[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6587999,"mediaKeyId","5496272-5b756b6b4efdacd065072eeb257ded9e","parentId",5496272,"title","Board ratifies four collective bargaining agreements covering maintenance, teachers, secretaries and paraprofessionals","audioSeconds",344,"startMs",2621000,"endMs",2965000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496272-5b756b6b4efdacd065072eeb257ded9e&start=2621&end=2965","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496272-5b756b6b4efdacd065072eeb257ded9e/thumbnail_2621000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6587999/Michigan/Board-ratifies-four-collective-bargaining-agreements-covering-maintenance-teachers-secretaries-and-paraprofessionals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587999-a3f088d8ae49b1f12b1b34291b09227e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773607298&Signature=aCrg9KmuEKSujrBJIpsnXvcPQFNZl8k~Da-MUgD20uGGooxQbXjJ26DSMkLUWeKv~W2SvKd--zTzAhvy764KhORBccOQp8GqtddJatW4RYNHfdPMXxiyblPxUd15C7Ox9aE5Ga8rSBVcXcfmtvLM0~IwMxGHQMzBc99h0dOVYmoxGZcDj5BGtXK~6hAoyVVtTivE424TOOxJ4cmeAPzGizh-JNP9rKXVcFGrw9orXNxFCg71bwN6Y3-yu0hnR6072sKl7tZ-KkXajZAZi~9ULAX8wzGwDtieu~PiLLXETW8CuI8e~KIssUMlAbfY5rb8bnRZ64D3WPHA8Y9iABXDZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-29T10:53:58Z","article","The board approved four collective bargaining agreements presented as tentatively agreed and ratified by the respective bargaining units. Superintendent Dr. Henry summarized that negotiations focused on clarifying contract language, compensation and insurance updates.

1) Maintenance collective bargaining agreement — The district presented a tentative agreement with the Battle Creek Educational Support Personnel Association (ECESPO). Trustee Johnson moved to approve the maintenance collective bargaining agreement; Trustee Peery supported the motion. The board approved the motion by voice vote, with the chair saying, ‘‘All in favor, say yes’’ and then, ‘‘All opposed, say no. Motion passes.’’ The packet summarized changes to language, compensation and insurance.

2) Battle Creek Education Association (BCA) agreement — Dr. Henry said the district reached a tentative agreement with the Battle Creek Education Association. Trustee Perry moved to accept the teacher agreement; Trustee Helgeland Jackson supported the motion. The board approved the agreement by voice vote.

3) Educational secretaries collective bargaining agreement — The district reached an agreement addressing health insurance, sick-leave language and compensation. Trustee Nordman moved to ratify the secretary agreement; Trustee Johnson supported the motion. The motion passed by voice vote. A trustee noted the contract includes parental/maternity leave language.

4) Paraprofessionals (Better Breed Paraprofessionals Association) agreement — The district reached a tentative agreement that updates insurance, adds evaluations and adjusts compensation. Trustee Hogan Jackson moved to approve the paraprofessionals agreement; Trustee Perry supported the motion. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

All four items were presented as having been ratified by the unions and reached within the board’s negotiation parameters. No roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting minutes; the board announced each motion passed by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Battle Creek Public Schools Board Meeting - 7/28/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved tentative agreements ratified by unions for the maintenance unit, Battle Creek Education Association, educational secretaries and paraprofessionals; motions were made and approved by voice vote with movers and supporters recorded in the meeting.","taxTitle","Battle Creek Public Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",55609,"location","Michigan","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6588003,"Board to advertise vacancy after Trustee Nordman resigns; applications due Aug. 11, interviews Aug. 25 work session",803,1813000,2616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496272-5b756b6b4efdacd065072eeb257ded9e&start=1813&end=2616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496272-5b756b6b4efdacd065072eeb257ded9e/thumbnail_1813000.jpg","/articles/6588003/Michigan/Board-to-advertise-vacancy-after-Trustee-Nordman-resigns-applications-due-Aug-11-interviews-Aug-25-work-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588003-a4075578897dc13367fa3b9250900049/orig.mp4?Expires=1773607298&Signature=BTSctEQgbLeqy6DXyD59k6y6mAMImqhnVfbMhNtWWjaIlDzcJxbWtSpEjtbO69iUKTQNPzfrvwd2BB-mdxYcZg18LoxbBaestw47EkY7jQllVuNnXlrN58LiuejT6ay4pRIdRNZCl47tCDTHvmQM04dWCrqudhXT3fCXkwLnAIxcj5RN9dL1nEsSuLVBBfHVwWgr0dn6Q0yeuuFigsuYKVhM5kqnqvTn3CRrnMn8Q3adixFilQb2HyHSPJxjQxEF2rUDMXpFw3biEheh8Q17SYAwI7oo~78ETtAjuB4rjiEUtVO5zYMGlKjOCi5mPe3ACtclllppXNG0hoXJ3KHzrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board announced a vacancy after Trustee Nordman said she will begin an assistant principal position July 30 and will resign effective the following day. Board leaders said state and board bylaws require the board to fill the seat within 30 days and offered a publicized appointment process.

