MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
JULY 2, 2002

President J. Allene Smith called the July work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:01 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Present: Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Mr. Ken Woltman, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, Mr. Anthony A. Henry, Mr. Dwight P. Mitchell, Ms. Michelle Jones and Dr. Perry Davis

Recognitions
At the organizational meeting former Board Trustee Annie Robinson was presented with a plaque of recognition for eight years of dedicated service to the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education.

Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education trustees extended a special welcome to member elected, Dr. Perry Davis.

Central Administration
Superintendent Renee Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to accept and acknowledge a United We Stand picture, which was donated to the District by Rent-A-Center, Store #1627.

Instruction
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the purchase of 81 personal computers for the Career Technical Center. Director of Career and Technical Education, Carole Fetke, presented an overview of the proposed DELL Optiplex GX240 computer purchase to upgrade the high school’s technology capacity. The District’s Career Pathways grant allows for the purchase of new computer lab hardware and will subsidize approximately 85% of the total cost of $88,482.78.

As an informational item, Director of Career and Technical Education Carole Fetke gave a mid progress report of the Career Pathways grant. Some of the activities that have occurred at the midway point are:

Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to accept and acknowledge a generous donation from the Woodwind and Brasswind of South Bend to the McCord Renaissance Middle School Band and Orchestra. McCord has received 763 items consisting of polo shirts, marching band shorts, sweatshirts and t-shirts, valued at $6,867.00.

Assistant Superintendent Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a sixth grade summer transition program. The Instructional Division has proposed a three-day special transition program for all new sixth grade students moving to our Middle Schools for August 7-9, 2002. The transition program is intended to enhance the social, cultural and academic development of all participants. The cost of this transition program is $6,000 per school and will be funded by Title I.

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

President Smith requested that the agenda item, security officer merit increase, be put on hold until reviewed by labor counsel.

Other
President Smith requested that the approval of the superintendent’s employment contract be added to the regular meeting agenda, as Ms. Paula M. Dawning’s first day of employment is Monday, July 15, 2002.

A Board of Education Retreat has been scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2002.

Superintendent’s Update
Superintendent Williams disseminated summer school enrollment statistics for both elementary and secondary programs. Ms. Williams also discussed other summer programs being offered to BHAS students such as the King, Chavez, Parks Program; MSU Summer Mathematics-Science Program; Gear-Up; Upward Bound; Freedom Program and the Michigan Technological University Summer Program.

Superintendent Williams informed the Board of Education that the money from the sale of the Millburg School is taxpayer funds, and cannot be added to the BHAS Endowment Fund.

Superintendent Renee Williams stated that she is seeking re-election as a Trustee at Lake Michigan College.

Public Participation
Mr. Jeffery Johnson addressed the Board of Education suggesting that the computers being replaced at BHHS be utilized by students to develop skills needed to design, build and maintain computer networks.

Board Comments
Trustee Peeples-Burks welcomed Trustee Smith as the Board President for the 2002-2003 school year.

Trustee Henry suggested that a committee be established to name the new transportation facility.

President Smith commended the BHAS summer feed program workers for their dedicated services at the First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor.

There being no further business, the July work session was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.