MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
JUNE 7, 2005

President Ken Woltman called the June Work Session of the Board of Education to order at 6:09 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons.

Present:  Mr. Ken Woltman, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Mr. Anthony Henry, Dr. Perry Davis, Mr. Robert L. Bowman, Mr. Dan McGinnis and Mrs. Carolyn Fort

Also Present:  Student Board Members Matthew Bradley and Breanna Hill

The Benton Harbor Area Schools Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps JROTC offered the Presentation of Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Recognitions
Praise and recognition was extended to Hull Middle School staff for their teamwork and collaboration in providing a quality education to each student.

Student Board members Matthew Bradley and Breanna Hill were presented with a certificate of appreciation for serving on the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education.

The Michigan Association of School Boards declared the Professional Health Careers Academy as an exemplary program.  The program is a partnership between the Berrien County Intermediate School District, Benton Harbor Area Schools and other districts throughout Berrien County.  Berrien County Intermediate School District Superintendent Jeff Siegel presented Board President Ken Woltman and Carole Fetke, Director of Career and Technical Education with the excellence award.  Each Professional Health Careers Academy partner will receive an award to enjoy.

Six Benton Harbor Area Schools students enrolled in the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society were recognized for their projects that placed at the state competition.  Projects included hand tools and electronic devices.

Central Administration
Superintendent Paula Dawning reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve District policy revisions.  The Policy Committee has made a recommendation to revise the following policies:

THAT Board policies:

• DFL – Investment Policy
• IHE – Academic Achievement/Promotion and Retention
• HF – Academic Achievement/Graduation Requirements
• IHF- R – High School Graduation Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 2005-2006 and Beyond
• JS – Student Fees, Fines and Charges
• JS – R - Student Fees, Fines and Charges Rules and Regulations

Two parents who serve on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council were present to answer any questions on proposed policy JS – Student Fees, Fines and Charges.

Superintendent Dawning reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to establish the 2005-2006 Board of Education organizational meeting date.  The proposed date is 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area, 870 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor.

Business/Finance
Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the state aid borrowing resolution, as prepared by Thrun Law Firm.  Due to a projected cash deficit position, it is necessary for the District to borrow against anticipated state aid for operations.

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the lease agreement between Benton Harbor Area Schools and Northshore Space Group.  With the restructuring of the high school, middle schools and the closing of Sterne Brunson there is a need for storage space for items being moved between buildings.  Northshore Space Group, located in Benton Harbor, has the temporary space needed.

Operations/Facilities
Group Director for Operations/Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the food service contract renewal with ARAMARK.  On May 8, 2001, the Board of Education awarded a one-year contract to ARAMARK to manage the food service for the District.  The contract calls for a possible extension up to four additional years.

Group Director Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the sale of the former Johnson School property.  On February 10, 2004, the Board voted to sell the former Johnson School property located at Benton Center and Territorial Roads.  The District has received an offer of $30,000.00 for the property.

Instruction
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the 2005-2006 Michigan High School Athletic Association resolution.  The annual renewal of membership in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is for BHAS secondary schools that include Benton Harbor High School, Fair Plain Middle School and Hull Middle School.

Human Resources/Labor Relations
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources/Labor Relations Nora Jefferson reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the tentative 2005-2006 school calendar.  The Board and the Teachers Association representatives have met and have tentatively agreed to the 2005-2006 school calendar.  It was noted that the student start date is September 6, 2005 and the last day for students is June 13, 2006.

Assistant Superintendent Nora Jefferson reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the layoff of professional staff.  At the April 19, 2005, Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to layoff 35 teachers, effective at the end of the 2004-2005 school year.

Consent
Board action will be requested at the regular meeting to accept the following donations/grants to the Benton Harbor Area Schools:

• $1,660 donation from Jim & Joan Smith to Underwrite the 2004-2005

• Drive For Success III Program

Other
McCord Renaissance teacher Don Pearson was present and presented information seeking approval for an out-of-state trip for 7^th grade McCord students to visit Toronto, Canada on June 15-18, 2005.  Forty 7^th graders and 6 teachers would tour Toronto as an educational experience.  Each student would be required to pay $150.00 toward the transportation, food and hotel expenses.  The remainder of the total cost $12,456.00 is being provided by donations from the community.  Due to the timeline, a special Board of Education meeting will be called for 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2005 at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons.

Trustee Smith invited all who may be interested in helping to set-up the senior lock-in, scheduled for Friday, June 10, to meet at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons on Thursday, June 9, 2005.

Superintendent’s Update

• BHHS senior luncheon is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2005 at the high school, student commons.

• BHAS staff retirement luncheon is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2005 at Lake Michigan College, Mendel Center.

•  K-16 Coalition for Michigan's Future Rally for Adequate Educational Funding is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, 2005, in Lansing to support SB 246 and HB 4582.
•  District working in partnership with BHEA to finalize teacher credentials.
•  District working to finalize administrative assignments for the 2005-2006 school year.
•  Hull Middle School has been approved for an Adolescent Health Care Center due to the Berrien County Health Department receiving a one-year study grant.
•  Medicaid funds for BHAS students to utilize Riverwood Center services has run out and the Riverwood Center is seeking a grant to continue.
•  ARAMARK Food Services sponsored a student Bike Rally Give-Away.
• The Sorter Elementary School Carnival held on Saturday, June 4^th was well attended and Superintendent Dawning and BHHS Principal Roseboro were volunteers in their dunk tank.

Public Participation
Mrs. Susan Lin addressed the Board of Education commending Hull Middle School for their harmony and unity, as all four wheels are turning – staff, students, parents and community.

Mr. Al Johnson addressed the Board of Education giving praise to Hull Middle School for their educational excellence.

Board Comments
Student Board member Breanna Hill extended her appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education.

Student Board member Matthew Bradley congratulated his peers, staff and the tech center for the fun times he experienced at school and asked Superintendent Dawning to read the Bridge Builder story during graduation.  He also gave thanks for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education.

Trustee Fort thanked Mr. Al Johnson for being the only male serving on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council and stated that it has been very rewarding to interact with the students during the year-end school activities.

Trustee Bowman praised Hull Middle School for their excellent educational achievements.

Trustee Davis commended Hull Middle School and the student Board members for jobs well done.  Dr. Davis extended his admiration to the female Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society students for their technology projects that placed at the state competition.

Trustee Henry applauded student Board members for their excellent representation and the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society students.  He also asked for an exit interview with the resigning principal.

Trustee Smith extended her appreciation to Hull Middle School and the Tech Center for their outstanding achievements.  She also discussed her attendance at the special education graduation luncheon.

Trustee Woltman discussed his District representation at the Berrien County Intermediate School District Biennial Election held on Monday June 6, 2005.  Mr. Woltman also praised the Creative Arts/Gifted & Talented Academy for their excellent presentation given to the BH/SJ Exchange Club and also gave thanks for the CAA/G&T photo album.

There being no further business, the June work session was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.