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Parents urge board to preserve elementary 'specials' as schedule changes and staffing shifts loom
Summary
Multiple parents and a fourth‑grader told the board that a new rotating schedule for elementary specials could eliminate positions and reduce access to music, art, PE and library; they asked for clearer communication and staff involvement before changes take effect.
Several parents and a fourth‑grade student urged the Thornapple Kellogg School District board on May 11 to preserve elementary "specials" — music, art, physical education and library — after staff-level scheduling changes were shared with some employees.
"My name is Lillian Griswold. I am 9 years old...the fourth grade specials teachers won't be teaching next year," the student said during the public-comment period. Her mother, Catherine Key Griswold, told the board she supports continued access to specials for equity and cited concerns that communication to families and staff has been inconsistent.
Ann Clute, a volunteer and substitute teacher, said the district plans to move McFall from two sessions of music, art and gym per week to a rotating schedule of one special each day, which Clute said "does mean that there will be a specials position eliminated" and that at least one staff member would not have their contract renewed. "Scared people with no information are gonna seek out information," she said, urging better internal communication and staff involvement in planning.
Superintendent Pouch acknowledged the concerns during board remarks and said the superintendent’s office would follow up with staff and commenters where appropriate. The board did not vote on scheduling policy during the meeting; parents asked for further clarity from administration before contracts and assignments are finalized.
Next steps: Administration said it would continue to meet with staff and report back; parents asked the board to ensure that staffing impacts and the schedule are clearly communicated to families.
