MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
FEBRUARY 5, 2002

President Dwight P. Mitchell called the February work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:10 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Present: Mr. Dwight P. Mitchell, Mrs. Annie Robinson, Mr. Anthony A. Henry, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks and Mr. Ken Woltman

Absent: Ms. Michelle Jones

Recognitions
Former BHHS graduate, Greer K. Chesher, was featured in the January 31, 2002 addition of The Herald-Palladium for her informational, beautifully written books about national parks and monuments in the western United States. Copies of her books will be available for review at the BHHS media center.

Central Administration
Trustees received a tally sheet for the purpose of selecting a Superintendent search firm and were asked to complete and return to the Board President at the end of the work session meeting.

Business/Finance
Acting Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a vending agreement with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Michigan. Two bids were received for a five-year full service exclusive contract for beverage service.

Instruction
Members of The Leona Group, LLC, were present and disseminated information regarding a proposed BHAS 6-12 grade alternative school and gave a presentation regarding the program. BHAS representatives are scheduled to take a trip to Detroit to visit an alternative high school operated by The Leona Group, however, the majority of Leona Charter Schools are in Arizona. Items of discussion were the pros and cons of contracting with a Charter School for a small, mainstreamed, one-on-one alternative educational setting, financing, expelled students and a strict discipline academy. The goal of an alternative educational setting is for intervention at an early age and to become a graduate of BHHS. The curriculum would be parallel to the BHAS curriculum and students would be mandated to attend for a least one year. Parental involvement is mandatory, as parents must choose this school not the District. Alternative schools generally attract 10% of the District’s student population. The proposed timeline for implementation could be as soon as the start of the 2002-2003 school year. Mr. Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to authorize administration and legal counsel from Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg to further negotiate with The Leona Group, LLC, as there are substantial legal issues and many options in chartering an alternative program.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve and acknowledge a check for $3,000.00 from the Meijer store in Benton Harbor to Sorter Elementary School for bringing the most receipts back to the store during a recent competition.

Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve and acknowledge a donation of children’s literature books to the Teacher Resource Center from Mr. Mark Giffels. The donation is valued at approximately $1,200.00.

Mr. Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the relocation of the Creative Arts and Gifted and Talented Academies to the Fair Plain East Elementary School for the 2002-2003 school year. This recommendation is proposed due to economic considerations and the District’s desire to deliver instructional services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

Mr. Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the proposed closing of the Fair Plain Northwest School building for the 2002-2003 school year, due to the District’s desire to deliver instructional services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. This recommended building closing has already met the requirements of Board Policy KCC.

Mr. Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the proposed closing of Lafayette School for the 2002-2003 school year, due to the District’s desire to deliver instructional services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner and the building condition. This recommended building closing has already met the requirements of Board Policy KCC.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a Public Hearing regarding the closing of the Pipestone Pre-School building for the 2002-2003 school year, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5 at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons. This recommendation is proposed due to economic considerations and the District’s desire to deliver instructional services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner, as state funds do not cover materials or the Program Director’s salary. The four pre-school classrooms housed at Pipestone Pre-School would be relocated to regular instructional buildings.

As an informational item, Mr. Garrison disseminated information on BHAS Parent Technology Workshops being offered by the Informational Technology Department. These courses are intended for parents and/or guardians of current BHAS students for the opportunity to learn the basic concepts of how computers work, and provide hands-on instruction in basic computer operation.

Human Resources/Labor Relations
Assistant Superintendent Nora Jefferson reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve:

Superintendent’s Update
At the Lake Michigan College Legislative Breakfast, State Representatives Ron Jelinek and Charles LaSata reported that they would vote in favor of continuing funds for the School-Based Health Clinics.

Michigan Public School Districts continue to struggle with the uncertainty of not knowing the amount of State Aid that will be available from state funds for the upcoming school year.

First grader at Creative Arts Academy, Justin Burnett, starred in the Ragtime production recently held at the Mendel Center.

BHAS has recently received an application, sponsored by the Phil Runkel Foundation, designed for a Board trustee to write a grant for an innovative educational program.

Public Participation II
Ms. Marie Hobson addressed the Board of Education regarding chartering an alternative program and proposed trip to visit an alternative school in Detroit.

Mrs. Dimpsy Posey addressed the Board of Education concerning the proposed closing of the Lafayette School building.

Board Comments
Trustee Peeples-Burks reiterated the astronomical costs involved in operating BHAS and the need to be prudent in maintaining the operational budget.

Trustee Smith commended the BHHS basketball team, complimented the Coach’s Corner talk show aired on Saturday mornings and gave praise to Mrs. Lottie Pugh, Coordinator of Health Services, as she was featured as an excellent nurse in The Herald-Palladium.

Trustee Henry acknowledged BHHS student, Raven Cross, as a top ten finalist in the Miss Benton Harbor Pageant and was awarded Miss Entrepreneur.

Trustee Mitchell commended all students and volunteers for making the Miss Benton Harbor Pageant a successful event.

There being no further business, the February work session was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.