Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education - June 12, 2025 Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education

Updated about 11 hours ago

The board welcomed students from the Kalamazoo Area Math & Sciences Center and recognized the Earthlings Club for its sustainability efforts, including a clothing drive and achieving Michigan Green School certification. The board discussed curriculum updates, including a transition to Creative Curriculum for pre-K and pilot courses for middle schools. The board also approved a resolution to continue membership with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:12)
The meeting was officially called to order, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting commenced with a formal welcome and was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance performed by the attendees.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:36)
A motion to accept the meeting agenda was made and approved unanimously by the trustees.

Trustee Schola Barber moved to accept the agenda, seconded by Trustee Hill. All trustees voted in favor, approving the agenda for the meeting.
Roll Call (00:00:56)
Roll call was taken and all trustees were present, along with Dr. Slate.

Secretary Hill conducted the roll call, confirming the presence of all trustees and Dr. Slate for the meeting.
Recognitions and Presentations (00:01:06)
Recognitions were given to students from the Earthlings Club for their environmental achievements.

The Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center's Earthlings Club was recognized for their sustainability initiatives, including hosting a clothing drive, a podcast feature, and educational activities on the Kalamazoo River Watershed.
Committee and School Reports (00:11:47)
Reports from various committees and schools were presented, noting the end of the school year and upcoming activities.

The meeting included reports from committees, highlighting the academic excellence and community involvement, along with updates on upcoming events and recognitions.
Correspondence (00:14:20)
Correspondence was received regarding library staffing and fundraising updates.

Secretary Hill reported on emails received about library staffing concerns and fundraising activities, ensuring all correspondence is logged and addressed.
Consent Calendar and Purchase Recommendations (00:15:34)
Consent calendar items and purchase recommendations for educational materials were approved.

The board approved consent calendar items, including purchase recommendations for consumable math and language arts workbooks for elementary students.
Superintendent's Report (00:18:18)
A video report highlighted the end of the school year activities and preliminary results.

The superintendent presented a video summarizing the year's end activities, including graduations and field days, expressing gratitude for a successful school year.
Proposed Changes to PEEP Curriculum (00:21:10)
Discussion on transitioning to Creative Curriculum for pre-K to align with county standards.

Dr. Spanner proposed moving to Creative Curriculum for pre-K students to ensure alignment with county standards and improve educational consistency and collaboration.
Middle School Pilot Course Recommendations (00:32:38)
New pilot courses for middle schools were proposed, focusing on coding, dance, and STEM.

Dr. Justice presented recommendations for new pilot courses at middle schools, including coding, dance, creative writing, and STEM-related courses.
Discussion on English Department's Use of Lyrics for Student Engagement (00:36:40)
The English department uses lyrics to engage students in self-reflection and problem-solving activities.

The current teacher in the English department uses lyrics for students to analyze, prompting them to respond about themselves. Students engage in project-based learning to solve problems within their community. The class focuses on helping students express themselves positively, build self-esteem, and is done through the lens of hip hop.
Discussion on Middle School Coding Classes (00:38:03)
Two different coding classes at middle schools focus on foundational and advanced coding skills.

There are two coding classes at different middle schools: Foundations in Coding, which introduces students to basic coding concepts, and Computer Science for Innovators and Makers, which delves deeper into coding, encouraging students to create their own code and think innovatively.
Discussion on Creative Writing and Pre-AP Classes (00:39:27)
Creative writing and pre-AP classes are discussed, focusing on writing skills and AP readiness.

The creative writing class is emphasized as an ongoing skill development opportunity across educational levels. The pre-AP class is designed to give students a feel of what AP classes are like, preparing them for AP World History and Geography, ensuring it's rigorous but accessible to all students.
Discussion on Foundations for Academic Success Course (00:41:32)
A course designed to enhance student skills in ELA and mathematics through targeted instruction.

The Foundations for Academic Success course was recommended to help students maintain and enhance skills in ELA and mathematics. It's split into two nine-week increments focusing on each subject, with small class sizes for personalized attention.
Discussion on Novels of Choice Class (00:42:56)
Teachers vet books for the Novels of Choice class to ensure appropriateness and manage controversial topics.

Teachers and coordinators read and vet books for the Novels of Choice class to ensure they are grade-level appropriate and manage any controversial topics. The process ensures students are supported and feel whole after class discussions.
Recommendation for Parent Advisory Council Membership (00:45:00)
Ms. Angela Gross is recommended for the Parent Advisory Council to represent Kalamazoo Public Schools.

A recommendation for Ms. Angela Gross to join the Parent Advisory Council was discussed. She has been active in community and council meetings, and her membership requires board approval to represent and vote on behalf of Kalamazoo Public Schools.
MHSAA Membership Resolution (00:47:19)
Renewal of membership with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) was discussed and approved.

The board discussed and approved the renewal of membership with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). The resolution requires the board to accept the association's constitution and bylaws and pay any dues, allowing participation in athletic events.