The July regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President J. Allene Smith at 6:04 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons Area.

A motion was made by Mr. Mitchell and supported by Dr. Peeples-Burks that the Minutes of the regular meeting of June 11, 2002 be approved as printed.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Ms. Jones that the Minutes of the public hearing of June 25, 2002 be approved as printed.

A motion was made by Mr. Mitchell and supported by Dr. Peeples-Burks that the Minutes of the special meeting of June 25, 2002 be approved as printed.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education officially accept and acknowledge the generosity of the United We Stand picture as donated by the Rent-A-Center, Inc., Store #1627, valued at $220.00.

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

Tuesday, July 9, 2002 before and/or following
the regular meeting of the Board of Education on
that date, and

Tuesday, August 6, 2002 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 approve the purchase of 81 Dell Optiplex GX240 PC’s for the Benton Harbor High School computer labs for a total cost not to exceed $88,482.78.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education officially accept and acknowledge the generosity of the band clothing donation, valued at $6,867.00, from the Woodwind and Brasswind of South Bend.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education approve the Sixth Grade Summer

Transition Program scheduled for August 7-9, 2002, with a staff planning and preparation day on August 6, 2002.

As an informational item, Mrs. Claudia Vescolani, BCISD Early Childhood Consultant, presented information on the Berrien County Even Start Program. The purpose of the Even Start Family Literacy Program is to help break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by improving the educational opportunities for families. This is accomplished by integrating early childhood education, adult literacy and adult basic education, and parenting education into a unified literacy program. Even Start is implemented nationally through cooperative projects that build on existing community resources, creating a new range of services for children, families and adults. Berrien County’s Even Start is a collaborative project between primary applicants: Berrien County Intermediate School District, Family Independence Agency and twenty-six county agencies. Funding ($250,000 per year for four years) will be used to establish two family literacy centers; one in Brandywine’s Bell Education Center, and the second in Benton Harbor at 636 Pipestone. Both will offer 15-20 eligible families opportunities such as: Adult Education and Literacy; Early Childhood Education; Interactive Family Literacy Activities; Lending Library and Parenting Education.

THAT Mrs. Angela Noble’s retirement be acknowledged and accepted and that a letter from the District be sent to her thanking her for her services to the students of the Benton Harbor Area Schools.

THAT Mrs. Judy Odds’ retirement be acknowledged and accepted and that a letter from the District be sent to her thanking her for her services to the students of the Benton Harbor Area Schools.

THAT Mr. Charles Sanders’ retirement be acknowledged and accepted and a letter from the District be sent to him thanking him for his services to the students of the Benton Harbor Area Schools.

THAT the following individuals listed below be employed as professional teaching staff, effective as listed, within the Benton Harbor Area Schools:

• Ms. Melissa Bogucki be employed as a preschool teacher, effective August 19, 2002.
• Mrs. Darlene Netke be employed as an elementary teacher, effective August 19, 2002.
• Ms. Nicole Ohs be employed as an elementary teacher, effective August 19, 2002.

THAT Mr. Reginald Spivey be employed as the JROTC Military Instructor by the Benton Harbor Area Schools, effective August 1, 2002, and that his salary be established in accordance with the Administrator Collective Bargaining Agreement.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education employ Ms. Paula M. Dawning as Superintendent of Schools, effective July 15, 2002 – June 30, 2005, at an annual salary of $100,000.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education table staff report #16, Attendance Officer Program Merit Increase, until information is received from labor counsel.

President Smith disseminated to trustees the 2002-2003 Board of Education Committees standing list.

Trustee Peeples-Burks commended Superintendent Renee R. Williams for her leadership and welcomed J. Allene Smith as the new Board President.