BHAS bus monitors were formally recognized and presented with certificates of appreciation for their role in safely transporting students.

Appreciation was extended to the staff and community members who assisted with the BHAS senior lock-in making it a totally success.

Central Administration
Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the following District policy revisions:

Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the establishment of the 2001-2002 Board of Education organizational meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 3, 2001 at 5:00 at the Benton Harbor High School.

Mr. Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the awarding of the bid for playground site work at King Elementary School. Bids were received and formally opened on June 1, 2001.

The agenda item to award the bid for site improvement work at Hull Middle School was tabled and will be addressed at a later date.

Mr. Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the operation of a 2001 Summer Lunch Program for the children of Benton Harbor. The Summer Lunch Program is totally reimbursed by the USDA.

Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell requested permission to add to the agenda the sale of District excess property. District property located at 1420 Pipestone Street was declared as surplus property and advertised for sale and an offer has been made of $9,900.

Mr. Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Black College Tour, as presented by BHHS Assistant Principal, Russell Tynes. The tour is scheduled for November 13-18, 2001, and will include visits to historically Black colleges and universities in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The cost to participating students is $375.00.

Mr. Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the middle school textbook adoption, as presented by Director of Curriculum, Carolyn Jones. With the implementation of middle schools for the 2001-2002 school year, there is a need for textbooks to support the current curriculum standards for the four core areas: Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies, for grades 6-8.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Dads Are Doing Something (DADS) contract with Mr. John Finn for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 school years in the amount of $144,000.

Trustee Woltman commended the DADS program stating that it is an excellent addition to the District, but due to the current budget concerns suggested a 1-year contract renewal. President Graves stated that the DADS program is funded with Title I money and is an excellent program engaging the community in educational process.

Mr. Richard Garrison asked permission to add to the agenda the approval of the Tiger Marching Band trip to Florida, as presented by BHHS Band Director, Troy Jones. This summer the Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, is holding its annual band camp involving diverse bands from across the nation. The camp is scheduled from June 16-23 with a cost of $488.00 per student.

• Professional Staff Retiring
• Other

The State of Michigan's failing schools legislation has included the Benton Harbor Area Schools on the list. However, the results of the winter 2001 4^th grade MEAP reading and math scores are not indicative of a failing district with BHAS exceeding the State average in reading.

Mr. Anthony Henry addressed the Board and commended the 4^th grade MEAP scores and questioned the BHHS Class of 2001 grade point average (GPA) and the impact of the career pathway program. Mr. Henry suggested that educators go into the homes to assist parents with educational instruction.

Mr. Ricky Hill addressed the Board of Education in support of the DADS program and suggested that textbook instruction be aired on cable television to aid parents with student homework.

Trustee Mitchell commended the Operations and Facilities department for efforts in securing minority contractors and also the teacher consultants for the new textbook proposal. Mr. Mitchell stated that he is in support of the DADS program. He questioned Benton Harbor police presence at sporting events.

Trustee Robinson expressed her concerns with the overgrown bushes located on the District's Union Street property.