McGarry was given a one-year extra-duty District Program Director role.
- Board votes to run a search
- Search restarted
- Gilbertson selected
- Contract approved
Funding
General fund (MASB search fee)
Recent news
View the news feed →Resources
Practical guides to school phone policies, district budgets, and administrator hiring.
Explore resources →Official Potterville Board of Education minutes posted on ppsvikings.org, November 2025 through September 2026.
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