Dear Panther Family,
It’s hard to believe that in just a few short weeks we will welcome the Class of 2039 to Parchment School District! The start of a new school year always brings a sense of excitement, optimism, and possibility, and this year is no exception.
We are thrilled to welcome many new faces to our Panther Family, including students, families, staff, and community members. This summer also brought several leadership transitions across the district. We are excited to welcome a new Director of the Parchment Early Learning Center, new principals at Northwood Elementary, Central Elementary, and Parchment High School, as well as a new Assistant Principal at the High School. Each of these leaders brings unique experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to our mission of ensuring that Every Child is a Success Today and Tomorrow. Be sure to read more about our newest administrators in this issue.
As summer draws to a close, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the many staff members who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare for another outstanding school year. Throughout the district, our teams have been busy completing maintenance projects, enhancing learning environments, and preparing our schools to welcome students back.
When you enter our buildings this fall, you will notice several facility improvements designed to create safer, more secure learning environments. These include a new secure entrance vestibule at Northwood Elementary and upgraded fire alarm systems at both the middle and high schools. These important investments, along with countless maintenance and improvement projects completed over the summer, reflect our ongoing commitment to providing safe, welcoming spaces where students and staff can thrive.
This summer also marked significant progress through several grant-funded initiatives that strengthen both our district and our community. One of the most exciting projects nearing completion is the installation of charging infrastructure for two new electric school buses, funded through a collaborative grant partnership involving the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the Michigan Department of Education, and Consumers Energy.
As Michigan continues to invest in cleaner, more sustainable transportation, Parchment School District is well-positioned to lead the way. Because our district spans just 14 square miles, we are an ideal candidate to pilot electric buses and evaluate their long-term impact on operating costs, reliability, student safety, and environmental sustainability. We look forward to sharing what we learn as these buses become part of our transportation fleet.
We are also grateful to have received additional grant funding that allows us to expand our partnership with the Kalamazoo Township Police Department by adding a second School Resource Officer. The presence of our School Resource Officer has transformed the relationship between our schools and local law enforcement through visibility, trust, relationship-building, and proactive support for students and families. This expansion will further strengthen our shared commitment to maintaining safe, supportive schools.
Through this same grant opportunity, we are expanding student mental health services by adding additional counselors and social workers. This investment means every school building will have licensed mental health professionals available to support students and families. These professionals play a vital role in connecting academic success with social-emotional well-being by providing support for anxiety, depression, family challenges, crisis intervention, and other mental health needs. Supporting the whole child remains one of our highest priorities because students learn best when they feel safe, connected, and cared for.
While our facilities teams were hard at work, our campuses remained active all summer long. Students participated in athletic camps, enrichment opportunities, and summer learning programs, while teachers and administrators collaborated to strengthen curriculum, refine instructional practices, and prepare engaging learning experiences for the coming year.
Over the past year, our Board of Education, district leadership, staff, parents, and community members have worked together to develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan that will guide the future of Parchment Schools. This plan reflects the voices of our community and establishes clear priorities in the areas of Student Achievement; Culture, Climate & Belonging; Communication, Trust & Pride; Staff Excellence; Facilities & Operations; and Fiscal Responsibility. More than a document, our Strategic Plan represents a shared commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring every decision we make is centered on student success. I encourage you to review the full plan on our district website.
Looking ahead, one of the most important opportunities for our community will come on November 3, when voters will consider a bond proposal to address critical facility needs across the district. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the many parents, staff, community members, and business leaders who dedicated countless hours serving on our Bond Steering Committee. Their thoughtful work, combined with community survey feedback and extensive facility planning, resulted in a proposal that reflects both the needs of our students today and a vision for Parchment's future.
The proposed plan focuses on modernizing learning environments, improving safety and security, increasing operational efficiency, and creating expanded educational opportunities for students through thoughtful consolidation and enhanced programming. More information about the proposal is included throughout this publication and is available on our bond website at parchment2026bond.com We encourage you to stay informed by visiting our website, following our social media channels, attending upcoming informational sessions, and reaching out to our district office with any questions.
Strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand. Your voice, your partnership, and your continued support help shape the future of Parchment Schools. I continue to be inspired by the resilience, generosity, and pride that define our Panther community. Together, we are building a district where every student is challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our future will not be built by chance. It will be built through shared purpose, strong relationships, disciplined systems, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Every Child. Every Day. One Parchment.
With sincere gratitude and Panther Pride,
