MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
JULY 11, 2000
Present: Mrs. Annie Robinson, Mr. Dwight P. Mitchell, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, Mr. Ken Woltman, Ms. Michelle Jones and Ms. Carolyn Graves
Recognitions
Appreciation and recognition was extended to local law enforcement officials
for their successful 3rd Annual Emergency Career Day for Benton
Harbor Youth that was held Friday, July 7, 2000, at BHHS.
Central Administration
Superintendent Renee' Williams reported that Board action would be requested
at the regular meeting to approve the revision of District policy IHF - Academic
Achievement/Graduation Requirements. Trustee Peeples-Burks requested an
additional correction be implemented to the policy. Assistant Superintendent
Garrison stated that the correction would be made and the corrected policy would
be in the Board's Friday packet for review.
Superintendent Renee' Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a recommendation for salary increases of 3% for selected management team members for the 1999-2000 year. Recommended positions include Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources/Labor Relations and Group Director for Informational Technologies.
Instruction
Mrs. Mary Wilson, On Location Coordinator, presented an update on the
On Location Program held June 12 - 16, 2000. The On Location
Program is a one-week program conducted by the Community Partnership for
Lifelong Learning in conjunction with the school system. It is a collaborative
effort of businesses and schools to provide internships to incoming seventh
graders that help demonstrate how skills learned in school are used in the
workplace. Eighty-four (84) students participated with 17 businesses with the
assistance of 17 teachers.
Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a Cosmetology Career/Tech Course. Mr. Alonzo Parker, Parker's Academy of Beauty - School Director, Mr. Jim Moored, Twin City Beauty College (TCBC) - Owner, and TCBC Admissions Director, Althea, were present to answer any questions.
Mr. Parker and Mr. Moored have entered into a business arrangement where the "Parker's Academy of Beauty" will operate under the Twin City Beauty College's license as the "Parker's Academy of Beauty, A Campus of Twin City Beauty College." The proposed Cosmetology Career/Tech Course is a 2-year, 2-block class where BHHS students are transported to the Parker's Academy of Beauty site located on Main Street in Benton Harbor. The program is contingent upon the receipt of all licenses and inspection approval for the Parker's Academy site and the successful negotiation of an operating contract with Parker's Academy/Twin City Beauty College.
Human Resources/Labor Relations
Assistant Superintendent Nora Jefferson reported that Board action would be
requested at the regular meeting to approve:
Other
Following the work session the Board of Education will recess into closed
session for the purpose of receiving an update regarding possible
property acquisition.
Superintendent's Update
In an effort to enhance computer skills, Superintendent Williams encouraged
BHAS staff members to participate in the free summer technology training classes
offered by the District in the instructional technology lab.
Board Comments
Trustee Woltman expressed concern with a recent building fire located in a
business next to the BHAS bus garage and the problems with children disrupting
the bus garage. Apparently, unlawful entries to the bus garage are due to the
overgrown underbrush and refuse located at the back fence line from the adjacent
business. It was suggested that the adjacent business be asked to cleanup their
property.
A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Dr. Peeples-Burks:
THAT the Board of Education recess to closed session for the purpose of discussing possible property acquisition for the proposed new BHHS.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
The Board of Education recessed to closed session at 7:05 p.m.
There being no further business, the July work session was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.