MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
APRIL 9, 2002

Vice President Annie Robinson called the April work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:10 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Present: Mrs. Annie Robinson, Mr. Anthony A. Henry, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, Mr. Ken Woltman and Ms. Michelle Jones

Absent: Mr. Dwight P. Mitchell

Communications
Benton Harbor Area Schools is currently reviewing the top ten student rankings for the BHHS Class of 2002.

The St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Exchange Club has recognized BHHS senior, Willie Baker, as Student of the Year.

Central Administration
Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a request from the Harbor Harvest Urban Ministries to utilize the 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 2002. The SYBPP 2002 is designed to teach inner city youth the skill of planting and designing flower and vegetable gardens.

Business/Finance
Acting Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve Resolutions for the Purpose of Election, Give Notice of Election and Appoint Inspectors for the Regular School Election scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2002, as prepared by Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg.

Operations/Facilities
Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the purchase of unit ventilators and new piping for the McCord Renaissance Center from Trane Company in the amount of $139,700.00.

Mr. Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the awarding of the mechanical piping bid for McCord Renaissance Center to ABC Preferred Plumbing in the amount of $128,000.00.

Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to renew the contract for formal lawn and field mowing services to R&H Lawncare for the 2002-mowing season. Contracts were for 1 year with two 1-year renewal options. This is the second year of the renewal options.

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 Summer On Location Program. This summer’s program would involve 80 students at sixteen community businesses scheduled for June 17 - June 21 and will be coordinated by the Career/Technical Department and funded through Title I. Mrs. Carole Fetke and Mrs. Mary Wilson were present to answer any questions.

Superintendent Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a Boynton Montessori 6th grade trip to Five Pines Ministries for fifteen students and seven adult supervisors. The trip has been scheduled for May 21, 2002. Boynton Principal, Ericka Harris-Robinson 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 approve a resolution – Title I contract with the Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools. The Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools has been assisting Fair Plain and Hull Middle Schools this past year as a subcontractor for the Michigan Middle Start Program and also assisting Fair Plain Northeast Elementary School with its school improvement efforts. The MCES requires the Board of Education to adopt a formal resolution confirming its operating agreement with the District. The cost for this program has been fully funded by the Michigan Department of Education.

Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Elementary Summer School program scheduled for approximately 400 students currently enrolled in grades K-5. The program will be located at MLK Elementary School and is funded by Title I. Director of Student Assessment Sharon Hatfield was present to answer any questions.

As an informational item, Director of Student Assessment Sharon Hatfield presented the Threads of Hope Project. Thread Of Hope Records, Inc. works with school staff to identify potential writers, singers, actors, and musicians. The program uses the universal language of music and the arts to reach out, enhance, motivate and build self-esteem through positive music, which nurtures positive growth and development of all students by counteracting the negative influences of our generation through freedom of expression in positive contemporary lyrics with an urban sound.

Superintendent Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the authorization to terminate negotiations for a tentative operating contract with The Leona Group Michigan, LLC, due to adverse budgetary projections for the 2002-2003 school year. In its efforts to deliver instructional services in an efficient and cost-effective manner, the District will continue seeking alternative education providers for Benton Harbor Area Schools District.

Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the relocation of Pipestone preschoolers to Morton, Sterne Brunson, Calvin Britain and MLK Elementary Schools. It is recommended that Pipestone Pre-School’s four classrooms be relocated to regular instructional buildings resulting in a cost savings to the District of more that $200,000.

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

Other
Trustee Jones asked that the Benton Harbor African Arts & Cultural Council program be added to the regular meeting agenda for approval to waive fees and associated costs to use the Kuschel Performing Arts Center. Ms. Emma Hull was present and provided information on the program.

Superintendent’s Update
Benton Harbor Area Schools has been granted unitary status from the desegregation case by Federal Judge Hillman.

The Benton Harbor Area Schools will explore a possible future bond issue to build needed new school buildings and it is important that community give input into what direction the District should take.

Community residents and staff members were encouraged to visit the new BHHS science lab located in room 304.

Public Participation II
Mr. Johnny Edwards addressed the Board of Education in support of new uniforms for District custodians and support staff.

Mr. Ron Lyness addressed the Board of Education stating that the BHHS Key Club placed 2nd in the Gold Division during the recent Key Club Convention based on Club accomplishments.

Mr. Leroy Lane addressed the Board of Education regarding the proposed alternative educational plan and questioned if the students would receive any professional help deemed necessary.

Mr. Darwin Watson and Ms. Crystal Hampton addressed the Board of Education expressing their concerns with the proposed relocation of Pipestone preschoolers into existing elementary sites.

Mr. Curtis Murphy addressed the Board of Education regarding the future proposed BHAS bond issue and asked that the District incorporate black contractors in the next proposal.

Mr. Maurice Scott addressed the Board of Education suggesting that the District utilize BHAS alumni members to motivate and encourage students.

Ms. Elizabeth Simmons addressed the Board of Education commending the staff and Board Trustees for the wonderful learning opportunities and environment offered to District students.

Board Comments
Trustee Peeples-Burks discussed her attendance at a recent conference held at Watervliet High School where State Superintendent Watkins was the keynote speaker.

Trustee Smith encouraged former BHHS graduates to attend the 2002 Senior Lock-In to visit with the Class of 2002.

Trustee Henry referred to the new welcome statement on the Board agenda stating that all students are worthy of receiving a quality education and encouraged community support.

Trustee Robinson stated that her passions for student learning include establishing an alternative educational plan and positive pre-school opportunities as she seeks re-election to the Board of Education.

There being no further business, the April work session was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.