President Carolyn Graves called the April work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:05 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

The City of Benton Harbor recently honored the BHHS Boys Varsity Basketball Team at a special assembly held in recognition of their Regional Championship victory.

Ms. Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the portable classroom installment purchase agreement, as prepared by Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg.

Mr. Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the awarding of window replacement bids for King Junior High and Hull Schools. Huggett-Betten have submitted the lowest bid in the amount of $539,474.00 with the work being completed during the summer of 2001.

Group Director Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the replacement of univents at Hull School at a cost of $169,447.00.

Mr. Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the renewal of the lawn and field mowing contracts. Both contracts were awarded to R&H Lawncare for one year with 2 one-year renewal options. This is the first year of the renewal option.

Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the leasing of Bard School to the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor. The lease would be for 5 years at a cost of $1.00. The Boys and Girls Club is a needed program in this community and is not just a recreational program but also focuses on academics and is a positive environment for BH youth.

Trustee Peeples-Burks commented that in the past the community has frowned on large expenditures. The previous proposed expenditures are quite significant and would have been an excellent opportunity for public comments, however no community comments were made.

Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the proposed closing of Lafayette and Fair Plain Northwest Schools and the consolidation of the Creative Arts Academy and the Gifted & Talented Magnet Programs into Fair Plain East Elementary School for the 2001-2002 school year. Superintendent Williams discussed the declining student enrollment throughout the District and the need for significant cost-saving measures. Students attending Fair Plain East Elementary School would be transferred to Fair Plain West Elementary School. The magnet school consolidation plan would allow the District to close both Lafayette and Fair Plain Northwest Schools at a cost saving of approximately $400,000. The Board of Education decided to conduct public hearings regarding this issue and to pull this action item from the agenda until after the public hearings have been conducted.

Mr. Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the McCord Travelers out-of-state trip to Colorado scheduled for May 6-11, 2001. Approximately 38 students with 6 adult chaperones will be attending an educational excursion that includes visits to Denver, Colorado Springs and Canyon City. Funding includes a District cost of $2,000, a matching grant of $2,000, community donations and student fundraisers. Mr. Don Pearson, teacher, was present to answer any questions.

Mr. Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to accept and approve an Upton Foundation Grant in the amount of $2,000 to the McCord Renaissance Center for the McCord Travelers Colorado trip.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to accept and approve a donation of a boat, motor and assorted marine equipment, valued at approximately $6,500, to the Inner City Sail Club by Mr. & Mrs. William Rush.

• Professional Staff Retiring
• Employment of Professional Staff
• Possible Ratification of Service Employees Contract
• Salary Increase for Non-Bargaining Employees
• Other

Mr. Jeff Johnson addressed the Board of Education expressing his concerns with the lack of District parents who attended the BHAS building tours. He suggested as a method of communication that the District utilize local churches and the District website to get information out to the community. Mr. Johnson stated that the community agrees that District buildings are in need of repair but the community has trust issues with the Board.

Ms. Nancy Volpe addressed the Board of Education regarding the public participation on agenda items stating that it is difficult to comment on issues prior to being heard. Ms. Volpe asked if contractor bids were available for public review and if there is a student academic banquet citing the athletic banquet.

Mrs. Stephanie Gunter addressed the Board of Education stating that District parents did not attend the building tours because they already know the building conditions.

Mr. Timm Culby addressed the Board of Education stating that he attended the District building tours, met great staff and saw deplorable building conditions. He suggested that the Board work harder to obtain the community support needed for improvements.

Mr. Anthony Henry addressed the Board of Education expressing his thanks to all for suggestions to improve BHAS and was confident that the school community will come together to pass a future bond.

Ms. Debra Balbo addressed the Board of Education and thanked Superintendent Williams for coming to talk to the staff at Fair Plain East Elementary School regarding the proposed changes for the 2001-2002 school year.

Trustee Woltman reminded the community that the sinking fund has been exhausted and that any needed building repairs will now be paid out of operational funds. Mr. Woltman asked the community to share any constructive advice not criticism.

Trustee Peeples-Burks stated that the Benton Harbor area was under counted for our census due to lack of public participation, which means less dollars into the community for needed road repair, hospitals, child care, health care, etc. Dr. Peeples-Burks discussed her attendance at the recently held National School Board Association (NSBA) conference.

Trustee Mitchell thanked the community for their input and expressed his confidence that there are enough concerned District parents to support a future bond.

Trustee Robinson discussed her attendance at the recent National School Board Association (NSBA) conference.

Trustee Graves stated that BHAS students deserve the best education possible, which includes modern, technological equipped buildings and asked for the community's support in revitalizing the District.