KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo Public School officials are asking for the public’s opinion on how to properly reopen schools amid the coronavirus pandemic.
KPS officials have a couple of contingency plans they are working on, and they will be seeking public input during a series of virtual meetings over the next week. According to the district, “Areas of discussion will include academics, health and safety, student services, school management, operations, and communications.”
Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri says one back-to-school proposal is to offer parents and students a choice. This could include face to face instruction, a fully virtual option for families who are still not comfortable sending children back to schools, or a hybrid option with both in-person and remote learning.
Dr. Raichoudhur adds that she will participate in all of the sessions and a Community Facilitator Mia Henry will host the meetings and prepare the report “to ensure that the sessions are open and unbiased.”
She says “As we move to reopen schools in the fall, we are committed to crafting a plan that prioritizes safety, access, and equity for all students, staff, and teachers.”
Parent and Community Sessions will be held online:
- Friday, June 26, 9 a.m. (Spanish translation available) Join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://zoom.us/j/91248840855 or dial in using a phone (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 91248840855 Password: 371636
- Monday, June 29, 9 a.m. (Arabic, French, Kinyarwandan translation available) Join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://zoom.us/j/98435067773 or dial in using a phone (312) 626-6799. Meeting ID: 98435067773 Password: 180993
- Monday, June 29, 7 p.m. Join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://zoom.us/j/96172247649#success or dial in using a phone (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 961-722-47649
- Tuesday, June 30, 9 a.m. Join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://zoom.us/j/93171901137 or dial in using a phone (312) 626-6799. Meeting ID: 931-719-01137
- Tuesday, June 30, 6:30 p.m. co-hosted by Northside Ministerial Alliance (NMA) Streamed live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/MTZDexter and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mtzionkalamazoo
- Wednesday, July 1, 7 p.m. Join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://zoom.us/j/93446373166#success or dial in using a phone (646) 558-8656. Meeting ID: 934-463-73166
Anyone who is unable to participate online, but still want to offer comment can email communications@kalamazoopublicschools.net, leave a voicemail on the district tip line at (269) 488-1019 or complete this form: https://forms.gle/sBG13ntj3LC5VxTr9.
A written report will be completed on July 6. According to the press release, “The district will use it to help finalize its reopening plans and to help inform professional development and training. A final plan will be released well in advance of school opening.”
