District overview
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
St. Johns Public Schools in Clinton County runs St. Johns High, St. Johns Middle, four elementary schools (Eureka, Gateway North, Oakview South and Riley), STRIVE Academy and the new Little Wings Early Learning Center. Michigan pays most operating costs per student, so declining enrollment shrinks the budget. Buildings are paid for with voter-approved bonds. A seven-member elected Board of Education hires the superintendent, Dr. Anthony Berthiaume.
Leaders projected more than $700,000 in cuts for 2026-27 and nearly $2.9 million for 2027-28.
A $40 million bond is on the November 3, 2026 ballot at a projected 7.0 mills, after two failed attempts.
In 2026 the board issued non-voted bonds to buy and renovate the Tolles Drive building for Little Wings.
Terms for Matthew Boak, Alan Nelson and Scott Darragh end in December 2026.
The 2024-25 audit was clean, and kindergarten and Young 5s enrollment rose to 158 for fall 2026.
Projected to keep the debt tax at 7.0 mills.
Nearly $2.9 million more needed in 2027-28.
Board estimate during the facility funding discussion.
The former Tolles Drive building was bought and renovated for early childhood programs; it opened in late August 2026. The bond would add two classrooms and a gross-motor room.
Non-voted 2026 school improvement bonds
St. Johns Public Schools · $40,000,000
Voters decide whether St. Johns Public Schools may borrow $40 million for building repairs and infrastructure, security upgrades and learning spaces across the district. The district projects the debt tax would stay at 7.0 mills, the current rate, as the 2010 bond is paid off. It is $59.9 million smaller than earlier proposals.
Official source · verified Oct 27, 2026
Approved Board of Education minutes from November 2025 to September 2026, read in full, plus the district's bond and board web pages.
We read every agenda, packet, recording, and set of minutes, and write up the decisions that affect families — each one linked to the document it came from.
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