KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – There was a role reversal at last night’s Kalamazoo Public Schools board meeting, with students doing the schooling.
Trustees received student presentations on what young leaders feel should be done to improve their schools.
They heard from students at Loy Norrix High School, Kalamazoo Central High School, Phoenix High School, the Kalamazoo Innovative Learning Program, and the virtual school.
Loy Norrix student senator Gertrude Hermann-Wilmarth says teachers and administrators need to consult with students before they act.
Phoenix student Elijah Whitmore warned trustees that vaping has become a major problem in schools everywhere, and in Kalamazoo.
For him its more than just a statistic.
He recommended more education on the dangers, more body searches and said the installation of metal detectors could help keep vaping devices off campus.
Central High School leaders from the athletic program asked for better sports facilities.
Jonathan Edwards and Ja’Vaeh Jones made the pitch.
Students at KILP and the virtual school gave trustees a primer on what those specialized programs do for the students they serve.
Trustees Jennie Hill, Carol McGwinn, and Patti Shollar-Barber said they learned a lot.
Superintendent Darrin Slade says he has a student advisory committee that he meets with regularly.
He thought it would be a good idea to give the board a sample of what they talk about.
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