Board hears pitch for Kids Read Now summer reading program; $83,837 funding source clarified

The Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education heard a presentation recommending adoption of the Kids Read Now elementary summer reading program at a cost of $83,837, with funding identified as 31a funds.

The recommendation came from a district staff member identified in the meeting as Mr. Bish, who told the board the program is evidence-based and allows students to pick books for summer reading. "I recommend that the board of education considers the adoption of the kids read now elementary summer reading program at a cost of 83,837 from, 31 a funds to go along with our summer programming initiatives," Mr. Bish said.

The presenter said the district has used the vendor since 2017 and reported participation gains: an increase of about 246 students and nearly 4,000 more books last summer. He said the program’s communication tools — including text messaging — helped engagement, sending "82,000 texts over the summer" to families and students. The district reported a reduced summer learning loss this past year, with Star assessment results showing about a 2% decline over summer compared with a typical 10–15% drop.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the funding line item shown in the packet. One trustee asked, "So the agenda says title funds. Are we should we correct that? Is it still 31 a?" Mr. Bish replied, "It is 31 a." Another trustee offered a parent perspective, saying their children receive the books and that the program is engaging for families.

The transcript records the recommendation and discussion only; there is no recorded motion or vote on this item in the published audio transcript.

The board packet included the program cost and referenced the district’s prior experience with the vendor; trustees requested no additional materials during the discussion.

The district will next determine whether to place the recommendation on a future consent or action agenda for formal board approval.