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Parents, staff highlight McIntyre gains and urge trustees to keep the elementary school open
Summary
McIntyre Elementary staff presented academic and SEL gains (reported proficiency and I-Ready improvements and declining suspensions) and parents urged the board to avoid closure amid enrollment concerns; trustees were asked to explore options to preserve the school.
McIntyre Elementary presented a wide-ranging showcase to the Southfield Board of Education on April 16 highlighting student achievement, social-emotional learning and plans for 2025–26 — and members of the public urged the board to keep the school open.
Principal Orlando Bogens and McIntyre staff described instructional strategies, partnerships and a school climate focus. Presenters cited proficiency figures the school displayed to trustees: math proficiency reported at 61% with a 13-percentage-point increase from the first to the third marking period and reading at 63% with a 14-point gain over the same span. Brad Levik described a schoolwide I-Ready challenge and compared winter assessment progress to the prior year (the presentation cited reading winter progress at 95% of the year-long goal versus 81% the prior year and modest math gains).
McIntyre staff also described SEL work and a decline in disciplinary removals: presenters said suspensions fell from 12 in the first quarter to three in the second quarter and to zero in the third quarter, which staff attributed to restorative practices and daily mindfulness routines.
At the podium, Principal Bogens and teachers outlined priorities for next year, including deeper community partnerships, expanded honors or advanced-course opportunities and increased after-school clubs.
Public comment followed the presentation. Betty Robinson told trustees McIntyre is "an excellent school" and implored the board "to try to keep that school open if that's possible," warning that district enrollment declines and outmigration to neighboring districts need to be addressed. A parent who identified herself as Marie Banks earlier in the meeting also praised University High School’s academic outcomes during public comment, underscoring the range of parent engagement across district schools.
Why it matters: McIntyre’s presentation combined data on proficiency and SEL improvements with community appeals at a time when trustees are considering district-level enrollment and facilities planning. Parents and staff seeking to preserve a neighborhood school framed the presentation as evidence the building contributes strong academic and social supports.
What’s next: Trustees did not take an immediate action to close or preserve the school at the meeting; speakers asked the board to consider funding and programmatic options and to weigh community input as any future proposals proceed.
