Vice-President Annie Robinson called the March work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:05 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Absent: Ms. Carolyn Graves

Central Administration
Superintendent Renee' Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the establishment of a BHAS Scholarship Fund using the Omnipoint proceeds. 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.

Business and Finance
Assistant Superintendent Mark Giffels reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the agreements for reasonable expenses related to the collection of the 2000 summer school property taxes.

Mr. Giffels reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt the resolution to call the Regular School Election for Monday, June 12, 2000, as prepared by Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg.

Assistant Superintendent Giffels reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the implementation of a tax-deferred payment plan for Member Investment Plan (MIP) Buy-Back.

Instruction
Mrs. Carolyn Jones, Director of Curriculum, presented a BHAS core curriculum update. In 1996, BHAS implemented the Kent County Collaborative Core Curriculum (KC4) as the BHAS Core Curriculum. The BHAS core curriculum is aligned with State of Michigan Standards and the Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) and High School Proficiency Tests. It is articulated from grade to grade and is age-appropriate, with assessment and instruction based on a clear set of intended learning. The BHAS core curriculum includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies each with appropriate strands.

Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the BHHS textbook adoption of Play Production Today. This textbook would be used in the Play Production Classes.

Assistant Superintendent Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve and accept a monetary donation to the Creative Arts Academy

from Richard Evich, BHAS Orchestra Director. Mr. Evich donated $575.00 to purchase two used violins and a viola for the District's music program.

Mr. Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve and accept a monetary donation of $500.00 to Henry C. Morton Elementary School from the Upton Foundation to send students in grades 3-5 to the Chicago Academy for the Arts.

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

• Employment of Professional Teaching Staff
• Professional Teaching Staff Resigning
• Recommendation for Second Year Probation
• Recommendation for Third Year Probation
• Recommendation for Fourth Year Probation
• Other

Superintendent's Update
Superintendent Williams stated that the Citizens Steering Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, March 9 at the BHHS and would follow the same agenda as at previous meetings. The Steering Committee has been formed at a time when the State is proposing an appointment of a BHAS CEO and citizens want answers to address that issue. However, the community must realize that BHAS does not have all the answers. Last Wednesday, Superintendent Williams along with Board Trustees Graves, Peeples-Burks and Smith attended a meeting with the Legislative Educational Committee and asked the Federal Judge to visit BHAS and address community questions. Regardless of the proposed legislation, our children deserve the best buildings possible and should not be used as political pawns.

Public Participation
Mr. Daryl Jackson addressed the Board of Education stating that BHAS has an outstanding Girls Track Team and many track records have been broken this year.

Mr. Ryan Muhammad addressed the Board of Education stating that educational issues are on the agenda to be discussed with government officials during The Million Islamic March to be held in Washington, D.C. on October 16, 2000.

Mr. Curtis Murphy addressed the Board of Education comparing the current BHAS administration track record to that of the administration of Dr. Sherwin Allen.

Mr. Herald Hampton addressed the Board of Education stating that he was in attendance at the legislative hearing last Wednesday and is disturbed that the Attorney General has not held any community meetings to address residents concerns. He encouraged Benton Harbor residents to work together and not against each other.

Board Comments
Student Board member Michael Razor discussed an excellent BHHS field trip he attended at the University of Michigan Performing Arts Center. He also encouraged community residents to attend the Citizens Steering Committee meetings.

Trustee Peeples-Burks commended student Board member Michael Razor for his portrayal of Cab Calloway in the play The Time is Now.

Trustee Smith gave praise to the BHHS Marching Band for their excellent performance at the recent Winner's Circle Auction that sold for $800.00.

Trustee Jones discussed her attendance at the informative MASB Mid-Winter Conference during which she met another young school board member.

Trustee Woltman encouraged Benton Harbor residents who have unanswered questions regarding the proposed takeover to contact state legislators and government officials. Trustee Hodges alluded to other states that have experienced a school takeover that the legislative structure is similar.

There being no further business, the March work session was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.