Kalamazoo Public Schools - November 5, 2026 Board of Education Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The Board welcomes students from El Sol Elementary School who passed the WIDA test for English proficiency, highlighting their achievements. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to discussing ongoing teacher contract negotiations, with many community members and teachers voicing concerns about compensation, working conditions, and the importance of supporting educators. The Board also reviews the district's financial status, with a presentation of a clean financial audit report. This comprehensive audit underscores the district's financial health, but also highlights the challenges of balancing financial stability with the need to support teacher wages and resources. Community members provide public comments, emphasizing the need for fair teacher contracts and expressing frustration with the negotiation process. The meeting concludes with the Board moving into a closed session to discuss negotiation strategies.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:04)
The meeting was called to order with an opening welcome and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting was called to order with a welcome from the chairperson. Attendees were greeted, and the meeting officially commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:30)
A motion to approve the agenda

A motion to approve the agenda was made and seconded. The motion was carried with all trustees voting in favor.
Roll Call (00:00:49)
Secretary confirmed that trustees and Dr. Slade were present at the meeting.

Secretary conducted the roll call, confirming the presence of trustees and Dr. Slade. This ensured the meeting had a quorum.
Student Recognitions (00:01:00)
Students from El Sol Elementary School were recognized for passing the WIDA test of English proficiency.

Dr. Natalie Wilson, Principal of El Sol Elementary School, introduced and recognized students who passed the WIDA test, which measures proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Certificates were awarded to students who achieved this milestone, and honorable mentions were given to students now in middle school.
Correspondence (00:07:06)
Secretary McGlinn reported on various correspondences received, primarily concerning security and contract issues.

Secretary McGlinn presented correspondence concerning Kalamazoo Central security issues and requests for data from the special education department. Concerns regarding contract timelines and student athletic event pricing were also addressed. All correspondences were acknowledged, and replies were given.
Committee Reports (00:09:39)
Reports from various committees including Academic Excellence, Community Engagement, and Superintendent Evaluation were presented.

The Academic Excellence Committee is scheduled to meet on the ninth. The Community Engagement Committee recently met, and a report will be provided in the next meeting. The Superintendent Evaluation and Support Committee discussed timelines and mid-year check-ins.
Consent Calendar Items (00:10:16)
The board approved a purchase recommendation for a new El Sol landscaping contractor.

President Harrison introduced a consent calendar item regarding a purchase recommendation for a new El Sol landscaping contractor to replace one that had to withdraw. The difference in price will be covered by contingency funds. The board approved the recommendation.
Superintendent's Report (00:11:18)
Dr. Slade presented data on elementary school math performance and discussed financial stability and strategic planning.

Dr. Slade presented data showing improvements in elementary school math performance, emphasizing the importance of foundational math skills. He discussed the district's financial stability, highlighting a healthy fund balance and the importance of strategic planning for future financial security.
Audit Report (00:22:56)
The board reviewed the district's audited financial statements and governance letter with an unmodified opinion from the auditors.

John Ringland from Manor Caston presented the audited financial statements for the district, which received an unmodified opinion. The audit confirmed sound financial controls and no material weaknesses. The board was briefed on the comprehensive financial report and future financial planning.
Budget and Financial Reports (00:40:17)
A detailed discussion on budget, student allotments, and general fund expenditures took place.

The discussion focused on the current financial status, including budget allocations, increases in student allotments, and general fund expenditures, with detailed insights provided by the trustees and the board.
Public Comments (00:52:04)
Several members of the public, including parents and teachers, provided comments on various issues.

Public participation included comments from parents and teachers who expressed concerns about teacher contracts, educational standards, and financial management. They urged the board to consider the needs of teachers and students in their decision-making processes.
Public Comments on Teacher Contracts (01:10:27)
Multiple speakers express concerns about the lack of contract settlements for teachers, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and support for educators.