The board agreed to publicize the vacancy on the district website, social media and school marquees. Applicants must live in the Battle Creek Public Schools district. The board asked that letters of interest include why the applicant wants to serve and the unique perspective they would bring; resumes will be optional. The board set a submission deadline of Monday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. and directed that names of applicants be read at the August work session so trustees can review them before interviews.

Trustees discussed logistics for interviews and public transparency. The board agreed to hold interviews at the August 25 work session; if needed, a special meeting could be called. The board noted that appointments require a majority vote (unanimity is not required) and that roll-call voting is optional. The board secretary will assist in collecting letters and confirming residency within the district. The board said applicants will be asked one question in the public interview: ‘‘Why do you want to serve and what unique perspective do you bring?’’

Trustees also discussed whether to include community feedback in the appointment process and agreed to finalize interview format at the work session. A social media post announcing the vacancy will be published by the end of the day following the resignation.","Trustee Nordman announced her resignation to take an assistant principal position; the board outlined a 30-day appointment process, will accept letters of interest (resumes optional), will post the vacancy on the website, social media and school marquees, and set the applicant deadline and interview schedule.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6588009,"Superintendent says federal grant freeze disrupted planning; district to develop contingency options for after-school services",713,1097000,1810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496272-5b756b6b4efdacd065072eeb257ded9e&start=1097&end=1810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496272-5b756b6b4efdacd065072eeb257ded9e/thumbnail_1097000.jpg","/articles/6588009/Michigan/Superintendent-says-federal-grant-freeze-disrupted-planning-district-to-develop-contingency-options-for-after-school-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588009-34f7b70e936f49abde7e242b285eda43/orig.mp4?Expires=1773607298&Signature=jrNCQVEhlEcblGo9PcjEhgtUVEe~ngY-DXycu-z72YJVrqe~ShCV8gjHXz7ghoKJeuM9hpkc-snID9kR1-9PGlVbBNW3UmfAMnpchDskJx~ZwIMmXF3I4VPE~WJL5EuczNzOO-OuGLBHnqSVDbr5C4~QxRMIK7Y6R1G1m1Drvgrmmj0rNVdLzIiW4dPMcMOLXcN7HTlmny2KQ4S4DL9mAvCsXIWoSmBqWXq6b9XdgnTJtCMggjon8UoSRoAzZkmNO~0P0dVWHNdcHgRCIbz~kzM35GEwOyQKTEnwNpWLOhuw4R5uGe-Og2x2TfhdquzHSFNdPN8XsxB0T6txKxe36Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Carter briefed the board on uncertainty around recent federal education funding pauses and partial releases, saying the back-and-forth created planning and staffing challenges for district programs supported by federal grants. He said court orders temporarily blocked a nationwide freeze and that the district has received notice that remaining federal funds are expected to be released, but the funds had not yet arrived at the time of the meeting.

Dr. Carter said the paused funds supported programs for English learners, teacher professional development, instructional coaches, and after-school and out-of-school-time programming. He told trustees, ‘‘We are going to move in confidence, by continuing those programs, recognizing that it's delayed and not disrupted at this point.’’ He said the district is still monitoring timing and possible future restrictions.

Dr. Carter reported figures mentioned in public reporting and legal actions: ‘‘about $6,000,000,000 in total federal funds were what is now just delayed’’ and said an additional ‘‘1,300,000,000 for 20 first century learning centers’’ was expected to be released. He credited community members and union partners who contacted legislators and said their outreach likely influenced congressional and judicial responses.

Because some out-of-school-time funding (referred to in the meeting as the OST grant) runs only through October 2025, Dr. Carter said the district has asked staff to assemble an overview of all out-of-school-time funding sources and present options at the August work session. Those options may include offering programs at fewer schools, creating pay-for-participation models, seeking sponsorships, or other alternatives. Dr. Carter named staff assigned to that work as Dr. Harvey and Director Mitch.

Dr. Carter said the district intends to preserve critical services where possible and will maintain transparency with the public. He noted broader fiscal uncertainty because the state budget and per-pupil allocation also remain unresolved, saying the budget the board passed was ‘‘a guess’’ and that an earlier-than-usual budget modification (likely October or November) may be required.

