Reach Out to Us
Saving Maple Grove Charter School
Maple Grove Charter School Wins Legal Battle to Stay Open
Issue: The Maple Grove Charter School in the Town of Hamburg in Marathon County was targeted for closure by the Merrill Area School District
Action: Trial
Outcome: In a win-win finale, the Town of Hamburg and Maple Grove Charter School detached from the Merrill Area Public School District and joined the Athens School District on July 1, 2021.
There’s an old adage that you “can’t fight city hall.” Don’t tell that to the leaders and community champions of Maple Grove Charter School. With the help of Nowlan Law, the school that was slated for closure is still running strong, welcoming students with its rural charm and hands-on approach to education.
Long-standing Tradition
In late 2019, the Maple Grove Charter School in the Town of Hamburg was targeted for closure. Staff, parents, and students quickly mobilized to fight. Founded in 1904, Maple Grove had deep ties to the community, with generations of families attending the school. Dr. Angela Servi, a third-generation student and new Governance Board President, became a key leader in the movement to keep the school open.
Despite community pushback, the Merrill district moved forward. Nowlan Law, led by attorney David Moore, was hired to challenge the decision. The district argued closure would save $550,000 over two years, while Maple Grove leaders argued there was no contract breach and the closure was unjustified.
Working with Counsel
David Moore and Sara Gehrig-Woodman from Nowlan worked closely with the Maple Grove team. Sara helped prepare witnesses like Servi, offering critical guidance through a complex legal process—including the first-ever virtual trial in Marathon County.
“Sara was such an amazing coach,” said Servi. “She helped me feel prepared and supported, especially after my five-hour deposition.”
Gehrig-Woodman added, “It’s an honor to work with people this passionate. Maple Grove’s educational model is something special.”
Victory and Vindication
In June 2020, after a five-day trial, a judge ruled in Maple Grove’s favor. The district could not close the school until the contract expired in 2022. But the district appealed, and Maple Grove had to find a new long-term plan.
One idea: detach the Town of Hamburg from the Merrill district and join the Athens School District. It would take a petition, signatures, and more legal steps—Nowlan guided them through each one.
By November 2020, they gathered 810 signatures—despite COVID. In February 2021, Merrill’s board voted unanimously to approve detachment, and Athens followed. The plan was a success.
“Working with Nowlan was an optimal experience,” said Peter Fromm Wade, Foundation President. “Their commitment was unmatched. It was a true partnership.”
A Storybook Ending
With support from Athens and a new five-year charter contract in place, Maple Grove now looks to the future. “We’ve shifted from survival to long-term planning,” said Servi. “The Athens community has truly embraced us.”
“It’s been relaxing. Refreshing. The future looks very bright,” Wade said.
Timeline: Years in the Making
- Late 2019: Merrill targets Maple Grove for closure.
- Jan 2020: Public hearing held.
- Spring 2020: Maple Grove hires Nowlan Law.
- June 2020: Judge rules school stays open until 2022.
- Summer 2020: Merrill appeals; community seeks district transfer.
- Nov 2020: 810 petition signatures gathered.
- Feb 2021: Both school boards approve transfer.
- July 1, 2021: Maple Grove officially joins Athens School District.
About Maple Grove Charter School
After operating as a traditional school for over 100 years, Maple Grove became a charter school in 2012 focused on hands-on, exploratory learning. Students raise chickens, tap maple syrup, compost, and maintain trails—gaining real-world skills rooted in nature and community.
