The Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education unanimously selected Takisha Johnson to fill its trustee vacancy in a special board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 3. 

Johnson is the founder of the Young Kings and Queens, a Kalamazoo nonprofit dedicated to providing young people between the ages of 13 and 19 with life skills to become successful and to expand their cultural opportunities. She is also a former educator and is a community volunteer with experience in fundraising and program development. 

Johnson holds degrees in psychology, sociology and accounting and has experience as a business owner. 

She will serve the remainder of the term of Megan Maddock, who announced her resignation from the board on July 20, because she is moving out of the district. Maddock was elected in 2020 to a six-year term, from January 2021 to Dec. 31, 2026. Because of state law, Johnson's appointment will run through Dec. 31, 2024. A trustee will be elected to fill the remainder of the term in the November 2024 general election.

The board reviewed 14 applications for the position during a special board meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 2, and selected four candidates to interview. One applicant declined to continue the process because of a scheduling conflict. 

“I would help to build positive relationships with community partners to better use available resources to serve our youth,” Johnson said. “I will ensure youth voices are at the table whether in person or by survey of sorts to ensure we are truly serving their best interests.”

Board President TiAnna Harrison thanked everyone who applied to fill the vacancy and for the community’s support during the past few months of transition. 

“The members of the board would like to acknowledge that our task of overseeing the district is made easier by the tremendous support of the community,” Harrison said. “We are grateful for the number of extremely qualified applicants who expressed interest in serving on the board. We look forward to working with Takisha Johnson and utilizing her skills as a youth advocate to enhance the educational opportunities for all of our students.”

The board was required by Michigan election law to fill Maddock’s position within 30 days of her resignation.