Kalamazoo Public Schools - March 5, 2026 Board of Education Meeting

Updated about 4 hours ago

The School Board highlights student achievements from Parkwood Upjohn, Spring Valley, and Maple Street schools. Financial updates and future construction at Woodward Elementary were discussed. The board celebrated achieving the highest graduation rate in the district's history, with improvements across all student subgroups. The meeting also addressed transportation practices and community engagement efforts, including the 'knock and talk' initiative to improve student attendance. Superintendent Slate's mid-year evaluation and various policy updates were also on the agenda. Public concerns were raised about student transportation safety and support staff rights.

Chapters

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:09)
The meeting was called to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The chairperson opened the meeting by calling it to order and led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda and Roll Call (00:00:35)
The agenda was approved and roll call was taken, noting absentees and virtual attendees.

A motion to accept the agenda was made by Trustee Johnson and seconded by Trustee Murphy. The roll call indicated all trustees were present except for Trustee Peyton. Trustee Shaler Barber attended virtually but did not vote.
Board Recognitions (00:01:18)
Recognition of student achievements from Parkwood Upjohn, Spring Valley, and Maple Street schools.

Assistant Superintendent Sanders and several principals recognized outstanding students from various schools for their academic and character achievements. Students were called up to be acknowledged for their hard work and improvements.
Committee and School Reports (00:13:45)
Reports on operations, governance, and superintendent evaluation committee activities.

The operations committee provided a financial update and discussed future construction at Woodward Elementary. The governance committee discussed items for the consent calendar and the superintendent evaluation committee planned a closed session for progress reporting.
Consent Calendar and Purchases (00:15:23)
Approval of consent calendar including purchase recommendations for projectors and summer literacy program.

The board reviewed and approved items on the consent calendar with purchase recommendations for installing projectors in three schools and funding for a summer literacy program to send books to students.
Superintendent's Report (00:18:04)
Superintendent presented graduation rates, strategic plan progress, and community engagement efforts.

The superintendent reported the highest graduation rate in district history and improvements across all student subgroups. Plans for strategic community meetings and attendance initiatives like 'knock and talk' were discussed.
Public Comments (00:24:32)
Public comments addressed support staff rights and student transportation issues.

Speakers, including Shauna Espinoza and Morgan Stevenson, discussed the need for a support staff bill of rights and concerns over transportation for students walking long distances in dangerous conditions.
Trustee Comments (00:34:12)
Trustees shared experiences and congratulations regarding school events and achievements.

Trustees discussed attending literacy nights, congratulated the district on graduation rates, and encouraged continued community engagement and school support.
Discussion on Student Preparedness Initiatives (00:37:55)
Discussion highlighting efforts to prepare middle school students for college, focusing on early grade initiatives and thanking educators for their contributions.

Over at the air zoo, hundreds of middle school students participate in programs aimed at preparing them for college. Mr. McCain and his team are commended for their dedication to ensuring students are well-prepared from early grades.
Request for Closed Session for Mid-Year Evaluation (00:38:10)
A request was made to convene in closed session for the superintendent's mid-year evaluation under Michigan law to discuss personnel evaluations.

The superintendent requested that the board convene in a closed session to discuss her mid-year evaluation. The request is in accordance with Michigan law, allowing closed sessions for periodic personnel evaluations.
Motion to Convene Closed Session (00:38:16)
A motion was moved and seconded to convene in closed session as per Michigan code, with unanimous approval from board members, with the board set to reconvene on the floor later.

A motion was made to convene in closed session under Michigan code law to consider a periodic personnel evaluation. The board members unanimously approved the motion, and it was noted that the board would reconvene on the floor afterward.

Kalamazoo Public Schools (12 Episodes)

Updated about 4 hours ago

Board of Education Meetings