Marne Mercer - Stevens Point Area School Board Member

10/14/2026

The credit for running the school district belongs to the teachers, staff, and administrators who pour their hearts into their work every day.

Since it is (or was) School Board appreciation week, however, I want to take this moment to thank my fellow board members. We don't always agree. We have different backgrounds, experiences, and areas of focus. But we work hard to come together to best meet the current and future needs of our district, and I believe that we do so admirably, without drama, ego, or ill will.

Believe. Belong. Become. (For students, for staff, and even for Board Members.)

10/14/2026

I didn't realize that tonight's concert would be a "Make a School Board Member Cry" event. Truly a wonderful job by these young singers. ❤️

08/30/2026

This year, I once again have a rising 7th grader, who will start their Jr. High journey tomorrow. So in honor of that...

To the teachers and staff who have been working hard these last two weeks (and months, and years) to welcome our children back and feed their minds for the coming year - thank you.

To the parents who are transitioning out of summer and into school routines, who are managing work schedules and sports schedules and comforting nervous kiddos - hang in there.

See you all in school, whether tomorrow or Tuesday. You've got this!

📢 Reminder! Orientation day and the first day of school are coming up!

🎒 August 31: Orientation Day (grades *4K, kindergarten, 7, and 10 ONLY) *4K programs at District Elementary Buildings only
📚 September 1: First Day of School

We can’t wait to see everyone back in the hallways! 🏫

08/03/2026

How can districts ensure they are thoughtfully responding to declining enrollment?

In the Stevens Point Area Public School District, we bring together diverse perspectives to discuss how to responsibly allocate our infrastructure and resources to best meet the needs of our students, both now and in the future.

Stay tuned for more - or keep an eye on our Task Force webpage!

How should grade levels be organized across our schools in the future?

At Meeting 4, the Schools 2040 Task Force began evaluating the District’s current grade configuration and possible alternatives.

Transitioning to a K–5, 6–8 and 9–12 model received the strongest preliminary support, but more discussion is required before the Task Force makes its final recommendation by the end of this year.

This was an early evaluation. No decisions have been made.

🔗 Read the Meeting 4 update: https://on.pointschools.net/3Tzn11f

07/08/2026

Are you interested in helping to serve the Stevens Point Area Public School District? We have an opening for a citizen member on our Business Services/HR Committee.

You should apply!

Post Details - Stevens Point Area School District

07/07/2026

Children cannot learn if they are not fed. All children under 18 are eligible for our summer meal program, even if not enrolled in summer school.

🥪 Did You Know? Free Summer Meals are Available!

The Stevens Point Area Public School District Food Service Department is back with the Summer Food Service Program. Your child does not need to be enrolled in summer school to participate and receive a nutritious meal! 🍎

Stop by one of our four summer school locations:
▪️Madison Elementary: Breakfast 8:20-9:15 AM, Lunch 10:35 AM-12:45 PM
▪️McKinley Elementary: Breakfast 8:30-9:15 AM, Lunch 10:50 AM-12:45 PM
▪️Roosevelt Elementary: Breakfast 8:20-9:15 AM, Lunch 11:00 AM-12:45 PM
▪️PJ Jacobs: Breakfast 7:00-9:45 AM, Lunch 10:45 AM-1:15 PM

🗓️This program will run through July 17!

07/06/2026

I hope that everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July holiday, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of the great experiment of these United States of America. What a momentous occasion!

Happy Fourth of July!

As our country marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, we are grateful for the community we serve and the students, families, staff, alumni, and neighbors who make the Stevens Point area such a special place to learn and grow.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!

06/17/2026

If you've ever found yourself asking, "Are the board members and district being good stewards of our taxes?" or wondering if the board is making the necessary difficult decisions in light of declining enrollment, this post is for you.

"The Stevens Point Area Public School District has launched a new Program & Budget Evaluation webpage designed to to provide families, staff, and community members with a centralized location to access information related to district planning and decision-making...

The page includes:

- Enrollment trends and projections
- Staffing information and updates
- Budget and Financial context
- Program Review highlights
- Frequently asked questions
- Related Planning Resources"

We are continually seeking new ways to keep the public informed and provide transparency into our budget and decision-making process. We include a Budget Evaluation update in every board meeting, so if you have ideas - please do come and share them!

Program & Budget Evaluation - Stevens Point Area School District

06/10/2026

From our Apprenticeship Programs to AP classes, to partnerships with Mid-State and UWSP, we strive to ensure our students are prepared for life after graduation. We are fortunate to have so many great options.

What do you think it takes for a child to be "ready?"

🎓 UW-Stevens Point just earned a big honor — named a 2025-26 College of Distinction! What makes it stand out? See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by UW-Stevens Point

06/05/2026

Monthly, our Superintendent sends out a connection newsletter. Since it is the end of the school year, I want to highlight some of what she called out:

"This year:

- Behavior incidents involving physical aggression decreased by 16% from 2024–25 to 2025–26.

- Chronic absenteeism decreased significantly, with an approximate district-wide reduction of 18% compared to this time last year.

- Math achievement at both the elementary and secondary levels continues to remain strong and exceeds the state average on our district report card.

- Through our ongoing budget and program review process, we identified approximately $1.2 million in cost savings for the 2026–27 school year.

- In response to identified family needs and interests, we expanded our 4K programming for the 2026–27 school year to include five full-day program options."

I am proud of the work that we have accomplished together as a Board, an Administration, and a District this year. We are fortunate to have a well-functioning board with road perspectives, and board members who constantly question what we are doing and how we do it, to achieve the best-possible results.

I know there is still room to grow, and I recognize that the economic climate right now means that rising property taxes remain a burden on our citizens. We are committed to continue to look for savings opportunities and efficiency (most recently, through the building of our Schools 2026 Task Force). And we hope that the legislature can come together to pass meaningful reform soon.

And, as always - thank you to our teachers and staff for your amazing work this year. Getting to hear about everything you are doing for our most precious resources, our children, lifts my spirits every day. Enjoy your summer; I know you need it!