The May regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President Carolyn Graves at 6:05 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons Area.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Mitchell that the Minutes of the public hearing of April 17, 2001 be approved as printed.

A motion was made by Mr. Mitchell and supported by Mrs. Robinson that the Minutes of the regular meeting of April 17, 2001 be approved as printed.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mrs. Robinson that the Minutes of the public hearing of April 19, 2001 be approved as printed.

A motion was made by Mrs. Robinson and supported by Dr. Peeples-Burks that the Minutes of the special meeting of April 23, 2001 be approved as printed.

A motion was made by Mr. Mitchell and supported by Dr. Peeples-Burks that the Minutes of the public hearing of April 30, 2001 be approved as printed.

Special recognition was given to BHAS staff Lorraine Duke, Susan Harris, Ruby Patterson and Ester-Elaine Shoemaker, as they were nominees in the W.C.A. Tribute To Women.

Two former BHHS graduates were recipients of the Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award during the 2001 Lake Michigan College graduation ceremony.

Celebrate Michigan Week May 19 - 28, 2001.

Thank you letters were read from BHHS students in appreciation of Mr. Isiah Newson, mentor and former Internal Revenue Service employee, for all his help in working with the students to understand and file their income taxes.

Praise and recognition was given to the BHHS Class of 2001 top ten seniors. The top ten seniors are: Quana Clayton, Jason McNally, Carlton Epps, Rashon Wilson, Tiauna Archibald, Helen Mitchell, Alecia White, Ronell Hill, Timothy Anderson and Natasha Brown.

THAT the Board of Education, Benton Harbor Area Schools, meet in closed session on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 8, 2001 before and/or following
the regular meeting of the Board of Education on
that date, and

Tuesday, June 5, 2001 before and/or following
the work session of the Board of Education on that date,

at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons Area, 870 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan, in said District for the purpose of discussing with legal counsel litigations, negotiations and possible expulsions.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education enter into a Cost Reimbursable contract with ARAMARK for food service management in accordance with their proposal dated April 10, 2001, for one year with four one year renewal options, commencing on July 1, 2001.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education award the landscaping bid for work to be completed at Hull School to Hunzikers of Niles, MI in the amount of $58,867.00. The work is to be completed during the summer of 2001.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education approve the Elementary Summer School program for the 2000-2001 school year.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education approve the 2000-2001 Secondary Summer School program.

THAT Mr. Charles Dalusong be employed as a teacher by the Benton Harbor Area Schools effective April 10, 2001.

THAT Mr. Fredrick Roseburgh be employed as an elementary teacher by the Benton Harbor Area Schools effective January 22, 2001.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources/Labor Relations Nora Jefferson asked permission to add to the agenda the employment of the BHHS Varsity Basketball Coach.

A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Mr. Mitchell:

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education add to the agenda the employment of the BHHS Varsity Basketball Coach.

A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Mr. Mitchell:

THAT Mr. Ramsey Nichols be employed as the BHHS Varsity Basketball Coach effective immediately.

Mr. Ramsey Nichols was present and expressed his appreciation to the Board of Education for the opportunity to coach the Benton Harbor Tigers.

Special thanks to Administrators Ericka Harris and Virginia Maxwell for manning a booth at Lake Michigan College to welcome Whirlpool Corporation employees relocating from Dayton, Ohio.

The State of Michigan Department of Education has proposed to cut 3^rd grade summer school funds, which would result in the District being unable to implement what had been planned unless the funds are released.

The Benton Harbor Area Schools are working diligently to implement Governor Engler's technology grant of laptop computers for teachers. The computers have been ordered along with computer cases that are gifts from the Board of Education.

Whirlpool Corporation has initiated a diversity group Council For A World-Class Community. Mr. Stephen Mitchell is the District representative in this 5-year initiative.

The Benton Harbor Boys & Girls Club have entered into a lease agreement with the District to operate out of the Bard School building. Interns from Western Michigan University will soon arrive to organize the program that will be a great asset to the youth in this community.

Ms. Rashanda Doolittle addressed the Board of Education representing the BHHS Class of 1987 and asked to implement a baked goods fundraiser at concerts and sporting events.

Mr. George Piggy and Mr. James Bell addressed the Board of Education questioning the custodial administrative position, outside District contracts and suggested that employees attend stress management classes.

Mr. Anthony Henry addressed the Board of Education questioning the teacher vs. student ratio, the anticipated 2001-2002 budget deficit and the proposed budget cuts at student levels. He also questioned the expenditures of food service, landscaping and a perception of low student test scores.

Trustee Mitchell praised the Benton Harbor Area Schools for providing an excellent educational opportunity for students and staff. He commented on a presentation at Lincoln Elementary School where a private donation was given to build an indoor ice/inline skating rink. Mr. Mitchell expressed the need for the District to provide concession stands during summer sporting events.

THAT Myron Allen be expelled for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year from the Benton Harbor Area Schools for repeated violations of the Uniform Code of Discipline. The conditions of the expulsion will be outlined in a letter to be written by the Superintendent.