Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education - July 17, 2025 Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education

Updated 2 days ago

The Kalamazoo Public Schools July Board Meeting discusses the ongoing summer school sessions, highlighting the success and participation. Superintendent Dr. Slade and his team provide updates on student engagement and educational strategies being implemented. The board addresses recent grants for safety improvements, including the purchase of weapon detection systems funded by a state grant, and acknowledges the leadership of Dr. Slade in securing these resources. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the approval of the UAW contract for district administrators, with board members and attendees expressing gratitude for the smooth negotiation process. Additionally, community concerns about property ownership are raised by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, seeking resolution to aid a local senior center's development. The meeting concludes with trustee comments emphasizing community support and safety initiatives.

Chapters

Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:05)
The meeting begins with a welcome and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting is called to order with a welcome to attendees and the Pledge of Allegiance is recited.
Roll Call and Attendance (00:00:47)
Roll call is taken with all trustees present except Trustee McGlynn.

Secretary Hill takes attendance and confirms that all trustees are present except Trustee McGlynn. Dr. Slate is also present.
Correspondence (00:01:05)
Discussion of a network disruption incident and response to it.

The board discusses correspondence related to concerns about a network disruption incident and the reply that was given.
Consent Calendar Items (00:01:32)
Motion to accept consent calendar items is passed unanimously.

A motion to accept the consent calendar items is made by Trustee Johnson and seconded by Trustee Charla. The motion passes with all present trustees voting yes.
Instructional and Facility Purchases (00:02:14)
Approval of purchasing biology textbooks, food service management, and weapon detection systems.

The board discusses and approves purchasing Miller Levine biology textbooks and online access, renewing food service management services, and purchasing weapon detection systems, all funded by respective grants and funds.
Discussion on Security Grant and Summer Programs (00:03:16)
Discussion on security grant details and summer school initiatives.

Ms. Kaser explains the state-funded security and mental health grant. The board thanks Dr. Slade for leadership in security measures. The board discusses the importance of prevention and thanks staff for summer school efforts.
Superintendent's Report on Summer School (00:05:13)
Report on the success and scope of summer school programs.

The superintendent reports on the start of summer school, commending students, teachers, and principals for their participation. Details are provided about the different programs for various grade levels and the Rise Up program for re-engaging students.
Approval of UAW Contract Agreement (00:18:12)
Board approves the contractual agreement with the UAW administrators.

The board discusses and approves the contractual agreement with the UAW administrators for the contract year, recognizing their leadership and importance to the district.
Resolution Amendment and Approval (00:22:08)
Amendment to resolution is discussed and approved by the board.

The board discusses and moves to amend a resolution by striking a clause related to declaring impasse in negotiations. The amended resolution is read and approved by the board.
Public Comments (00:28:24)
Public comments from community members and former trustees.

Community members and former trustees address the board with gratitude for contract approval and concerns about local community needs involving property titles and partnerships.
Comments by Trustees (00:34:34)
Trustees give comments and shout-outs to summer school and athletics.

Trustees provide comments, praising summer school programs and achievements of athletic teams, highlighting the importance of extracurricular activities for student engagement.
Public Comments on Summer School Program (00:35:36)
Speakers praised the summer school program for its impact on student achievement, especially highlighting the efforts of Ms. Saunders and the positive influence on students' mental health.

Several speakers, including Rusty Shela Barber, commented on the success of the summer school program, emphasizing its role in improving student achievement and providing essential mental health support. They extended gratitude to Ms. Saunders for her dedication and to all educators and staff involved. The program's focus on behavior intervention and building student confidence was particularly noted as beneficial.
Community Support and Funding Challenges Discussion (00:38:01)
Discussion on supporting community organizations facing funding challenges. Emphasis on the importance of donations to sustain programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Boys and Girls Club.

The discussion focused on the critical need for community support to sustain various organizations that play a pivotal role in student and youth development. Speakers highlighted the financial challenges these organizations face, particularly in times of dwindling grants and funding. They urged community members to consider donations and to recognize the value these organizations provide in preparing students for the school year.
Board Member Comments (00:41:28)
Board members expressed gratitude for summer school efforts and shared experiences from a national security symposium, highlighting the district's leading safety plans.

Board members, including Trustee Jones, expressed their pride in the district's achievements during summer school and shared insights from attending a national security symposium. The district's school safety plan was highlighted as a model for other districts, showcasing the dedication to student safety and well-being. Trustees also commended the ongoing professional development and collaborative efforts to enhance educational outcomes.
Concerns About Youth Safety and Curfew (00:45:01)
A call for community vigilance regarding youth safety, particularly advocating for supervised environments and a potential curfew to ensure youth are safe during late hours.

In light of recent incidents reported in the news, the board discussed the importance of ensuring that young people are in supervised environments during late hours. The possibility of implementing a curfew was suggested as a measure to enhance youth safety. The board emphasized the role of parents and guardians in keeping children safe and the need for community cooperation in these efforts.
Adjournment (00:47:24)
The meeting was adjourned following a motion and a second from the trustees, with unanimous agreement to close the session.

The meeting concluded with a formal motion to adjourn, proposed by Trustee Johnson and seconded by Trustee Hill. The motion was carried unanimously, and the session was officially closed.