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Board hears request to send staff to Black Boys and Men Symposium and to form implementation team; funding up to $45,000 discussed
Summary
District staff asked the board to support attendance at the fourth annual Black Boys and Men Symposium and to create a year‑long implementation team; staff requested review of a funding request up to $45,000 to support attendance and follow‑through.
District leaders asked the board Feb. 11 to consider sending staff to Grand Valley State University’s Black Boys and Men Symposium and to support a year‑long implementation team to apply symposium learnings in Battle Creek Public Schools.
Dr. Cheeks presented the item on behalf of Dr. Anita Harvey, explaining the symposium’s focus on addressing systemic barriers and creating change agents. The district described this as the fourth annual symposium; attendees are selected via an application process this year, and those chosen will join an implementation team to carry lessons forward districtwide.
The board packet indicated the district may request up to $45,000 to support attendance and implementation activities. Trustees asked whether prior attendees returned to implement changes; Dr. Cheeks said the symposium process this year includes an application that asks past participants to describe what they brought back and what they would implement, suggesting a selection process intended to ensure actionable outcomes.
No final funding vote was taken. Trustees asked procedural questions about the application and selection process and expressed support for an implementation focus that goes beyond conference attendance. Staff said they would provide additional materials and next steps for board consideration.
