Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
At a March 25, 2026 special work session, the Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education appointed Felicia Hayden to a board vacancy after a roll call that produced four recorded 'yes' votes; the transcript records discussion of two candidates and encourages the appointee to run in November's election.
Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
Board members discussed a draft resolution to create a law enforcement unit (LEU) to govern storage, retention and chain-of-custody for footage from hundreds of new security cameras purchased with a recent bond; the presenter said the LEU is a FERPA-related entity that clarifies when footage is an education record versus an LEU record.
Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
Trustees discussed a new state requirement that will require school districts to adopt wireless-device policies prohibiting student device use during instructional time beginning in the 2026–27 school year; members weighed exemptions, enforcement, and equipment options such as Yondr pouches and Faraday bags.
Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
Chair reminded the public there are two weeks to apply for the vacant seventh trustee seat and announced a March 18, 3PM application deadline; if the board fails to appoint by the statutory deadline, the ISD may appoint a replacement who lives in the district and does not work for it.
Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
The board approved a $4,021,212 contract for school improvement construction phase 1 electric packages funded by permit bond funds and approved a $5,000 travel request for a B3 robotics competition; both motions passed by voice vote as recorded by the chair.
Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
Trustees reviewed two immigration/ICE protocol documents in the packet and recommended a deeper policy-committee review with outside resources; discussion focused on who verifies warrants at schools, training, and how to manage noncompliance.
Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
Administration presented a restorative procedure for student nicotine vaping offenses focused on education and support rather than punishment, outlining a multi-step sequence (being considered for consolidation); board members questioned whether in-school suspension (ISS) or out-of-school suspension (OSS) as later steps would remove instructional time and whether the approach addresses addiction.
Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
Administration recommended remediation, asbestos abatement and demolition of the unused Southwestern Junior High at 390 S. Washington St., proposing an award to ET McKenzie for $1,451,513 to complete demolition and site restoration and preserve a cornerstone or select salvageable materials.
Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
Members of the Battle Creek Education Association and classroom teachers told the board that the district has held approximately $538,000 in Section 27l funds since December and urged immediate distribution to support retention and everyday expenses rather than holding the money until June.
Michigan / School Boards / Battle Creek Public Schools
After an RFP that drew 14 submissions, administration recommended awarding the district's custodial-services contract to Grand Rapids Building Services for up to $3,200,000 annually, citing staffing plans, wage structure and equipment needs; the board asked to see scoring and evaluation attachments.