Kalamazoo Public Schools announced new attendance and behavior measures, including in-person meetings with the superintendent for students with 10 absences.
Superintendent Dr. Slade outlined the changes during his report to the Board of Education, along with the district’s attendance results and goals.
New this year
- Meetings after 10 absences: Any student with 10 absences, excused or unexcused, will be required to meet in person with the superintendent unless there is an extreme medical emergency or similar situation. Slade said the meetings would be held at a school other than the student’s own. He said the district will also send certified letters and the superintendent’s office will conduct an investigation. Slade described the change as starting the day after the meeting.
- Tardiness and early pickups: Slade said the district will address students who arrive late several times a week and students picked up early multiple times a week or month for non-emergencies. He said this is a particular focus at the elementary level.
- Saturday detention: Saturday detention is planned to start next month, most likely from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. Slade said principals and administrators decide which students are assigned, not parents. He said the aim is to reduce the number of students missing class time because of suspensions.
What continues
The district’s attendance policy also includes phone calls, emails, parent conferences and home visits. Slade said the district will continue positive incentives such as award assemblies and field trips, and “knock and talk” events, when staff visit homes on Saturdays, will begin in the next few weeks.
Results and goals
Slade said state data released two weeks earlier showed the district’s attendance improved for a third year in a row and that the district continues to outpace the state in improvement. The district’s strategic plan goal is to reach or exceed the state average by 2030.
Upcoming
The district has scheduled an attendance and discipline informational session for Thursday, October 29. Slade said the session is for parents and students, and a trustee said it will be held at Loy Norrix High School. Slade said the session will cover expectations for attendance and behavior and take questions.
Speaking to the board
Under the board’s public participation policy, speakers sign in before public comment and have three minutes each. The Board of Education’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 22 at 7:00 pm at the school administration building.
