Kalamazoo Public Schools - March 19, 2026 Board of Education Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

The Kalamazoo School Board Meeting on March 19, 2026, features a presentation by Milwood Elementary students and accolades for Kalamazoo Central High School's athletic achievements. Dr. Martin, Superintendent of KRESA, discusses the importance of renewing the special education millage, which supports mandated services for students with IEPs across the county. Several parents and community members advocate for a bus stop for Interfaith students to ensure safe transportation to Hillside, highlighting safety and equity concerns. The meeting also touches on the Global Reading Challenge and preparations for upcoming community feedback sessions.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:07)
The meeting was called to order, and a welcome was extended to all attendees.

Good evening everyone. And welcome. I will call this meeting to order and we will begin with the pledge of allegiance.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:11)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

Following the call to order, the meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:32)
The agenda for the meeting was approved following a motion and a second.

A motion to accept the agenda was made by Trustee Murphy and seconded by Trustee Peyton. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Roll Call and Attendance (00:00:51)
Roll call was conducted, noting all trustees present except for Trustee Johnson.

Secretary McLinn took attendance, noting all trustees were present except Trustee Johnson, who was on her way. Trustee Shaler Barber joined online.
Introduction of Visitors (00:01:12)
The meeting had many visitors, including students from Millwood Elementary.

Ms. Coney introduced the visitors, including a room full of special guests and students from Millwood Elementary School.
Student Recognitions (00:01:28)
Students from Millwood Elementary were recognized for their achievements.

Principal Craig Luso introduced students from Millwood Elementary School, recognizing them for demonstrating respect, responsibility, and academic growth.
Recognition of Student Athletes (00:05:12)
Student athletes from Kalamazoo Central High School were recognized.

Mrs. Valerie Bogan, principal of Kalamazoo Central High School, recognized the men's and women's basketball teams for their achievements, along with individual athletes in wrestling and swimming.
Committee Reports (00:13:30)
Various committee reports were given, including academic excellence and community relations.

Reports were given on upcoming and past committee meetings, including academic excellence, community engagement, operations, governance, and community in schools.
Correspondence (00:15:00)
Secretary McGuinn reported on email correspondence received by the board.

Secretary McGuinn noted email correspondence from Morgan Stevenson and another request about phone-free initiatives, which she replied to.
Consent Calendar Approval (00:15:13)
The consent calendar items were approved following a motion and second.

A motion to accept the consent calendar items was made by Trustee Hill and seconded by Trustee McGuinn, followed by a roll call vote.
Purchase Recommendations (00:18:09)
Three purchase recommendations were presented for board approval.

Ms. Kaiser presented three purchase recommendations: Chrome education upgrade digital licenses, North Blade Montessori magnet school remodeling, and Maple Street Magnet School office remodel.
Superintendent's Report (00:18:58)
Superintendent Dr. Slade provided an update on strategic planning and upcoming events.

Dr. Slade thanked community members for attending strategic plan meetings and announced upcoming community meetings. He also highlighted the success of the third school program and regional spelling bee.
Kalamazoo RESA Presentation (00:21:07)
Dr. Dedrick Martin presented on Kalamazoo RESA's role and the importance of the special education millage.

Dr. Dedrick Martin, superintendent of Kalamazoo RESA, discussed the organization's support for local districts, early childhood education, special education, and the need to renew the special education millage.
Second Reading and Adoption of Policies (00:31:32)
The second reading and adoption of policies took place to correct previously incorrect dates.

Trustee Murphy read policies into the public record for a second time, with updates to correct the adoption dates. These will be published by the end of the school year.
Public Comments (00:33:10)
Members of the public addressed the board on transportation and safety issues.

Several speakers, including Morgan Stevenson and Shelly Smith, raised concerns about the lack of a bus stop at Interfaith, highlighting safety risks for students walking to school.
Global Reading Challenge Highlights (00:43:13)
Trustee Peyton shares highlights from the global reading challenge at Oshtemo Community Building, where King Westwood advanced to the finals.

Trustee Peyton attended a global reading challenge event at the Oshtemo Community Building. Schools King Westwood, Kazoo, and Arcadia competed. King Westwood won and advanced to the finals at the main library. The event was well-attended by excited students and parents. Trustee Peyton shared a story about a disappointed alternate student and praised the creative team names.
Women's History Month Announcement (00:44:50)
Trustee Peyton announces Women's History Month and highlights Monique Grayson, a Delta pilot and KPS graduate, speaking at WMU.

During Women's History Month, Trustee Peyton highlights Monique Grayson, a graduate of Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) and a Delta Airlines pilot. Monique Grayson is scheduled to speak at Western Michigan University. Trustee Peyton mentions her personal connection to Monique as her former student.
Public Comments Appreciation (00:45:35)
Trustee Murphy expresses appreciation for public comments and encourages further communication via email to the board.

Trustee Murphy reiterates the board's appreciation for public comments and invites community members to email additional items or thoughts to the board. She assures that all board members will receive a copy of the comments and expresses gratitude for community engagement.
Special Education Millage Discussion (00:46:01)
Trustee Murphy and others discuss the importance of passing the special education millage to maintain general budget funds.

Trustee Murphy thanks Dr. Martin for speaking about the special education millage, emphasizing its importance in preventing cuts to the general budget. The millage ensures funding for special education services, allowing the district to maintain and upgrade facilities, replace buses, and provide opportunities. Failure to pass the millage would lead to budget constraints affecting these areas.
Retirements and Career Celebrations (00:47:32)
Trustee Murphy congratulates retiring staff members, acknowledging their long, fantastic careers with KPS.

Trustee Murphy congratulates KPS employees who have announced their retirements. She wishes them well and acknowledges their long and successful careers, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the district.
Women's History Month Acknowledgment (00:47:58)
Trustee Johnson celebrates Women's History Month and appreciates the all-women board's diverse insights.

Trustee Johnson acknowledges Women's History Month, expressing pride and inspiration from serving on an all-women board. He values the diverse insights from board members of different age groups and backgrounds, highlighting the central role of women in every culture.
Student Achievements and Events (00:48:18)
Trustee Johnson congratulates student Jamar for his achievements and promotes upcoming community events for students.

Trustee Johnson congratulates Jamar, a hurdler and senior, for his recent first-place finish. He encourages students to attend the "Minds with Jabs" event at the Douglas during spring break and promotes the upcoming masquerade ball featuring local delights.
Global Reading Challenge Coaching Experience (00:49:34)
A board member shares their experience coaching the Lincoln Reading Raiders in the global reading challenge.

A board member shares their experience coaching the Lincoln Reading Raiders for two years. Although their team did not win against the Woodward Minions, they congratulate the winners and express excitement for the upcoming finals. The member also looks forward to attending the spelling bee and wishes students a safe spring break.
Parent-Teacher Engagement for Student Success (00:50:40)
Superintendent Slade encourages parents to check their children's academic status and engage with teachers to ensure success.

Superintendent Slade advises parents to use spring break as an opportunity to check their children's academic status via PowerSchool and contact teachers if needed. He emphasizes the importance of staying informed to prevent surprises about summer school requirements. The superintendent highlights available support for students and encourages proactive communication between parents and school staff.
Adjournment of the Meeting (00:51:55)
The meeting concludes with a motion to adjourn, and the next meeting date is announced.

The meeting is adjourned following a motion by Trustee Johnson and a second by another board member. The motion passes with all in favor. The chairperson wishes everyone a safe week and announces the date for the next meeting.