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

Tuesday, July 10, 2001 before and/or following
the regular meeting of the Board of Education on
that date, and

Tuesday, August 7, 2001 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.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Woltman:

THAT Mr. Howard Cousins be employed as an administrator with the Benton Harbor Area Schools effective August 16, 2001. His salary will be in accordance with the Benton Harbor Area Schools Administrators' Master Labor Agreement.

THAT Mrs. Juanita Barnett'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 Ms. Anne Frey'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.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Woltman:

THAT the resolution to call the special school election, as prepared by Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg, be added to the agenda.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education adopt the resolution to call the special election for Tuesday, September 18, 2001, as prepared by Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg.

Trustee Woltman read a letter written by President Mitchell proposing the establishment of a Blue Ribbon Committee. The Blue Ribbon Committee is a community involvement approach to review major items that may require Board action, i.e., millage renewal, new bond issues, school closures, Superintendent's contract, etc. The committee would be comprised of 3 school Board members, 3 BHAS administrative staff, 3 PTO members, 3 members of the business community, 3 members of the teaching staff, 1 union representative and 1 representative from the clergy. The committee would periodically review, analyze and make recommendations to the Board of Education. The process is intended to maximize parent and community input.

Mr. Chester Henry addressed the Board of Education regarding statistical concerns with nationwide privatization of food services labor.

Ms. Cheryl Melvin addressed the Board of Education expressing concerns regarding the outsourcing of the food service labor and stated that the Service Employees Union has filed an unfair labor practice. She requested copies of the food service bids and discussed the lay-off notices of the lab proctors.

Ms. Marie Hobson addressed the Board of Education expressing concerns regarding the proposed closing of the Fair Plain Northwest building.

Mr. Corey Hampton addressed the Board of Education regarding the lay-off of the lab proctor employees.

Mr. James Lowery addressed the Board of Education stating that with the current labor cut backs, the community will not approve the operating millage renewal.

Ms. Irma Walker addressed the Board of Education asking for a letter of intent from ARAMARK.

Ms. Kim Thompson addressed the Board of Education stating that if given an opportunity the BHAS food service workers could do a better job than that of a private company.

Mrs. Diana Newson addressed the Board of Education citing the impact on the community the proposed school closing and employee lay-offs will have.

Ms. Michelle Piggee addressed the Board of Education stating her concerns with the proposed school closing, 6th grade portables and the food service privatization.

Mr. Ken Snyder addressed the Board of Education expressing his concerns with employee abuse of District vehicles and the rental of the 777 complex. Mr. Snyder suggested that BHAS conduct fundraisers for monetary support.

Mr. Willie Morrow addressed the Board of Education questioning the letter of employment assurance, the proposed school closing and the food service privatization.

Mrs. Lisa Peeples-Hurst addressed the Board of Education questioning if the entire operating budget had been explored for savings and asked how much would be saved by closing the Fair Plain Northwest building.

Trustee Peeples-Burks requested a 2000-2001 expenditure report for all employee overtime for Board review and, as a cost saving measure, proposed budget cuts in Board conference travel.

Trustee Henry stated that the District is faced with budget cuts and losses in State Aid revenue. He questioned the dollars saved in the closing of Martindale School and the cost to reopen and restore it. Mr. Henry encouraged the public to support the upcoming operating millage renewal.

Trustee Robinson encouraged parents to stay involved with their children's education.

President Mitchell thanked the audience for their comments and concerns stating that all information would be taken into consideration. Food Service Director Jay Haynes was asked to confirm ARAMARK's intent of employment for the food service workers.