Shateda Walker

The Kentwood Public Schools Strategic Plan for Excellence and Equity in Education, adopted in 2023, serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the district's operations over the next three to five years. The plan is student-focused, guided by Student Vision Statements, and structured around four main goal areas: fostering a Culture of Excellence, ensuring Equitable Opportunities and Outcomes, cultivating Whole-Child Environments, and building a High-Impact, Diverse Staff. It also integrates Cross-Cutting Themes of Meaningful Learning and Communications and Engagement, aiming to guide decisions, strategies, and funding to support student needs and success.

The meeting included a report from the superintendent highlighting achievements such as an MSPRA award for the redistricting committee and a state wrestling champion, as well as acknowledging March as Reading Month and International Women's Month. The board authorized several financial expenditures, including the implementation of a robotics and automation course, travel funding for a national competition, the purchase of 1300 Chromebooks, and the acquisition of an HP server. The board also approved the February disbursement summary and new staff hires. Additionally, the board conducted closed sessions to address three student reinstatements and considered the nonrenewal of an administrative contract.

The meeting agenda includes a recommendation to purchase HMH Into Reading curriculum for Young 5s through 5th Grade, covering textbooks, digital licensing, and professional development using General Fund and 35M Grant funds. The session also features a Board retreat incorporating a bond update, a strategic plan report, a finance update, and a literacy adoption discussion.

The meeting featured a superintendent's report highlighting student achievements in First Robotics and the We the People team, as well as information regarding the upcoming election. Business items included the approval of a nonrenewal of an administrator contract and the authorization of various facility improvement projects, including carpet replacement, air conditioner unit replacement at a middle school, and boiler replacements at the high school and an elementary school. Furthermore, the board authorized the purchase of safety mapping software and a roof replacement contract for an elementary school. Personnel and financial matters were addressed, including the approval of the disbursement summary, new hires, and the reinstatement of a student following a closed session discussion regarding employee discipline.

The board meeting featured a report on upcoming Black History Month events and an update on the literacy adoption process, alongside recognition for a board member. Key action items included the approval of petitions to strike personal property taxes for three local jurisdictions. The board also approved several contracts for audio-visual equipment and a public address system, and authorized the purchase of network switch equipment. Additionally, resolutions regarding the State Schools of Choice programs were adopted, and the disbursement summary for the prior month was approved.