Kalamazoo Public Schools - December 15, 2025 Board of Education Meeting

Updated about 13 hours ago

Gavel to gavel coverage of the December 15, 2025 Board of Education meeting for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Stay informed as your elected officials make decisions that affect the local schools and public education.

Chapters

Welcome and Recognition of Students (00:00:00)
Recognition of students for their achievements, with special mentions of individuals and their contributions.

The meeting began with a welcome and recognition of students for their academic and extracurricular achievements. Students from various schools were mentioned, and their efforts in areas such as reading, math, and school leadership were highlighted.
Recognition of KPS Virtual High School Students (00:07:13)
Five students from the KPS Virtual High School were honored for their achievements and academic excellence.

The meeting continued with the recognition of five students from the KPS Virtual High School program. These students were commended for their independent learning, dedication, and excellent academic performance. The importance of virtual learning and the support from KPS teachers and staff were emphasized.
Recognition of Student Athletes (00:13:34)
Student athletes from Kalamazoo Central were recognized for their achievements in cross country.

The athletic director, Mr. Straka, recognized the achievements of the Kalamazoo Central High School boys cross country team. The team has won several championships and has consistently performed well at the state level, demonstrating leadership and talent.
Committee Reports (00:17:35)
Various committees provided updates on their activities and future plans.

Reports were given by several committees, including academic achievement, governance, and operations. Each committee discussed recent meetings, discussed plans for the future, and highlighted significant achievements and areas of focus.
Correspondence (00:20:01)
Trustee Hill summarized recent correspondence received by the board, including concerns and information about community events.

Trustee Hill reported on the correspondence received by the board, including concerns from the community about social media posts, information shared about community events, and updates on the City of Kalamazoo budget.
Consent Calendar Items (00:20:58)
The board reviewed and approved several purchase recommendations, including AV systems and surveillance towers.

The board discussed and approved consent calendar items, which included purchase recommendations for new AV systems and mobile surveillance towers. Questions were raised about data retention and privacy policies, and assurances were given about compliance with district policies.
Superintendent's Report (00:27:41)
The superintendent reported on improvements in math data and recognized achievements in school performances and plays.

Superintendent Dr. Slade presented an overview of the district's math performance, highlighting significant improvements across various grade levels. He also recognized the success of recent school plays and emphasized the importance of monitoring student progress as the semester ends.
Discussion on Academic Interventions and Testing (00:38:07)
Discussion on academic strategies for improving student performance, especially in math, with focus on structured tutoring and tiered instruction.

The board discussed various academic interventions planned to enhance student performance. Focus was on strong Tier 1 instruction, emphasis on Tier 2 interventions, and additional opportunities for students through structured tutoring. Benchmark data and assessments like the NWE were discussed as tools to monitor progress. The challenges of the eighth-grade math test were highlighted, and the new semester schedule was noted as a strategy to allow more focused math instruction.
First Reading of Course Recommendations (00:42:02)
Dr. Justice presented course recommendations for middle and high schools, including new courses and changes for upcoming academic year.

Dr. Justice presented the first reading for course recommendations for middle and high schools. These included new courses in career education, computer science, English, music, science, and social studies, among others. Changes in titles and descriptions for existing courses were also noted. The recommendations were based on input from educators and aimed at providing rigorous and relevant educational opportunities.
Resolution on Bonds (01:00:11)
Board adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of building and site bonds under specified parameters to achieve savings.

The board adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of building and site and refunding bonds. The resolution allows for the issuance of the second series of bonds to fund school building projects and refund previous bonds if savings can be achieved. The resolution specifies the parameters for bond sales and delegates authority to the Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer to manage the process.
Nomination for MASB Board of Directors (01:03:01)
President TiAnna Harrison was nominated and approved to run for the Michigan Association of School Boards Board of Directors.

The board nominated and approved President TiAnna Harrison to run for a position on the Michigan Association of School Boards Board of Directors. The nomination process requires candidates to have served as a qualified trustee for at least one year and to uphold high standards of civility and ethical behavior.
Closed Session for Litigation Discussion (01:04:53)
Board moved to a closed session to consult with its attorney regarding pending litigation to protect financial interests.

The board moved into a closed session to discuss pending litigation with their attorney. This session was held under the provision that an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the board's litigation or settlement position. Specific details of the litigation were not disclosed in the open session.