MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
JULY 11, 2006

President Dan McGinnis called the July Work Session of the Board of Education to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons.

Present:  Mr. Dan McGinnis, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Mrs. Carolyn Fort, Mr. Ken Woltman, Mr. Anthony Henry, Ms. Lue Buchana and Mrs. Iris Watts

ThePledge of Allegiance was recited.

Central Administration
Superintendent Dawning pulled the Marketing Partners, Inc., News Bureau and Publications contract renewal item from the agenda.

Operations/Facilities
Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to award the bid for the Food Service Management Contract.  On June 23, 2006, bids were opened for the management of Benton Harbor Area Schools food service contract.  Three companies submitted bids ARAMARK, Chartwells School Dining and Sodexho School Services.  A Food Service Committee was formed that was comprised of district personnel, school board trustees and parents who evaluated the bids, applied the State formula and tabulated the results.

Board of Education trustees questioned the bid process and if jobs would be lost as a result of a new food service provider.  Trustees requested additional information for review.  Superintendent Dawning confirmed that the bid process is written, overseen and mandated by the Michigan Department of Education.

Group Director Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve an ABA Pro Basketball Twin City Ballers Farnum Gym Lease Agreement, as prepared by Attorney K. Morris Gavin.  Twin City Ballers representatives Sidney Brooks and Corey Sterling were present to discuss the proposed pro basketball team using Farnum Gym and to extend a counter offer to the proposed lease agreement.

Instruction
Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Virginia Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Teen Parent Curriculum.  The curriculum guide is divided into five main sections: Introduction, Child Focused Units, Teen Focused Units, Development and Forms.  Units have been designed around a variety of topics relevant to teen parents and their young children’s needs.

In collaboration with the Berrien County Intermediate School District, the District has offered the Parents As Teachers program a home for the last three years.  This program would better serve our teen parents in a group setting as opposed to individually.  Therefore the School Based Clinic Family Life Advisory Board and the Parents As Teachers have written a curriculum for a group setting.  The District is requesting to implement the Teen Parents As Teachers curriculum by holding classes at the BHHS Health Clinic for middle and high school teens as part of the Parents As Teachers program.  Berrien County Intermediate School District Early Childhood Supervisor, Claudia Vescolani was present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent Virginia Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve Project Tiger.  For the past several years the District has been participating in a partnership with The Herald-Palladium, which is titled Project Tiger.  This “Newspaper in Education” program promotes student literacy and involves students in grades 3-5 in four elementary schools:  Fair Plain West, MLK, Sorter and Fair Plain Northeast.  The approximate cost for participation in this partnership literacy program is $6,150.00 and is funded through Title I.  The Herald-Palladium Project Tiger representatives Tom O’Neal and T.J. Burrow were present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Berrien County Health Department School Based Health Clinic resolution.  The District and the Berrien County Health Department have partnered with each other for the provision of adolescent health services at the Benton Harbor High School Teen Health Clinic since 1987 and wish to continue to provide these services for the period of October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.  Benton Harbor High School Teen Health Clinic representatives June Moore, Robin Henry, Tia Romszewicz were present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Twin City Beauty College Cosmetology contract.  There is a need to continue offering a cosmetology course for Benton Harbor High School juniors and seniors who have an interest in this important career pathway offering.  Twin City Beauty College has proposed to extend its operating agreement with the District to provide licensed cosmetology training at its main campus location for two consecutive semesters the fall of 2006, spring of 2007 and the summer of 2007.  Career/ Technical Center Director Carole Fetke was present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a BHAS football team trip to Camp Wagner in Cassopolis, Michigan.  The BHAS football team is requesting to spend 3 ˝ days at Camp Wagner in Cassopolis, Michigan, scheduled for August 5-8, 2006.  Players would be supervised by the varsity football coaching staff.  Participating in this athletic camp would provide the opportunity for students to develop their skills, increase their focus and develop a sense of responsibility.  The athletic budget account would cover the estimated cost of $6,500 - $8,000 for approximately 150 players, middle school up to varsity.

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 following:

Other
Careful Transit, Inc, owner David Riedlinger was present to welcome the District to utilize his services to provide the safest most economical transportation available.  After more than 29 years in the transportation business, Careful Transit, Inc. has an exceptional safety record with the safety of students being of paramount concern to all staff. 

Public Participation
Mr. Chester Henry and Mrs. Dimpsy Posey addressed the Board of Education with their concerns of the food service program being outsourced again, stating that it is most important to make sure that any new provider follows through to provide consistent nutritious meals.

Board Comments
Trustee Buchana asked if prayer could be added to the agenda even if silent and stated that she is here to make the District a better place for education.  Attorney K. Morris Gavin responded that the Supreme Court is very clear on the separation of church and state, but you can certainly pray beforehand.

Trustee Woltman stated his optimism for a great 2006-2007 school year.

Trustee Fort expressed her support of students being fed nutritious meals and pledged to do her best in making a decision regarding the food service contract.

Trustee Smith commended Project Tiger and promised to make the best choice available in awarding the food service contract.

Trustee McGinnis stated that he is looking for District community support and great working relationships for the 2006-2007 school year.

There being no further business, the July work session was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.