Kalamazoo Public Schools - October 22, 2026 Board of Education Meeting

Updated about 3 hours ago

Arcadia Elementary students are recognized for their achievements. A significant portion of the meeting focuses on a security breach at Kalamazoo Central High School, where a firearm was brought onto campus. The Superintendent provides details on the incident and outlines steps for improved safety measures. The meeting also addresses concerns about communication with parents and the effectiveness of security protocols. Additionally, the board discusses ongoing contract negotiations with the Kalamazoo Education Association, highlighting the need for fair compensation and multi-year agreements. The board emphasizes its commitment to student safety and improving communication with stakeholders. The meeting concludes with comments from trustees and public attendees, expressing concerns and appreciation for the board's efforts.

Chapters

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:05)
The meeting was called to order and commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting was officially called to order and began with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by all present.
Approval and Amendment of Agenda (00:00:33)
The agenda was amended to include committee reports and then approved by vote.

A motion was made to amend the agenda to add committee reports. The motion was seconded and approved by the trustees. Following the amendment, the agenda was accepted by unanimous vote.
Roll Call (00:01:46)
Attendance was taken and all trustees were present along with Dr. Slade.

Secretary McGlinn conducted the roll call, confirming that all trustees were present, along with Dr. Slade.
Student Recognitions (00:01:56)
Students from Arcadia Elementary School were recognized for their achievements and contributions.

Several students from Arcadia Elementary School were recognized for various achievements in academics, leadership, and conduct. Each student was introduced, and their accomplishments were highlighted by their principal, Ms. Meaghan Timmons.
Correspondence (00:08:25)
Various correspondences, including emails regarding concerns and contracts, were reported.

Secretary McGlinn reported on several emails received by the board on different topics such as school safety concerns, staffing changes, and contract issues. Responses were provided to these correspondences as noted.
Committee Reports (00:10:13)
Committee reports were presented, including updates from CIS and announcements about community events.

Trustee Sholler-Barber provided updates from the CIS committee meeting, which included a clean audit report and the introduction of a new data dashboard. Announcements were made regarding upcoming community events like the community feast and Walk with a Purpose fundraiser.
Consent Calendar Items (00:12:11)
The consent calendar items were approved without discussion following a motion and vote.

A motion was made to approve the consent calendar items, which was seconded and passed without any discussion, with all trustees voting in favor.
Superintendent's Report (00:12:46)
The Superintendent provided updates on various topics including school safety, attendance, and academic performance.

The Superintendent discussed several key topics including the recent incident at Kalamazoo Central, emphasizing transparency and the steps being taken to improve school safety. Updates were also provided on district attendance initiatives, financial reports, and academic performance, highlighting improvements in M-STEP scores and efforts for student engagement.
Announcements and Upcoming Events (00:33:47)
Dr. Slade and Ms. Coney discuss various upcoming events including meetings for parents, resource night, Halloween concerts, and school schedules.

Dr. Slade acknowledges the good climate during the football season and outlines attendance requirements for the game. Ms. Coney announces a general meeting for parents and students about attendance and discipline, a district safety meeting, an adult education resource night, Halloween concerts by local orchestras, and scheduling notices for students.
Administrative Appointment (00:36:19)
The board appoints Tracy Zari King as interim assistant principal at KingWestwood Elementary after a thorough selection process.

Steve Leland, Director of Human Resources, recommends Tracy Zari King for the position of interim assistant principal at KingWestwood Elementary. He details the selection process involving internal and external postings, interviews, and her qualifications, including her degrees and prior roles within Kalamazoo Public Schools.
Public Comments on School Safety and Communication (00:43:10)
Parents and community members express concerns about school safety, communication transparency, and the recent gun incident at a school.

Multiple parents and community members, address the board about their concerns regarding a gun incident at a school. They request transparency, release of surveillance footage, better security protocols, and communication from the school. They emphasize the need for thorough searches and clear communication to ensure student safety.
Teacher Contracts and Negotiations (01:03:13)
Community members and teachers discuss the ongoing teacher contract negotiations, highlighting the need for better compensation and multi-year contracts.

Speakers discuss the challenges faced due to the lack of a teacher contract. They urge the board to resolve the negotiations, provide fair compensation, and establish multi-year contracts to ensure stability and respect for teachers.
Public Comments on Educator Compensation (01:05:23)
Public comments focused on educators feeling undervalued and concerns about insufficient compensation amid rising costs of living.

Several speakers from the community, including educators and parents, expressed their dissatisfaction with the current compensation of teachers, highlighting the impact of inflation on their livelihoods and calling for the district to recognize and value its educators appropriately. They emphasized the importance of a fair contract that reflects the significant contributions of teachers to the students and the district.
Comments by Trustees (01:10:58)
Trustees expressed appreciation for teachers and the community, and discussed the importance of mutual support and educational goals.

The trustees took turns sharing their thoughts and expressing gratitude towards teachers, students, and the community. They emphasized the shared goals of educating students and creating a supportive and thriving environment. Trustees also highlighted recent community events and ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes.
Announcements and Reports by Trustees (01:20:21)
Trustees provided updates on community events, educational initiatives, and school activities, highlighting achievements and upcoming opportunities.

Trustees shared updates from various community events, including sports achievements, educational conferences, and initiatives like Career Quest for students. They emphasized the importance of community involvement in educational activities and recognized the efforts of educators and school leaders in driving positive outcomes.
Comments by Superintendent (01:27:58)
The superintendent addressed ongoing issues and invited community members to meet in person to resolve concerns.

The superintendent thanked principals during Principal Appreciation Month, highlighted the positive feedback on high school improvements, and encouraged parents to monitor their children's academic progress. He invited community members to meet in person for resolving ongoing issues, emphasizing the district's commitment to addressing concerns effectively.
Adjournment (01:30:14)
The meeting was adjourned with a motion and scheduled to reconvene on November 5th.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was passed unanimously. The next meeting was scheduled to take place on November 5th.