Kalamazoo Public Schools - August 7, 2025 Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Kalamazoo Public Schools Board Meeting covers a range of important topics. The board appoints several administrators, including Dr. Amira Maji as principal at Washington Writers' Academy and Craig McCain as assistant superintendent. The meeting also highlights the success of summer programs and celebrates the approval of various contracts with unions, including the food service and custodial staff. Additionally, the board approves its strategic plan, focusing on academic excellence and community engagement, and addresses public concerns about school safety and immigrant rights.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:00)
The meeting was formally called to order by the chairperson.

The chairperson officially called the meeting to order, marking the beginning of the proceedings.
Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:13)
The meeting was called to order and started with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The board office welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:41)
The agenda was approved with a motion by Trustee ShollerBarber and a second by Trustee Hill.

A motion to accept the agenda was made by Trustee ShollerBarber and seconded by Trustee Hill. The agenda was unanimously approved by all trustees present.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:00)
Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved.

The minutes from the last meeting were presented for review. After consideration, they were approved without any amendments.
Roll Call and Correspondence (00:01:02)
All trustees and Dr. Slate were present; two emails were received regarding ESP bill of rights and athletic registration forms.

Secretary Hill confirmed the attendance of all trustees and Dr. Slate. Correspondence included emails from Ms. Espinoza about the ESP bill of rights and from Jennifer Nay regarding athletic registration forms. Responses were sent by Secretary Hill and Dr. Slate.
Consent Calendar Items (00:01:41)
The board approved consent calendar items, including purchase recommendations for boiler tube replacement and Tridium card access upgrade.

The board moved to accept the consent calendar items, which included purchase recommendations for boiler tube replacement at the community education center and a Tridium card access upgrade at El SIL Elementary school. Funding details and future plans for equipment relocation were discussed.
Superintendent's Report (00:03:31)
The superintendent reported on summer school, new teacher training, band camp, AP exam results, and upcoming community events.

Dr. Slate thanked summer school staff and students, highlighted the Rise Up program's success, welcomed new teachers, and congratulated students on record AP exam results. He also mentioned the ongoing band camp and provided information on community events such as the family health center back-to-school bash and other upcoming activities.
Approval of Contractual Agreements (00:11:00)
The board approved agreements with food service managers and service employees international union, recognizing the importance to school morale.

The board discussed and approved contractual agreements with the food service managers collective bargaining unit and the service employees international union (custodians), underscoring the significance of these groups to the school community and the positive impact on morale.
Administrative Appointments (00:14:17)
The board approved several administrative appointments, including principals and assistant superintendents, highlighting internal promotions.

Mr. Leland presented a series of administrative appointments, including principals and assistant superintendents, emphasizing the internal promotions and the qualifications and experience of each appointee. The board unanimously approved each appointment after discussion and roll call votes.
Strategic Plan Approval (00:30:33)
The board approved the strategic plan developed with community input, focusing on six foundational pillars.

The strategic plan, developed with extensive community involvement, was approved. It outlines district goals related to academic excellence, family and community engagement, safe and supportive environments, fiscal responsibility, operational effectiveness, and quality workforce, ensuring the plan remains a living document.
Public Comments (00:32:29)
Members of the public addressed the board with various concerns, including immigrant rights and school policies.

Several members of the public, including Shawna Espinoza and Pearl Brown, addressed the board. They raised concerns about the impact of immigration enforcement on students and advocated for policies to protect immigrant children in schools. They also discussed the importance of supporting educational staff and ensuring children's safety.
Approval of Strategic Plan (00:34:20)
The strategic plan for the school district was approved by the board after discussion.

The board discussed the strategic plan, emphasizing its importance for guiding future decisions. Trustees expressed their satisfaction with the plan's development and its alignment with district goals. A motion was made and seconded to approve the plan, which was then unanimously approved by the trustees.
Discussion on Sanctuary Schools (00:38:00)
The community discussed designating schools as sanctuary spaces to protect immigrant students.

Community members advocated for the designation of schools as sanctuary spaces to ensure the safety and rights of immigrant students. They highlighted the need for clear protocols and staff training to handle potential immigration enforcement actions.
Trustee Comments (00:50:00)
Trustees shared comments on various topics, including strategic plan dissemination and school activities.

Trustees took turns sharing their thoughts on the strategic plan, the importance of community involvement in school activities, and the need for transparent communication with the public. They also acknowledged the hard work of school staff and the positive impact of community partnerships.
Adjournment (01:23:00)
The meeting was formally adjourned by the chairperson.

The chairperson called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. After being seconded, the motion was passed, and the meeting was officially concluded.