President Carolyn Graves called the February work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:11 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Present:  Mrs. Annie Robinson, Ms. Michelle Jones, Mr. Waymon Hodges, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Mr. Ken Woltman, Ms. Carolyn Graves and student Board member Michael Razor

Recognitions
Special recognition was given to BHHS senior Psychelia Smith as being a semi-finalist in the Coke Cola Scholarship Program. On March 1, 2000, the Coke Cola Foundation will announce the 250 scholarship recipients.

Student Board member Michael Razor was recognized for his membership on the Citizen's Steering Committee that includes membership on the Publicity/Public Relations Sub-Committee.

February's District promotional radio broadcast was recorded by: Ja'Lisa Boyd - 1st grade Fair Plain North East, Michael Razor - 10^th grade BHHS, Ira Burton - employee Custodial Department, Colleen Lundgren - teacher Hull School and Desiree Dunemus - parent G&T.

Central Administration
DADS (Dads Are Doing Something) President Eric Williams gave an update on the program stating that over 70 DADS have been inducted since the program opened in BHAS. DADS provide services to students during the regular school day and/or at special school programs or activities. All men interested in volunteering and becoming a member of DADS should attend one of the meetings or contact the principal of the school in which you would like to volunteer.

The proposed policy revision item was pulled from the agenda and will be presented at a later date.

Superintendent Renee' Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve The Summer Youth Beautification Pride Project request. Ms. Sandra Douglas, Director of Community Outreach Ministries at Peace Temple United Methodist Church, has requested permission to utilize BHAS property located at Jefferson and High Streets (former location of the Jefferson building) in Benton Harbor as a site for The Summer Youth Beautification Pride Project 2000. The SYBPP 2000 is a gardening/landscaping project designed to teach inner city youth the skill of planting and designing flower and vegetable gardens.

As an informational item, Superintendent Renee' Williams discussed the statewide school safety procedures. Earlier this year 3 bills were signed into law with 1 bill requiring a statewide safety policy to be utilized by all schools. In Berrien County, the collaborative effort has been very effective. Special Education Director Solomon Collins has been working with local law enforcement agencies and District staff to develop a BHAS School Safety Policy Manual, which is now in place. Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell will serve as the District official who will receive any critical information that might endanger/affect BHAS students.

Superintendent Williams discussed the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) conference that she recently attended at which Governor Engler was a guest speaker. Governor Engler spoke on the Golden Acorn Award, gave information on the Vouchers Program and proposed a $200 per pupil increase in State Aid funding. He also proposed that $1,000 to be given to each staff whose building students pass the MEAP.

Business and Finance
As an informational item, Assistant Superintendent Mark Giffels stated that area municipalities would soon be receiving the 2000 Summer Tax letters.

Operations and Facilities
Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a request from Omnipoint to lease a parcel of land. Omnipoint Communications of Nunica, MI has requested permission to lease a 75' x 75' section of land located on the Technical Center grounds to erect a 250' tower for cellular phone use. The lease agreement calls for payment of $5,000 per year for 5 years with a renewal option for an additional 5 years, which includes a lease payment increase of 10% over the previous term.

As an informational item, Mr. Mitchell stated that at the regular meeting formal presentations would be given regarding facility renovations and the 1993-2000 transportation fleet inspections.

Instruction
As an informational item, Morton Elementary School Principal Virginia Maxwell and Big Brothers/Big Sisters Executive Director Susan Briner gave an overview of the Lunch Buddy Program. A Lunch Buddy is an adult volunteer who mentors an elementary aged child at their school over the lunch period. The most important thing a Lunch Buddy can do for their lunch mate is to be a friend - to listen, give advice if asked, and to have fun. A match between a Lunch Buddy and a child is handled through the local agency and participating schools. Each volunteer is carefully screened by Big Brothers/Big Sisters staff to determine interests, personality, age preferences, expectations for the match, and to ensure the volunteer is responsible and committed to being a friend and role model to the child.

On behalf of the BHAS Joint Family Life/School Base Clinic Advisory Board, Health Services Coordinator Lottie Pugh and Family Life Educator Justine Wisler gave an update on the eleven new videotapes that have been recommended for use as instructional materials in conjunction with the Family Life Education curriculum. The Michigan Department of Education has approved all videos for the indicated grade levels. Approval was sought to hold two public hearings regarding the use of these videotapes in the BHAS Family Life Education Program.

Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the adoption of the recommended Family Life videotapes.

Ms. Sheryl Finley, BHHS Senior Class of 2000 advisor, and Miss Tracy Cleveland, BHHS senior, presented the proposed senior class trip to Orlando, Florida from May 9 through May 15, 2000. The students would enjoy many local attractions including Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom for a special Grad Night where the students would have a chance to meet other Class of 2000 graduates from all over the country. The cost per student is $450.00.

Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the BHHS Senior Class of 2000 trip.

Human Resources/Labor Relations
As an informational item, Assistant Superintendent Nora Jefferson stated that Trustees would be receiving information on the BHAS Secretarial Association Master Labor Agreement.

Other
Trustee Peeples-Burks gave praise and recognition to Mrs. John (Janet) McLelland for her donation of 100 tickets to Calvin Britain and McCord Renaissance students to attend a performance sponsored by the Christian Council for the Arts.

Public Participation
Ms. Elzene Tillman addressed the Board of Education with concerns regarding an incident at King Junior High School involving her son and the need for additional outside monitors.

Mr. Curtis Murphy addressed the Board stating that he would like to serve on any bond issue committee and asked if all trustees were in favor of the proposed bond issue. He also questioned if the Superintendent receives an employment evaluation.

Board Comments
Trustee Hodges expressed concerns regarding the low BHHS Social Studies MEAP scores and suggested that an investigation take place as to why.

There being no further business, the February work session was adjourned at 7:31 p.m.