Hamtramck board begins district reconfiguration process; consultant outlines public-engagement plan

The Hamtramck School District began a process to study district configuration and timing at the board meeting, presenting a timeline that places configuration work ahead of a formal strategic plan. A district presenter said the reconfiguration study will inform start times, enrollment balances and a 10-year capital plan and that the district hopes to present a recommendation to the board in March.

John Silveri, identified in the meeting as a consultant from the Michigan Leadership Institute, told the board the process will begin with a wide range of options and narrow them through analysis and community feedback. "We want to identify as many options as possible starting out," Silveri said, describing a sequence of staff and community review before a steering committee makes a recommendation to the board.

Board members were told the district will form a steering committee of staff and building representatives to review proposals, examine enrollment trends and building capacities, and help craft implementation plans. The district said it will present progress updates to the board in January and engage parents, students and community members through public outreach in February before bringing a recommendation for approval in March.

A district official emphasized that "no decisions have been made" and described the effort as a transparent, collaborative process that could produce up to three options for the board to consider. Staff said they will circulate a Google form to collect feedback and recruit volunteers for the steering committee.

Next steps: steering-committee membership will be identified, staff will prepare materials for community input and the board expects a March recommendation. The board did not take action on configuration at this meeting beyond starting the process.