President Dwight P. Mitchell called the March work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:50 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, Mr. Ken Woltman and Ms. Michelle Jones

Public Participation on Agenda Items
Mr. Patrick Cooper addressed the Board of Education stating that BHAS is in need of an alternative educational plan to keep from dropping students, which only creates higher crime rates.

Recognitions
BHHS Pool Manager, Matthew Binns, was recognized and commended for his exemplary skills in saving the life of a student in a recent pool incident.

Central Administration
Southwestern Michigan Alternative Consortium members, Emmerson Payne, Mary Jo Holmes, Judith Stanton and Joanne Bailey, were present and discussed a proposed comprehensive community service education plan. The multi-site community education plan includes service organizations such as The LOFT, The Link Crisis Intervention Center, The Salvation Army, The Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, Workforce Skills Development, Riverwood Community Mental Health and the Berrien County Health Department. The proposed consortium is designed to identify areas of student concern and to direct students and families to the community resources available.

Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a BHAS endowment resolution. In 1999, the BHAS established an account within the Berrien Community Foundation designed as the BHAS Endowment Fund. The fund was established to act as a depository for gifts, conveyances and other transfers intended to assist BHAS in achieving its goals and purposes in providing educational advantages. The resolution, as created by Trustee Peeples-Burks, designated funds, specifically $25,656.73, from Whirlpool Corporation and one half of the $90,000 ($45,000), received from the sale of the Millburg School property, to the BHAS Endowment Fund.

Superintendent Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the extension of the Management Team employment contracts for one year, as these contracts expire at the close of the District’s fiscal year, June 30, 2002.

Business/Finance
Acting Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the summer school tax collection agreements. On December 13, 1983, the Board of Education approved a resolution to collect 100% of the school property taxes and to authorize negotiations with each taxing unit within the District for the reasonable expenses for collection of the summer property tax levy. An agreement has been reached with five of the eight taxing units located within the District boundaries.

Acting Assistant Superintendent Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Resolution to Call the Regular School Election, as prepared by Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg. The 2002 regular school election is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2002.

Acting Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a Resolution Appointing a Trustee and Risk Management Coordinator to the Middle Cities Risk Management Trust. BHAS became a member of the Middle Cities Risk Management Trust in June 1987 and due to personnel changes, it is now necessary to change the District’s designated trustee. It is recommended that Sheletha Bobo be appointed as the District’s designated Trustee representative and Perla Tolentino as the District’s Risk Management Coordinator.

Instruction
In the absence of Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison, Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the closing of Pipestone Pre-School. This recommendation is proposed 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.

Superintendent Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a Sorter Elementary School trip to Mackinac Island for thirty-eight fourth and fifth graders and nine adult supervisors. The trip has been scheduled for May 6-8, 2002. Sorter Principal, Delores Gavin and staff were present to discuss the proposed excursion and to answer any questions.

Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to accept and acknowledge gifts to Fair Plain East Elementary School from the Whirlpool Corporation. The school has received a compact refrigerator, microwave oven and a KitchenAid hand mixer to be used in their special education classroom. The approximate value of the items donated is $333.00.

Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to accept and acknowledge a grant to the Creative Arts Academy from the Fredrick S. Upton Foundation in the amount of $6,500.00 to be used to acquire the services of visiting artists and the Artists-In-Residence Program.

Superintendent Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a BHHS Sisters Organization Black College Tour scheduled for March 21-24, 2002. Approximately fifteen 12^th grade female students and five chaperones plan to tour Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical School and Alabama A&M.

Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a BHHS SALA Academy Black College Tour scheduled for April 18-21, 2002. Approximately 30 students and five chaperones plan to tour Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical School and Alabama A&M.

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

• Professional Staff Retiring
• Professional Staff Resigning

Superintendent’s Update
The Berrien County Health Department has reported that the BHHS School Based Health Clinic will remain closed until funds are received from the State of Michigan. The State has reported that funds are to be included in the 2002-2003 funding package.

Public Participation II
Mrs. Vicki Robinson Brown addressed the Board of Education expressing her concerns as a BHAS transportation employee.

Mr. Isiah Newson addressed the Board of Education extending an invitation to attend the Council for World Class Community (CWCC) Town Hall meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, at the Sammie Smith Family Investment Center. Mr. Newson stated that he would like to see the BHAS web site state-of-the-art and also asked for a desegregation budget breakdown.

Board Comments
Trustee Smith discussed her attendance at the BHHS Principal’s All A’s Student Luncheon stating that it was an excellent opportunity to meet wonderful students. Ms. Smith also commended the BHHS Madrigals and Director, Curtis Gulledge, for their excellent concert that received a #1 rating.