The Battle Creek Public Schools Board on Nov. 17 debated whether to endorse or register interest in the Invest in Michigan Kids (often referred to in the transcript as Invest in Kids) ballot proposal, a measure that would raise funds for children by imposing a surtax on high incomes.

Trustee Richard McClenny said he researched the proposal and found that multiple groups in California were involved and that the plan lacks a clear distribution mechanism in its current form. "There isn't a plan in place ... I can't support this until we learn a little more, especially ... how the monies will be distributed," he said, adding concern that the language could function as a backdoor to direct funds to charter schools.

Other trustees said they were open to support if the money would reach students in need regardless of school type. One trustee said they were "leaning toward supporting it" because it proposed a surtax on very high incomes that could increase funding for students, public or charter.

Trustee Hogan Jackson moved that the board indicate interest/accept the Invest in Kids proposal; Trustee Johnson seconded. The transcript records discussion and a roll call with mixed 'Yes' and 'No' responses but contains inconsistent name spellings and partial tallies in the record, so a clear final vote total was not fully captured in the provided segments. Several trustees explicitly said they would not support the resolution until a detailed distribution plan is available.

What happens next: the board discussed adding the item to new business and will follow up; trustees asked for additional details on proposed language and distribution mechanics before committing the board as a whole.