The board did not take a formal vote on funding policy at the meeting; Dr. Carter said staff will return with contingency recommendations and funding details at the August work session.","Dr. Carter summarized the federal education grant pause and subsequent partial releases, described risks to after-school, EL and professional development programs, and said staff will return with an out-of-school-time funding overview and contingency options at an August work session.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6588011,"Battle Creek Public Schools outlines new communications strategy, plans ParentSquare pilot",947,155000,1102000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496272-5b756b6b4efdacd065072eeb257ded9e&start=155&end=1102","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496272-5b756b6b4efdacd065072eeb257ded9e/thumbnail_155000.jpg","/articles/6588011/Michigan/Battle-Creek-Public-Schools-outlines-new-communications-strategy-plans-ParentSquare-pilot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588011-0e4879a0835c4a7116b47bb40fe6abb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773607298&Signature=JYX4C6wtS2SkxruedxPT0YFunEfvXdII9aD73Fn-3~GlTfczpr0dsbasPTCVGm7jWUc9hL28sI7X0BfgsO73Q8mbEfCMuPtpMAZToaxjWEh~riTlmqde8IkvbR6GX0kNtnJiL45h6Qi42gPu9CPOLrPnJ6NENH02WcGrEbwu-8gMOn5s0AvZjf-U~PPafWd~Z2TkzwKLMu11yPrxdPeaI36DxdsdTeD9zUD95CX7DWNhqHNA7~tMWJSlKX7~vmN0rqzhUe2SQkQyCWi4chNkxasV0U-gL56yCVtUpM1IFbl~y6B~sd3lJEVo7WcqxemwEp61qgTbr6GcfC~Rb5uyIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jose, the district communications lead, outlined a districtwide communications and marketing strategy during the Battle Creek Public Schools board meeting. He described a plan focused on shifting the district narrative through ‘‘authentic, transparent storytelling’’ that highlights student and staff growth while acknowledging challenges. He said the plan will lean on a new story-submission system, a content calendar, an ‘‘engagement score’’ dashboard and an internal messaging toolkit for principals.

Jose said the strategy will measure success with four indicators: staff submissions, community engagement on social channels, a manually assessed narrative shift, and staff reach. He cited advertising reach numbers during the presentation, saying, ‘‘361,000 impressions.’’ He said the weekly content types will include a short ‘‘StorySpark’’ post, a deeper ‘‘Growth Spotlight,’’ and a weekly ‘‘Did you know BCPS’’ item to highlight programs such as career academies.

Board members and others asked how the plan would include parents and nontraditional social platforms. In response to a question about parent engagement, Jose agreed to add prompts encouraging parents to submit positive experiences about teachers and schools and to build those parent testimonials into district posts. He said Instagram will serve as a highly visual channel distinct from Facebook and that TikTok remains under review pending district policy: ‘‘I will double check that and get back to you because, yes, TikTok would be a huge, huge asset for us,’’ Jose said.

Jose said he is exploring a messaging platform called ParentSquare and plans to pilot it in two schools (Fremont and STEM) starting in January, noting that any districtwide move would be brought to the board for approval. He also reported that the district’s back-end vendor for the staff directory, Raygun, lacks capacity to continue support and that the district intends to move to a new vendor, Sunny Byte, which will enable an automated staff directory for each school.

Several trustees praised the approach; one trustee suggested an alumni spotlight series and another encouraged an ‘‘aggressive media campaign’’ to counter negative coverage. Jose said story submissions will be optional for staff and that content guidance and light editorial feedback will be provided when needed.

Jose said the first 90 days of execution will emphasize launching the submission system and toolkit and setting an initial cadence for posts, with September and October used to expand outreach and share early engagement data. He framed the work as intended to support enrollment, boost staff morale and shift community perception by increasing visibility of positive work in district schools.

The board did not take a formal vote on the communications plan during the meeting; Jose asked for feedback and said he will return with updates on the pilot and system adoption.","District communications lead presented a year-long plan to change the district narrative by amplifying school-level stories, creating submission systems and dashboards, and piloting ParentSquare; board members raised questions about parent engagement, TikTok policy and a new automated staff directory vendor.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board ratifies four collective bargaining agreements covering maintenance, teachers, secretaries and paraprofessionals

Board to advertise vacancy after Trustee Nordman resigns; applications due Aug. 11, interviews Aug. 25 work session

Superintendent says federal grant freeze disrupted planning; district to develop contingency options for after-school services

Battle Creek Public Schools outlines new communications strategy, plans ParentSquare pilot