Kalamazoo Public Schools - January 8, 2026 Board of Education Meeting

Updated about 8 hours ago

During the January 8th Kalamazoo Public School Board Meeting, Tiana Harrison was appointed as the new president, while Trustee Hill and Trustee Murphy were elected as Vice President and Treasurer, respectively. The board discussed various agenda items including updates on the district's strategic plan, operations, and community engagement. Superintendent Dr. Slade praised the board and the school district's achievements, highlighting their national recognition and community support. Outstanding students from Prairie Ridge were recognized for their achievements, and the meeting concluded with discussions on the course bulletin and administrative appointments.

Chapters

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:03)
The meeting is called to order and attendees are asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting begins with a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance is recited by all present.
Election of Acting Chairperson and President (00:00:35)
Trustees nominate and vote for TiAnna Harrison as acting chairperson and president of the board.

Nominations are made for the acting chairperson position. Trustee Hill nominates TiAnna Harrison. The motion is seconded, followed by a roll call vote. The motion passes with a unanimous vote, appointing TiAnna Harrison as the acting chairperson and later as the president of the board.
Nominations and Elections for Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary (00:01:53)
The board nominates and elects Trustee Hill as Vice President, Trustee Murphy as Treasurer, and Trustee McGlynn as Secretary.

The floor is opened for nominations for Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Trustee Hill is nominated for Vice President, Trustee Murphy for Treasurer, and Trustee McGlynn for Secretary. Each nomination is followed by a roll call vote, with all nominees being unanimously elected to their respective positions.
Reaffirmation of Board Procedures and Organizational Items (00:03:46)
The board reaffirms meeting schedules, posting procedures, and other organizational details.

The board discusses and reaffirms various organizational items, including meeting schedules, posting procedures, and delegated responsibilities for school funds and legal matters. The process for calling special meetings is also confirmed.
Approval of Agenda Modifications (00:05:59)
The agenda is modified to include additional organizational items by a motion from Trustee Murphy.

Trustee Murphy moves to modify the agenda to add organizational items. The motion is seconded and passed unanimously. The board reaffirms the updated agenda and proceeds with the meeting.
Student Recognitions from Prairie Ridge Elementary School (00:08:44)
Recognition of outstanding students from Prairie Ridge Elementary School by the principal.

Several students from Prairie Ridge Elementary School are recognized for their achievements and positive contributions. Principal Mrs. Jota Drake introduces each student and highlights their accomplishments in academics and behavior.
Board Member Recognition (00:14:24)
Superintendent Dr. Slade recognizes board members for their contributions during Board Recognition Month.

Dr. Slade acknowledges the contributions of each board member, commending them for their dedication and service. Board members are called up one by one to be recognized and receive applause from those in attendance.
Committee and School Reports (00:17:30)
Reports from various committees including Operations and Superintendent Evaluation Committee are presented.

Reports are given by the Operations Committee and the Superintendent Evaluation Committee, discussing recent meetings and activities. Updates on the district kitchen, tech equipment replacements, and Superintendent evaluations are shared.
Correspondence and Consent Calendar (00:20:27)
The board reviews correspondence and approves the consent calendar with purchase recommendations.

Secretary McGlynn reads correspondence received by the board. The consent calendar, including several purchase recommendations, is presented and discussed. Trustees express gratitude for community support and funding for district projects before voting to approve the consent calendar items.
Superintendent's Report (00:26:02)
Superintendent Dr. Slade provides an update on board visibility and district activities.

Dr. Slade discusses the role of the board in setting district policy and highlights their visibility and participation in national conferences. He thanks the board for their support and outlines upcoming strategic plan updates and community meetings.
Course Bulletin Second Reading (00:30:51)
The board reviews and approves changes to course offerings for middle and high schools.

Dr. Justice presents the second reading of changes to course offerings, including the addition of new courses and updates to existing ones. Trustees discuss the changes and express support, particularly for the new middle school career education courses.
Administrative Appointment (00:38:19)
Thomas McPherson is appointed as Assistant Principal at Prairie Ridge Elementary School.

Mr. Leland recommends the appointment of Thomas McPherson as Assistant Principal at Prairie Ridge Elementary School following a thorough selection process. The board approves the appointment.
Nomination and Appointment of Thomas McPherson (00:39:00)
The board discussed and voted on appointing Thomas McPherson as assistant principal at Prairie Ridge Elementary.

Thomas McPherson's qualifications and career history were presented, highlighting his experience in educational leadership and his previous roles in various states. A motion was made to appoint him as assistant principal, which was seconded and approved unanimously by the trustees.
Comments from Trustees (00:40:30)
Trustees shared comments and congratulations on new appointments, discussed board effectiveness, and emphasized focusing on students.

Trustees McGlynn and Shola Barber shared their appreciation for the new officers and the superintendent, Dr. Slade. They highlighted the importance of focusing on student outcomes and praised the dedication of the board members. Trustee Barber also inquired about the date for the adult education open house.
Recognition of School Staff and Community (00:47:00)
Acknowledgement of the hard work of school staff, bus drivers, and athletes, and the importance of community support.

Trustees expressed gratitude to the central office staff for their dedication, especially during the first week back. Bus drivers and crossing guards were recognized for their crucial role in student safety. Trustee Barber also praised the school's athletic achievements and encouraged support for community initiatives.
Encouragement and Community Support Initiatives (00:49:00)
Trustee Barber encouraged community support and care during challenging times and emphasized the importance of helping those in need.

Trustee Barber discussed the difficulties of January and recent incidents affecting the community. She urged everyone to take care of each other, support children, and contribute to local initiatives like diaper banks and warm closets.
Board Leadership and Future Direction (00:50:00)
The board president thanked trustees for their trust and outlined the board's commitment to supporting students and staff.

The board president expressed gratitude to fellow trustees for their trust and leadership role. She emphasized that the board supports innovative efforts to help students feel seen and supported. The board is committed to working cohesively for the benefit of students and staff.
Motion to Adjourn (00:52:00)
The meeting was adjourned by motion from Trustee Johnson, seconded and unanimously agreed upon.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Trustee Johnson, seconded, and passed unanimously, concluding the meeting with agreement to reconvene in the same space on the following Thursday.