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St. Johns board narrowly approves 31aa safety, mental-health funding resolution
Summary
The St. Johns Public Schools Board approved a resolution to accept 31aa safety and mental-health funds on Dec. 8, 2025, in a 5–2 vote; two trustees said they opposed accepting the funds amid ongoing legal questions and the district retains the option to rescind before the Michigan Department of Education deadline.
The St. Johns Public Schools Board of Education voted 5–2 on Dec. 8 to approve a resolution accepting 31aa safety and mental-health funding. Trustee Parker-Sternburgh moved the resolution, seconded by Trustee Randolph; Vice President Darragh and Trustee Mansfield voted no.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Berthiaume reviewed communications and legal guidance related to 31aa and told trustees the district may rescind the funds before the Michigan Department of Education’s Dec. 30 deadline if the board chooses to do so. Dr. Berthiaume also referenced a resolution prepared by Thrun Law Firm as an option depending on future court action and legislative clarification. The discussion focused on legal risk, policy clarity and the timeline for any rescission.
Why it matters: 31aa funding is intended to support local safety and mental-health initiatives; trustees expressed different views about accepting the funds now while litigation and questions about legislative language remain. The vote outcome leaves the district able to change course before the MDE deadline if further legal developments occur.
What happened next: The motion passed and was recorded; there was no immediate change to program implementation documented in the minutes. The board’s approval does not obligate specific expenditures until the board directs implementation at a later date.
