Board of Education

Have a Concern or Complaint?

Caledonia Community Schools values open communication and encourages addressing concerns at the level closest to the situation whenever possible. Our Board of Education policy provides families and community members with a clear process for resolving concerns through direct conversation before moving to the next level.

In most situations, please begin with the teacher or staff member involved. If the concern is not resolved, the next step is the building principal or supervisor, followed by the appropriate district administrator or department director. If additional support is needed after those steps, the concern may be brought to the Superintendent’s Office. This reflects the progression outlined in the district's complaint policy.

Teacher/Staff Member → Principal/Supervisor → District Administrator/Director → Superintendent’s Office

Not sure who to contact? Please contact your school office, and we will help connect you with the appropriate person.

Our Board of Education has established this process through Board Policy 9130: Public Complaints, which emphasizes resolving concerns through direct discussion whenever possible.

View Board Policy 9130: Public Complaints

Board Policies:

The Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education Policy Manual includes bylaws and policies. A full list of Board of Education member duties, powers, and responsibilities are available in the policy manual. In general, the Board of Education oversees the following:

• Educating Students
• Safety and Welfare of Students
• Facilities
• Staffing
• Finances

CCS Board Policy Manual

Board of Education Meetings

The Board of Education generally meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Administration Office, 8948 Kraft Ave., unless otherwise noted. Regular meetings are open to the public and include an opportunity for public comment.

The Board may also hold special meetings or workshops as needed. Meeting dates, agendas, and approved minutes are available below.

Regular Monthly Meetings

*YouTube Playlist of Board of Education Recordings 

Special Meetings

The board of education schedules special meetings as needed. These dates will be posted as the special meeting becomes scheduled. Meetings are held in the Administration office boardroom at 8948 Kraft Ave., Caledonia unless noted differently below.

Board Committee of the Whole

All members of the board are on a Committee of the Whole. This committee discusses topics of importance before taking action at the regular meeting. Meetings are held in the Administration office boardroom at 8948 Kraft Ave., Caledonia, unless noted differently below.

Board Workshops

The board of education schedules workshops as needed. These dates will be posted as the workshops become scheduled. Meetings are held in the Administration office boardroom at 8948 Kraft Ave., Caledonia, unless noted differently below.

Learn More About School Boards

Want to learn more about the role of a locally elected school board? The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) provides resources explaining the responsibilities of boards of education in Michigan.

Learn About the Role of a School Board

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a School Board member actually do?

Board members focus on policy-making, governance, and strategic oversight. 
Key responsibilities include:

• Setting the district’s long-term vision and academic goals.
• Approving the budget and ensuring financial accountability.
• Hiring, evaluating, and supporting the superintendent.
• Representing community interests and making decisions in line with district policy and state law.
• You can find more about a school board member's roles and responsibilities on the MASB website.

They do not handle day-to-day management or operations of the school district. 

2. How Much Time Does It Require?

Serving on the Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education is a meaningful and rewarding commitment that requires time, preparation, and engagement. On average, board members can expect to dedicate 15–20 hours per month to board-related responsibilities. Below is a breakdown of the typical time commitment involved:

  A. Regular Board Meetings

• Frequency: The Caledonia Board of Education holds regular board meetings each month, typically in the evening. Meetings usually last between 1–2 hours, depending on the agenda.
• Preparation Time: Before each meeting, board members are expected to review materials such as the agenda, reports, financial updates, policy drafts, and superintendent updates. Preparation time is generally 1–2 hours per meeting.

  B. Committee of the Whole

• What It Is: Instead of traditional committee work, Caledonia Community Schools uses a Committee of the Whole structure. This meeting allows the full board to come together for deeper discussion on complex or upcoming topics before formal decisions are made at the next regular board meeting.
• Frequency: The Committee of the Whole typically meets on the Wednesday before each Regular Board Meeting.
• Time Commitment: These sessions usually last 2–4 hours, depending on the agenda.
• Preparation Time: Board members generally spend 2 or more hours reviewing materials in advance.

  C. Special Sessions

• Occasionally, board members are asked to attend additional special meetings to address district priorities, such as:
  • Budget hearings
  • Strategic planning sessions
• These meetings are scheduled as needed throughout the year.

  D. School and Community Engagement

• Board members are encouraged to attend various school and community events to stay connected with students, families, and staff. This may include:
  • Special school events
  • Athletic events
  • Graduation ceremonies
  • Civic meetings and outreach
• Estimated time commitment: 3–5 hours per month, depending on the season and events.

  E. Training and Professional Development

• Initial Training: MASB recommends that new board members complete approximately 16 hours of foundational training in their first year. This covers topics like governance, finance, legal obligations, and effective board practices.
• Ongoing Learning: Board members are encouraged to attend additional training opportunities each year, such as workshops, webinars, or conferences, to stay current on best practices and education policy.

  F. Strategic Planning and Retreats

• The Board may participate in an annual retreat or strategic planning session, typically lasting a half day or more. This allows the Board to set goals, review progress, and prioritize future initiatives.

3. What skills or qualifications are helpful?

While not required, useful traits include:

• Critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical judgment.
• Openness to learning, with a focus on finance, governance, policy, and legal matters.
• Ability to act in the district’s best interest, set aside personal differences, and govern with transparency.

4. How long is the term of service?

Six (6) year

5. Is there public accountability or scrutiny?

Yes. Board meetings are public under the Open Meetings Act. Decisions are made openly and involve community input. Board members are held to high ethical standards and expected to act with transparency and professionalism.

6. How does the Board work with the superintendent?

The Board governs; the superintendent administers. This relationship is collaborative, but the Board's role focuses on policy and oversight, not operations. Effective Board and superintendent teamwork is key to success. 

You can find more about a school board member's roles and responsibilities on the MASB website.