KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — It was back to business for Kalamazoo’s School Board at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday night, January 12, following a turbulent month that has shaken up the district’s leadership, and left some parents asking questions. Residents made it clear at the meeting however that they aren’t satisfied with the answers they have gotten following the sudden departure of the former Superintendent and Operations Director.
But there were also those who took issue with the past administration’s handling of students with special needs, staff relations and efforts to achieve racial equity.
NAACP President Wendy Fields supported the board’s decisions.
School Officials say it’s all in the documents they have posted on their website about the departure of their two top executives. Their separation agreement with Dr. Raichoudhuri prohibits them from discussing it, or they risk being sued.
Meanwhile classes are being held as scheduled, all the staff is reporting to work, the Board approved changes to the curriculum for the fall term last night, improvements to the mechanical systems at Central High and also endorsed the approval of a millage renewal that will appear on the ballot in May.
The evening’s meeting also witnessed more changes at the top as the board elected new leadership to Chair meetings for 2023.
Former Vice-President TiAnna Harrison was elected President. Trustee Jermaine Jackson was elected Vice-President. Megan Maddock will serve as Secretary and Tandy Moore will be Treasurer. New Trustee Karla Murphy was also sworn in, and took her seat for the first time.
President Harrison said that the board has begun a series of work sessions to prepare themselves for the tasks ahead, including the search for a new Superintendent. Harrison replaces Patti Sholler-Barber, who has been Board President for more than a decade, and will remain on the board as a trustee.
Reporting by: John McNeill
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