Kalamazoo Public Schools - September 25, 2025 Board of Education

Updated 4 days ago

The Kalamazoo Public School Board addressed key issues including teacher compensation and working conditions, with multiple teachers and KEA President Heather Reid advocating for better wages and benefits. The board also dealt with a student discipline matter stemming from a recent football game incident, which attracted significant community input and highlighted issues of racial commentary. Additionally, the meeting covered community engagement efforts, such as teacher input sessions and a focus on attendance improvement.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:00)
The meeting was called to order by the chair at the specified time, marking the official start.

The chair of the Kalamazoo public school board called the meeting to order, signaling the official commencement of the proceedings.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:08)
Attendees were asked to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance as a formal opening.

The chair requested everyone present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, a customary practice at the beginning of the meeting.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:33)
The agenda was amended and approved after a roll call vote by trustees, including a report addition.

A motion was made to amend the agenda to include the CIS report after correspondence. This amendment was discussed, voted on by roll call, and approved. The amended agenda was then voted on and accepted by the board.
Roll Call and Attendance (00:01:26)
Trustee Hill reported all trustees were present except President Harrison and Treasurer Murphy.

Trustee Hill conducted a roll call, confirming the attendance of trustees. Only President Harrison and Treasurer Murphy were absent, while Dr. Slate was present.
Correspondence (00:01:38)
Correspondence protocol was reviewed and several emails were reported, detailing community concerns.

The board reviewed the protocol for handling correspondence, emphasizing the importance of addressing emails to the entire board. Several pieces of correspondence were reported, including emails about PowerSchool and a JV football incident, with appropriate responses from board members and Dr. Slade.
Committee Reports: CIS (00:05:05)
Trustee Schiller Barber summarized the CIS workshop, highlighting its importance and inviting further engagement.

Trustee Schiller Barber reported on the recent CIS workshop, emphasizing the critical role of CIS in supporting the board's work. A presentation was distributed, and board members were encouraged to attend upcoming site visits to better understand CIS's impact.
Consent Calendar Items (00:06:40)
The consent calendar was approved following an explanation of purchase recommendations by Ms. Caso.

The board discussed and approved the consent calendar, which included purchase recommendations for furniture and boiler replacement. Trustee Schiller Barber expressed gratitude for the use of bond funds.
Superintendent's Report (00:08:26)
Superintendent Dr. Slade reported on recent events, attendance improvements, and addressed a JV football incident.

Dr. Slade provided an overview of recent school events, attendance improvements, and community initiatives. He also addressed the recent JV football incident, clarifying the actions taken and expressing wishes for the injured student's recovery.
Public Comments (00:16:52)
Community members expressed concerns over a JV football incident and teacher compensation during the public comment period.

Multiple community members, including parents and teachers, voiced their concerns during the public comment period. Topics included the handling of a JV football incident and teacher compensation and benefits. Affected parties urged the board for fair treatment and consideration of educational impacts.
Public Comments on Student Incident (00:34:10)
Community members express their views on a recent incident involving a student from the JV football team, focusing on accountability, support, and the impact of the incident.

Several community members, including James Ray Jr., LA Caria Washington, Dontre Hempfield Jr., Genesis Griffin, Dan Brody, Molly Herndon, and others, speak about the incident involving a JV football player who allegedly caused harm to another student. The comments range from calls for compassion and support for the involved student, discussions on the community's role in rehabilitation, to concerns about the impact of the incident on both the student and the broader community. Many speakers emphasize the importance of education and support over punitive measures, and some address the racial tensions and public perceptions surrounding the incident. Community members also reflect on the challenges faced by educators and call for better support for both students and teachers.
Public Comments (01:04:58)
Community members express concerns about education and support for students.

Several community members spoke passionately about the importance of education and the need to support students in their academic journey. They emphasized the lasting value of education over sports and urged the community to rally around students to ensure they receive the education they deserve.
Other Business: Professional Development Requests (01:06:08)
Professional development requests for Taisha Johnson and Yvonne Payton are addressed.

The board addressed professional development requests for staff members Taisha Johnson and Yvonne Payton. No further details were provided on the nature of these requests during the meeting.
Trustee Comments (01:06:18)
Trustees discuss athletics success and community support for education.

Trustees made comments regarding the success of local athletics, emphasizing the achievements of the NORS women's swim and dive team. They also thanked the community for supporting educational initiatives and highlighted the importance of funding and supporting school programs.
Personal Story and Advocacy (01:07:42)
Erin Guam shares a personal story to highlight teacher dedication.

Erin Guam shared a poignant personal story about returning to work shortly after a family tragedy to support her students. Her story illustrated the deep commitment teachers have towards their students and the value of competitive wages for educators.
Board and Public Comments on Football Incident (01:10:48)
Discussion about a recent football incident and addressing racism.

Board members and the public discussed a recent incident at a football game, highlighting the importance of addressing racism and supporting students. There was a strong emphasis on the responsibility of adults to guide and protect students from negative influences.
Superintendent's Comments (01:14:09)
Superintendent addresses contract negotiations and student accountability.

Superintendent Slade spoke about ongoing contract negotiations with teachers and reiterated the district's commitment to holding students accountable for their actions, particularly in cases of serious misconduct.
Adjournment (01:15:33)
The meeting is adjourned following a motion and vote.

The meeting was adjourned after a motion by Trustee Johnson, seconded by Trustee Hill, and a unanimous vote in favor of adjournment. The next regular board meeting was announced.