Plymouth-Canton School Board Faces Concerns Over Teacher Treatment and Immigrant Student Protection

Overview: The Plymouth-Canton Community School Board meeting spotlighted issues concerning teacher treatment at Bentley Elementary and the protection of immigrant students amid federal policy anxieties. Former teachers Michelle West and Julie Casar voiced concerns about harassment and intimidation, leading to high staff turnover at Bentley Elementary. Concurrently, Sarah Krosinski and Michelle Mustakis advocated for protective policies for immigrant students to alleviate fears related to immigration enforcement.

Benton Harbor School Board Advances Superintendent Search Amid Financial and Facility Discussions

Overview: The Benton Harbor Area School Board meeting focused on various topics, including the advancement of the superintendent search, financial updates, and ongoing facility challenges. The board announced the hiring of Hazard Young and Associates to lead the superintendent search, with the job posting now available on multiple platforms. The application deadline is set for May 20, 2025. In tandem with this, the board is scheduling focus groups to engage with staff and the community, with a special meeting planned for May 17, 2025, to further address the search. Concerns regarding potential miscommunication about application fees were raised, prompting the board to clarify these issues with the search firm.

Traverse City School Board Faces Debates Over Book Content and Strategic Planning Goals

Overview: The Traverse City Area School Board meeting covered a range of topics, with community debates over book content in school libraries and discussions on strategic planning for the district taking center stage. Concerns about book appropriateness, particularly titles such as “Red, White, and Royal Blue” and “Gender Queer,” sparked discussions on educational content and its impact on youth. Additionally, the board focused on strategic planning, with plans to refine academic goals and metrics to better align with district objectives.

Dearborn School Board Grapples with Layoff Policy Tied to Teacher Attendance

Overview: The recent Dearborn School Board meeting focused heavily on the district’s policy for determining teacher layoffs and surpluses, particularly the contentious issue of how teacher absences factor into these decisions. The board is considering revising current policies that many educators argue penalize them for taking necessary sick leave, impacting their job security. Other topics included union feedback on district leadership and various commendations for staff and student achievements.

Hazel Park School Board Examines Junior High Schedule Overhaul and Technology Investments

Overview: The Hazel Park School Board meeting focused on two major proposals: a shift in the junior high school schedule to a middle-level teaming model and the purchase of an interactive smart table for collaborative learning. These initiatives aim to enhance educational effectiveness and student engagement while addressing both immediate needs and long-term strategic goals.