KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Public schools face new challenges in the next school year, and the Kalamazoo Public Schools are offering parents and the public a chance to be heard on how schools will serve students’ needs in the coming school year.
Challenges for schools include reduced funding, addressing safety in each building, and heightened health issues with COVID-19.
“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,” KPS Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri said in a release.
Input sessions will be online via Zoom or by dialing in by phone (see below).
A final plan will develop from the input received and ideas generated in two contingency plans outlined by KPS staff.
Input sessions are planned through July 1 in an intense schedule of public forums. KPS provided this schedule:
- 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. (ASL interpreter and real-time captioning available). 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
The sessions will be facilitated by Mia Henry, the former director of the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College. KPS Superintendent Raichoudhuri will attend each session.
