Kalamazoo Public Schools - August 6, 2026 Board of Education Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

Superintendent Dr. Slade reports on the success of summer school with increased attendance and new programs like 'Rise Up' for student behavior challenges. The board approves technology purchases funded by federal E-Rate, discusses the importance of playground equipment, and highlights upcoming community and school events. The board also extends Dr. Slade's contract for another year. New principal appointments are confirmed, and the board emphasizes readiness and support for the upcoming school year.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:00)
The meeting is called to order and begins with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting starts with a welcome from the chair, calling the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance is recited.
Approval of the Agenda (00:00:25)
A motion to accept the agenda is made and seconded. The agenda is approved.

A motion to accept the agenda is put forward by Trustee Schola, Barbara, and seconded by Trustee Hill. The agenda is then accepted by all trustees present.
Roll Call and Attendance (00:00:50)
Roll call is taken and all trustees and Dr. Slade are present.

Secretary McGinn takes attendance confirming all trustees are present along with Dr. Slade.
Correspondence (00:01:00)
Two emails were received regarding vandalism and a transfer request. Responses were given.

An email from Dana DeLuca regarding building vandalism and another from Mariah and Jeremiah Newhouse regarding a district transfer request were received. Karen Jackson and Dr. Slade responded to the former, while the latter was handled by the secretary.
Consent Calendar Items (00:01:33)
Motion to accept consent calendar items is made and seconded.

A motion to accept the consent calendar items is made by Trustee Johnson and seconded by Trustee Schola, Barbara, with appreciation expressed for trustee participation.
Purchase Recommendations (00:01:51)
Five purchase recommendations discussed, partly funded by federal E-Rate funding.

Recommendations include sensors, switches, teacher desks, playground equipment, and PD software, with portions funded by federal E-Rate.
Discussion on Bonds and E-Rate (00:05:00)
Trustees discuss the importance of bonds and the E-Rate program.

Trustees Burger and others discuss the bond program's importance and E-Rate funding, while Mr. Hate explains E-Rate's role in technology infrastructure for schools.
Reports and Recommendations from the Superintendent (00:10:08)
Superintendent reports on summer school success, Rise Up program, and upcoming enrollment events.

Dr. Slade thanks staff for summer school, discusses the Rise Up program for at-risk students, and emphasizes the importance of student enrollment before school starts.
Upcoming Community and School Events (00:19:00)
Upcoming community events and enrollment activities are announced.

Ms. Coney and Dr. Slade share details on community outreach events, enrollment activities, and the importance of school readiness.
Personnel Appointments (00:20:20)
Multiple interim principal and assistant principal appointments are confirmed.

The board confirms appointments for various interim principal and assistant principal positions, highlighting the qualifications and experiences of the appointees.
Custodial Contract Agreement (00:28:34)
The board approves the custodial contract with SEIU, ensuring quality facilities for the district.

Discussion and approval of the custodial contract with SEIU, emphasizing the importance of custodians in maintaining high-quality facilities.
Public Comments (00:32:45)
Public comment from Mariah Bryant praising district leadership and expressing interest in her child's future education.

Mariah Bryant, a resident of the Edison neighborhood, addresses the board to thank them for their leadership and express her engagement as a concerned parent of a young child.
Public Comments (00:33:35)
A community member announces candidacy for the Kalamazoo public school board, seeking advice and expressing willingness to collaborate with current members.

During the public comments section, a community member expressed their intention to run for the Kalamazoo public school board in the upcoming November elections. The candidate introduced themselves, highlighted their desire to learn more about the board's functions, and extended an invitation for current board members to reach out for any discussions or advice. They emphasized their commitment to creating direct connections with the board and contributing positively to the school community.
Other Business - MASB Delegate Selection (00:34:18)
Selection of MASB delegates for the fall conference, with nominations and a motion passed to approve delegates.

The board addressed the selection of delegates for the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) conference. Delegates and alternatives for the conference were discussed, with nominations including Trustee Schola Barber, Trustee Murphy, and the board chair. A motion was made and seconded to approve the nominated delegates to represent the board at the MASB delegate assembly in the fall. The motion was carried unanimously after a voice vote.
Superintendent Contract Extension (00:35:41)
Discussion and approval of extending the superintendent's contract for an additional year, with trustees praising the superintendent's performance.

The board considered extending the superintendent's contract for an additional year according to section four of the employment agreement. Trustees praised the superintendent for the improvements in the district, such as increased attendance and student achievement. They expressed confidence in the superintendent's leadership and unanimously supported the contract extension. A motion was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote to extend the contract for one more year.
Comments by Trustees (00:39:03)
Trustees express gratitude and discuss various topics, including back-to-school events and community support initiatives.

Trustees took turns to share their comments, expressing gratitude for the efforts of school staff and the community. They highlighted the importance of back-to-school events and community support initiatives. Trustees also acknowledged the hard work of custodians, teachers, and other staff members, emphasizing their contributions to the school district. The discussions included mentions of ongoing challenges, recent improvements, and the collective effort needed to achieve future goals.
Motion to Enter Closed Session (00:50:22)
The board moves to enter a closed session for strategy and negotiation related to collective bargaining agreements.

The board chair made a motion to enter into a closed session as permitted by the Michigan Open Meetings Act. The purpose of the closed session was to discuss strategy and negotiations related to the collective bargaining agreements with the district's bargaining representatives. A second was made to the motion, and a roll call vote was conducted, resulting in unanimous approval to proceed into the closed session. The board may or may not return to the open floor after the session.