Kalamazoo Public Schools - September 4, 2025 Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education

Updated about 5 hours ago

Officials discuss the implementation of a new parent app to engage special populations, address low parent engagement levels, and provide access through district kiosks. The board also reviews the district's approach to communicating academic information and ensuring that all communication methods remain inclusive. Additionally, the meeting covers a community-driven funding initiative aiming to increase public school funding through a constitutional amendment. The board recognizes students and community members for their contributions, including the introduction of the 'gold card' for senior citizens. School safety, particularly the introduction of metal detectors, is also highlighted as a key concern addressed in the meeting.

Chapters

Discussion on Parent App and Community Engagement (00:00:02)
Discussion on the parent app's importance for special populations and increasing community involvement.

The meeting began with a discussion about the parent app being developed to assist special populations in accessing important information. The app aims to involve more people in community meetings, providing a platform for teachers to communicate with parents. Questions were raised regarding the availability of emails through the app and access for parents without phones, with registration kiosks being mentioned as a solution.
Questions and Concerns About App Features (00:01:05)
Questions were posed regarding the app's features, such as newsfeed and email integration, and support for parents without phones.

Participants asked whether teacher emails would still be sent traditionally or only through the app. The response indicated it depends on teacher preference. Concerns about parents without phones were addressed by mentioning the availability of registration kiosks. The app's potential to replace robocalls and its usage for school bulletins were also discussed.
Parent Engagement and App Enrollment Data (00:02:57)
Discussion on the percentage of parents enrolled in the app and strategies to increase engagement.

The discussion shifted to the current enrollment statistics of parents in the app, noting a decrease due to new students and the departure of senior parents. Efforts to encourage elementary parents to engage more were outlined, noting historical trends of low engagement due to lack of online grade postings.
Strategies for Increasing App Awareness (00:04:06)
Efforts to increase awareness of the app include district-wide communication and events for special populations.

Efforts to increase app awareness include district-level communications, flyers in back-to-school packets, and having information available at open houses. Special events for certain populations, such as a night for parents at Oakwood, were also mentioned. The importance of ensuring parents have updated email addresses was emphasized.
Paper Report Cards and App Functionality (00:06:07)
Discussion on report card distribution methods and app integration, including electronic and paper options.

Questions were raised regarding whether report cards could still be sent in paper form. The response indicated that while the district no longer mails them, schools have the option to print and send them. The app allows electronic viewing of report cards. The importance of keeping parent contact information updated was reiterated.
Public Participation Policy (00:10:30)
The board's policy on public participation during meetings was read, highlighting the process for community input.

The policy on public participation during board meetings was read aloud. It outlines the process for community members to sign in and speak, with an emphasis on privacy concerns for students and staff. The policy encourages written submissions and provides guidelines for conduct during public comments.
Public Comments on School Funding Initiative (00:12:00)
A public comment was made advocating for a state constitutional amendment to increase school funding through taxation of the wealthy.

A speaker proposed a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to tax wealthy individuals, with the revenue directed to public schools. The speaker invited board members and the public to sign the petition and help gather signatures to support the initiative.
Public Comment on Gold Card Initiative (00:14:24)
A speaker thanked the board for implementing the Gold Card initiative for senior citizens, allowing them access to school events.

The speaker expressed gratitude to the board and Dr. Slade for the successful implementation of the Gold Card initiative, which provides senior citizens access to school athletic events. The initiative was well-received by the community, as evidenced by the positive responses on social media.
Public Concern About SAT Scores on Transcripts (00:17:15)
A concern was raised about SAT scores being included on transcripts sent to universities, despite many being test-optional.

A speaker expressed concern over SAT scores being automatically included on student transcripts sent to universities, many of which are now test-optional. The speaker questioned the necessity of this practice and suggested it might violate student privacy if test scores are not intended to be submitted.
Board Member Comments and Acknowledgments (00:21:53)
Board members shared their experiences visiting schools and expressed appreciation for school staff and community support.

Board members took turns sharing their experiences visiting schools at the start of the school year. They expressed appreciation for the dedication of school staff, the excitement of students returning, and the community's support for school initiatives. The importance of sports as an extension of the classroom was highlighted.

Kalamazoo Public Schools (13 Episodes)

Updated about 5 hours ago

Board of Education Meetings