updated: Ypsilanti Community Schools to host 3-hour public forum Saturday

School board members of the consolidating Ypsilanti and Willow Run districts are hosting a public information session from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday in the Ypsilanti High School cafeteria, 2095 Packard Road.

This meeting is an opportunity for the community to engage in a dialogue with board trustees about the development of the new joint district, according to a news release. Facilitated dialogue will take place at the start of the session, followed by several updates on the work of YCS' community advisory groups, the release says.

The meeting is in place of a previously scheduled board retreat.

Seven advisory groups were formed to research and make recommendations to the board on specific design aspects of the new district. The groups are:

• Early Childhood
• High Quality Teachers and Teaching
• Effective Leaders at All Levels
• Culture and Climate
• College Credit and Career Credentials
• District Naming and Mascot
• Co-curricular Activities

At Saturday's meeting, there also will be time allotted for questions related to upcoming decisions, the press release says.

Community members interested in attending have been asked to RSVP to ensure the venue is properly set up for the discussion and is an adequate space, school officials said. Email Washtenaw Intermediate School District Communications Director Emma Jackson at ejackson@wash.k12.mi.us to RSVP, or call (734) 994-8100 ext. 1321.