Absent: Ms. Michelle Jones

President Graves welcomed everyone and explained that items discussed at the work session are voted on at the regular meeting.

Minutes
A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mrs. Robinson that the Minutes of the special meeting of December 1, 1999 be approved as printed.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mrs. Smith that the Minutes of the work session of December 7, 1999 be approved as printed.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Hodges that the Minutes of the regular meeting of December 14, 1999 be approved as printed.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Vendor Payments
A motion was made by Mrs. Smith and supported by Mr. Woltman that vendor payments in the amount of $1,440,563.06 be approved for payment.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Activity of the General Fund was reviewed and accepted as presented.

Recognitions
In honor of Board of Education Appreciation Month, Superintendent Williams presented each trustee with a certificate of recognition, a clock and a personal portfolio. Elementary and secondary students and staff gave special presentations that ranged from singing, student artwork, flowers, and certificates during a Board of Education salute.

Central Administration
Staff Report #1
A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Dr. Peeples-Burks:

THAT the Board of Education, Benton Harbor Area Schools, meet in closed session on the following dates:

Tuesday, January 11, 2000 before and/or following
the regular meeting of the Board of Education on
that date, and

Tuesday, February 1, 2000 before and/or following
the work session of the Board of Education on that date,

at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons Area, 870 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan, in said District for the purpose of discussing with legal counsel litigations, negotiations and possible expulsions.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Business/Finance
Staff Report #2
A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Dr. Peeples-Burks:

THAT Service Oil's bid in the amount of $0.02 per gallon transport charge (net 10 days) be accepted for the purchase of gasoline and diesel fuel for the 2000 calendar year.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Operations/Facilities
Staff Report #3
A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mrs. Smith:

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education renew its contract with Best Way Disposal, Inc., of Watervliet, MI for the 1999-2000 school year.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Instruction
Staff Report #4
A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Mrs. Smith:

THAT the Board of Education approve Benton Harbor Area Schools in partnership with Lake Michigan College to operate a CISCO Networking Academy Career/Technical course for BHHS students. (This program will also be available to other students in Berrien County through the PA 56 Career/Technical Consortium, if there is space available.)

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Human Resources/Labor Relations
Staff Report #5
A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Mrs. Smith:

THAT Ms. Jennifer Hannigan-Green be employed as an elementary teacher by the Benton Harbor Area Schools effective August 26, 1999.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Staff Report #6
A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Woltman:

THAT Mr. Steven Kolodiziezyck be employed as an elementary teacher by the Benton Harbor Area Schools effective August 26, 1999.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Superintendent's Update
The DADS (Dads Are Doing Something) organization have developed a new BHAS brochure and a program status report will be given at the February Board meeting.

Board Comments
Trustee Hodges made a reminder that Monday, January 17^th is Martin Luther King Day and February is Black History Month.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Woltman:

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

The Board of Education recessed to closed session at 8:35 p.m.

Staff Report #1
A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Mrs. Smith:

THAT Michael Stoutmiles be expelled for the remainder of the 1^st semester from the Benton Harbor Area Schools for a violation of the Uniform Code of Discipline. The conditions of the expulsion and possible readmission to school will be outlined in a letter to be written by the Superintendent.

The motion passed on the following vote:

There being no further business, the January regular meeting of the Board of Education was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.