MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
MAY 2, 2000

Vice-President Annie Robinson 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. Michelle Jones, Mr. Waymon Hodges, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Mr. Ken Woltman, Mrs. Annie Robinson and student Board member Michael Razor

Absent: Ms. Carolyn Graves

Recognitions
Four Futures Academy art students were praised and given recognition for their winning art entries at the Orchards Mall Art Show held April 29-30.

BHAS salute District teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week May 7-13, 2000.

Seven Fair Plain Junior High instrumental music students were praised and recognized for receiving a Division I Rating at a recent Solo and Ensemble Competition held April 27, 2000.

Central Administration
Mr. Bruce Peterson, Perry Ballard Inc., presented the BHAS Parent Image Survey Results, "Perceptions and Expectations."  The BHAS Image Survey was designed as a joint project between BHAS, Perry Ballard Inc. and Decision Research Inc. to conduct random sampling and computer-assisted telephone interviews with parents of children who reside within the BHAS boundaries.  The objective was to poll parents regarding their perceptions and expectations and gather information to develop a targeted action plan.  One hundred four (104) interviews were conducted with the families of 241 students enrolled in BHAS.  One hundred seventeen (117) parents prioritized their expectations of BHAS with 80% ranking quality teachers as the highest expectation and 10% ranking sports and extra-curricular activities as the lowest expectation.  Sixty one percent prioritized quality of learning and quality of teaching, as the highest perceived improvement.

Superintendent Renee' Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the exact date of bond voting and the final number of mills to be levied.  BHAS officials are scheduled to meet with the Department of Treasury, Bonding Authority, on Wednesday, June 28, 2000.  Due to the Trustees' unanimous need to obtain additional bond information, a special Board of Education meeting was scheduled, prior to the regular meeting, for 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2000.

Business and Finance
Assistant Superintendent Mark Giffels reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve budget adjustments for the 2000-2001 school year to offset the proposed deficit.

Operations and Facilities
Mr. Stephen Mitchell, Group Director for Operations and Facilities, reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve heating renovations at McCord Renaissance and King Junior High Schools.  Staff has been standardizing the forty-year-old boilers over the past eight years and has elected to purchase the Lochinvar brand boiler.

Mr. Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the 2000 Summer Lunch Program.  This program is operated at various City of Benton Harbor sites and is fully reimbursed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Mr. Stephen Mitchell presented an update on the status of the BHAS Teen Center.  The roof deck in question was installed between 1968-1970 and has not been repainted since.  The roof deck samples indicated that the pool moisture, which contains chlorine, caused the corrosion and because the rust perforated through the roof in some areas, the rust penetration is 100%.  For safety reasons, it was recommended that the pool area not be used until the estimated repairs of $650,000 are made.

Instruction
Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the 2000 On Location Summer Program.  This program allows sixth graders the opportunity to actively participate in the world of work and is an important part of our Career Pathway program by connecting school to work.  The program is scheduled to be conducted the mornings of June 12 - June 16 and will be coordinated by the Career/Technical Education Department.  Career/Technical Director Carole Fetke and Mary Wilson were present to answer any questions.

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

Superintendent's Update

Public Participation
Mr. Darrel Allen addressed the Board of Education regarding the proposed bond issue and give emphasis to the strong citizen support to build a new high school shown at recent Steering Committee meetings.  He asked the Board of Education to stand ready to empower and engage parents and the community with Bond information to ensure success in this worthy endeavor. 

Board Comments
Trustee Woltman expressed the need for additional bonding information.

Trustee Peeples-Burks shared information she received from State House Educational Committee Chair, Republican Jason Allen, regarding the proposed school takeover and his pledge to keep BHAS informed of the legislative process.

There being no further business, the May work session was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.