Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education - November 6, 2025 Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education

Updated about 22 hours ago

In the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board Meeting, the Board recognizes outstanding students from Winchell Elementary, Millwood Magnet, and Loy Norrix High School. The Board discusses the expansion of El Sol Elementary School to include grades Pre-K through 8, highlighting the benefits of a seamless transition for students and the opportunity for dual language proficiency. Superintendent Dr. Slade presents updates on student services and attendance initiatives. The Board also receives a financial audit report, commending the district's fiscal responsibility. The meeting includes public comments and concludes with a motion to enter a closed session.

Chapters

Approval of Agenda (00:00:20)
The agenda for the meeting was approved by motion and vote from the trustees.

A motion was made to accept the agenda, and it was seconded. The trustees voted unanimously to approve the agenda.
Roll Call (00:00:41)
Roll call was conducted to confirm attendance of trustees and officials.

Secretary Hill took attendance, noting all trustees were present except Trustee Johnson, and Dr. Slate was also present.
Recognition of Students (00:01:00)
Outstanding students from Winchell Elementary, Milwood Magnet, and Loy Norx High School were recognized.

Principals and coaches introduced students who excelled in academics, sports, and music. Students were highlighted for their achievements and improvements. At Winchell Elementary, students were praised for their behavior and academic progress. Milwood Magnet's cross country team was commended for their successful season. Loy Norx High School's band seniors were celebrated for their superior rating at the MSBOA competition.
Committee and School Reports (00:12:39)
Reports on academic excellence, operations, superintendent evaluation, and correspondence were presented.

The Academic Excellence report covered principal goal setting and school improvements. The Operations report included facility updates and audit preparation. The Superintendent Evaluation committee discussed timelines and student growth. Correspondence involved budget updates and safety concerns.
Consent Agenda (00:15:54)
Consent agenda items were approved without discussion through a roll call vote.

A motion to accept the consent agenda items was made and seconded. Trustees voted unanimously in a roll call vote to approve the consent agenda.
Superintendent's Report (00:17:01)
The Superintendent provided updates on student services, Attendance initiatives, wellness events, and district achievements.

Dr. Dewey reported on student services, including the success of Attendance initiatives and upcoming wellness events. The Superintendent highlighted district achievements such as board presentations at conferences, the music program's success, and the upcoming SpongeBob musical. Veterans Day acknowledgments and plans for traveling board meetings were also discussed.
Financial Report (00:28:04)
A financial report was presented, highlighting the district's audit results and financial health.

John Ring from the auditing firm Mannar Caston presented the district's financial audit results. The audit received an unmodified opinion, indicating strong financial management. Fund balances and budget comparisons were reviewed, showing the district's fiscal responsibility and planning for future uncertainties. The district was recognized for financial excellence.
Financial Audit Presentation (00:39:34)
The auditor presented the financial audit results, praising the district for financial excellence and stability.

The auditor presented the results of the financial audit, highlighting the district's strong financial position and the hard work of the financial team. The audit resulted in an unmodified opinion, indicating no issues found. Trustees expressed appreciation for the financial team's efforts, particularly during the state's budget challenges.
Elso Elementary School Expansion Presentation (00:43:13)
Dr. DYS and Dr. Ley presented plans to expand Elso Elementary to accommodate grades pre-K through 8.

Dr. DYS and Dr. Ley presented plans to construct a new Elso Elementary School on Baker Street, expanding the current kindergarten to 5th-grade Spanish immersion program to a pre-K through 8th-grade program. The expansion aims to support students' academic and socioemotional needs while maintaining continuity through middle school. The new building will feature outdoor learning spaces, a larger gym, and media center, among other facilities. The expansion is supported by the Elso staff and aims to enhance students' language proficiency and career opportunities.
Board Questions and Discussion (01:00:15)
Board members asked questions and expressed support for the Elso expansion project.

Board members engaged in a discussion about the Elso Elementary expansion project, asking questions and expressing their support. They highlighted the importance of expanding the Spanish immersion program to middle school and the benefits it brings to students and the community.
Public Comments (01:00:21)
Members of the public addressed the board on various topics including the Invest in My Kids initiative and school scheduling issues.

During the public comments section, several individuals addressed the board. Sherry Weber advocated for the Invest in My Kids ballot initiative, which proposes taxing high-income individuals to fund public schools. Glenn Deutsch raised concerns about scheduling conflicts between career and technical education programs and advanced placement classes at Kalamazoo Central, impacting students' academic performance.
Board Member Comments (01:07:15)
Board members shared their thoughts and congratulated various school achievements and staff accomplishments.

Board members took turns sharing their comments, congratulating the student achievements in sports and academics, and recognizing the dedication of school staff. They also expressed appreciation for the financial audit results and the ongoing efforts of district staff and teachers to pursue further education and professional development.
Public Comments (01:15:11)
Trustee Peyton was thanked for becoming a certified board member, emphasizing the importance of professional development for board members.

The discussion highlighted the significance of professional development for board members, with Trustee Peyton being acknowledged for becoming a certified board member. This certification is provided by the Michigan Association of School Boards and involves completing various foundational courses covering essential aspects of school governance, such as governance and leadership, school finance, and community relations. The certification helps board members make informed, ethical, and effective decisions. There was a call for community members from the Edison neighborhood to attend the next board meeting. The superintendent thanked the district staff for their hard work in October and noted successful negotiations with the teachers' union.
Executive Session Motion (01:18:54)
A motion was made to convene in closed session to review a written legal opinion, which is exempt from public disclosure.

A motion was proposed to convene the board in a closed session under section 8H of the Open Meetings Act. This session is to consider material exempt from open discussion or disclosure under state or federal statute. Specifically, the board will review a written legal opinion from counsel Clark Hill, which is protected by attorney-client privilege. The motion was seconded and approved by the board members, with all voting in favor.
Adjournment (01:20:14)
The meeting was adjourned with a note that no further action will be taken and attendees are free to leave.

The presiding officer announced that no further action would be taken during the meeting and attendees were free to leave. Attendees were thanked for attending, and they were wished a safe journey home.