KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo Schools and The Michigan Department of Education have come to terms on a tentative “partnership” with K-RESA that will end any threats of closing the Washington or Woodward Magnet schools.
Superintendent Michael Rice says the three year agreement will allow them to retain total local control. Dr. Rice says they aren’t releasing the details until after the Board of Trustees approves the agreement and it becomes official tomorrow night, but he says it should be cause for celebration.
Their agreement with State Superintendent Brian Whiston will be reviewed at 18 months and again at 3-years. He says they will retain total local control, no closures, no state managers and no intervention by the School Reform Office.
Rice says he has no immediate plans to withdraw their suit challenging the state’s claim they can close schools. He says that’s a separate issue that needs to be resolved.