Several public speakers, including community members, parents, and educators, voiced their concerns regarding the ongoing issue of teacher contracts not being settled for three years. They highlighted the critical role teachers play in shaping the future and the detrimental impact of undervaluing educators. The speakers urged the board to prioritize resolving contract negotiations to provide teachers with clarity, stability, and deserved recognition for their contributions.
Board Member Comments on Teacher Contracts (01:29:06)
Board members acknowledge the critical issues with teacher contracts and express support for finding a resolution, while recognizing state-level challenges.

Board members, including Trustee McGuinn and Trustee Schola Barber, discussed the issue of teacher contracts. They acknowledged the importance of resolving the contract negotiations and the challenges faced due to financial constraints largely dictated by state funding. They expressed their commitment to finding a solution and emphasized the need for advocacy at the state level to address teacher pay and funding issues.
Trustee Acknowledgments and Community Engagement (01:30:36)
Trustees express gratitude for community involvement and support, highlighting the importance of public engagement in board meetings.

Trustee Peyton, among others, expressed appreciation for the community's involvement in the board meetings, emphasizing that these meetings are meant for public engagement and transparency. The trustees highlighted the importance of community input and the role it plays in ensuring transparency and informed decision-making. They also acknowledged the continued support from the community in educational matters.
Board Members’ Reflections on Education and Contributions (01:32:50)
Board members reflect on their commitment to education, acknowledging the contributions of educators and support staff in the district.

Trustee Murphy and other board members reflected on their roles and the importance of supporting all educational staff, from teachers to support personnel like bus drivers and paras. They emphasized the collective goal of providing the best education for students and the need to recognize and value the efforts of all those involved in the education system. Board members conveyed their gratitude for the trust placed in them by the community and their commitment to working hard for the district's success.
Trustee President’s Comments on Re-election and Teacher Negotiations (01:36:34)
The president thanks the community for re-election and addresses the importance of ongoing teacher contract negotiations.

The President of the Board expressed gratitude for being re-elected and reiterated the board’s commitment to serving the community with integrity and transparency. The President acknowledged the ongoing teacher contract negotiations as a significant issue, emphasizing the importance of supporting educators as a priority for the success of students. The remarks concluded with a call for continuous community support and engagement in educational matters.
Discussion on Kalamazoo Public Schools Fund Balance (01:42:09)
A detailed discussion on the financial responsibilities and fund balance of Kalamazoo Public Schools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining financial stability without compromising educational programs.

The speaker discusses the importance of understanding the financial responsibilities associated with operating a school district, particularly focusing on the fund balance of Kalamazoo Public Schools. The discussion highlights that while a substantial fund balance is crucial for financial stability, it should not be considered as unrestricted money for ongoing expenses without considering long-term consequences. A healthy fund balance serves as a safeguard against unexpected expenses and revenue fluctuations, ensuring the district can maintain operations, sustain essential programs, and meet financial obligations. It is crucial to distinguish between one-time reserves and ongoing funding for expenses like teacher compensation, which must be part of a responsible long-term financial plan. Relying on reserves for recurring salary obligations could create financial challenges affecting the district, employees, and students. The speaker believes financial responsibility and support for educators should not compete but go hand in hand, recognizing educators' value while protecting the district's financial health. The goal is to ensure Kalamazoo Public Schools remains financially stable and operationally strong for the future. The speaker respects the collective bargaining process and is committed to responsible financial stewardship and long-term interests of the district. The focus remains on building a sustainable, accountable school district committed to educational excellence.
Motion to Enter Closed Session for Negotiations (01:45:09)
A motion was made and approved for the board to enter a closed session to discuss strategy and negotiations related to collective bargaining agreements.

A motion was put forward for the board to enter into a closed session pursuant to section C of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, specifically for a strategy and negotiation session related to collective bargaining agreements with the district's bargaining representatives. The motion was seconded by Trustee Johnson and approved by a vote, with trustees voting in favor. The board will enter the closed session and upon returning, a person who requested to speak will do so, followed by the adjournment of the meeting.
Call for Public Comment & Adjournment (01:47:00)
The board returns from closed session, calls on the public comment speaker, and adjourns

The board returns from closed session, calls on the speaker who was requesting to speak, recognizes they are no longer in attendance and adjourns the meeting.