MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
MAY 1, 2001

President Carolyn Graves called the May work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:06 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Present: Ms. Carolyn Graves, Mrs. Annie Robinson, Mr. Dwight P. Mitchell, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, Mr. Ken Woltman and Ms. Michelle Jones

Recognitions
BHHS Student Senate advisor, Mary Jo Ogren and senate members Willie Baker, Michael Blanks and Sarah Styburski discussed the Student Senate goals and presented ten certificates of appreciation to BHHS staff as recognition for their outstanding educational leadership.

The BHHS Class of 2001 top ten seniors will be formally recognized at the regular meeting.

BHHS Key Club advisor, Ron Lyness and Key Club member Raven Cross reported on two awards recently presented to the BHHS Key Club. Awards received were The Sue Petrisin Award for timely dues payments and The Achievement Award for club activities.

Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-12, 2001.

Congratulations was extended to trustee J. Allene Smith and teacher Barbara Peeples as they were recipients of The Race Relations Award.

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 awarding of the Food Service contract. The State of Michigan requires that competitive proposals be obtained every five years if a school district chooses to purchase services from a food service management company for the management of its food service. Two responsible proposals were received and a seven-member committee performed the evaluations.

Operations/Facilities
Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the awarding of the landscaping bid for the portables and courtyard at Hull Middle School. Three bids were received and formally opened on April 24, 2001.

Instruction
As an informational item, Eric Williams, President, Dads Are Doing Something (DADS) organization gave a presentation on the services provided to students during the regular school day and at special school programs and activities. The structure consists of the Board of Directors, officers, committees and individual school coordinators. Each school has a local program. A coordinator is assigned to each school to work with the school principal in directing the program. Currently, there are 79 active DADS that provide services such as assisting teachers in gathering resources for units of study, mentoring, tutoring, hall monitors, playground and lunchroom supervision and assisting with field trips. Research shows that the male role model is a critical and essential ingredient in the learning process.

Superintendent Renee Williams reported in the absence of Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Richard Garrison, that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the 2001 Elementary Summer School program. Mrs. Carolyn Jones, Director of Curriculum, presented the Elementary Summer School information scheduled for approximately 275 students currently enrolled in grades 1-6. The program will be located at Calvin Britain Elementary School. The program is funded by Title I and Non-Title I students are eligible to attend on a $50 tuition basis.

Superintendent Williams reported in the absence of Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Richard Garrison, that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the 2001 Secondary Summer School program. Mrs. Carolyn Jones, Director of Curriculum, presented the Secondary Summer School information for those students requiring additional credit in order to be promoted to the next grade level or to fulfill high school graduation requirements. The program will run from June 18 through July 25, 2001.

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

Other
President Graves reported that following the work session the Board of Education will recess to closed session for the purpose of discussing with legal council litigations and negotiations.

Superintendent's Update
Superintendent Williams expressed her appreciation for the recent public hearings and the opportunity to dialog with parents. Unfortunately, the District is faced with a considerable deficit for the 2001-2002 school year, which must be addressed.

Public Participation II
Mr. Jeff Johnson addressed the Board of Education expressing his concerns regarding the BHHS science program being offered for only one semester and upon a recent visit it was noted that only half the science book was reviewed.

Board Comments
Trustee Peeples-Burks stated that she and Trustee Smith attended the 2001 Michigan Association of School Boards regional meeting and award ceremony where Trustee Smith was presented with the President's Award of Recognition.

Trustee Smith expressed her concerns with the astronomical dollars being spent for desegregation attorney fees.

Trustee Jones gave recognition to former BHHS graduate, Steven Neal, as he was recently drafted by the Tennessee Titans.

Trustee Mitchell also expressed concerns with the cost of desegregation attorney fees. He also discussed a Benton Harbor City Commission meeting where formal recognition was given to the late Mr. Carl Brown, son of Trustee Robinson.

The Board of Education recessed to closed session at 7:00 p.m.

Superintendent Renee Williams disseminated a letter from the Creative Arts Academy regarding the proposed magnet program consolidation and substantial discussion took place regarding the budget deficit. Superintendent Williams asked the Board of Education to establish Board Goals for the 2001-2002 school year.

President Graves disseminated copies of the Superintendent's evaluation tool and gave directions for returning.

The Board of Education discussed the proposed BHAS Service Employees labor contract.

There being no further business, the May work session was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.