MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
AUGUST 1, 2006

President Dan McGinnis called the August Work Session of the Board of Education to order at 6:01 p.m. in the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons.

Present:  Mr. Dan McGinnis, Mrs. Carolyn Fort, Mr. Ken Woltman, Ms. Lue Buchana and Mrs. Iris Watts

Absent:  Mrs. J. Allene Smith and Mr. Anthony Henry

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Communications
Trustee Fort read an article published in the July 12, 2006 issue of the South Bend Tribune regarding a BHHS student who is a finalist for a scholarship with the skills she learned in an eight-week Junior Achievement of Michiana job preparedness program.

Central Administration
Assistant Superintendent Virginia Maxwell co-chaired the work session in the absence of Superintendent Paula Dawning.

Business/Finance
Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve an amendment to the lease agreement with Adams Remco to add one copier to be placed at Benton Harbor High School.

Operations/Facilities
Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a lease agreement with ABA Twin City Ballers for the rental of Farnum Gym.  Twin City Ballers Director of Marketing, Stanley Scott disseminated a proposal to the Board of Education that requested a rental rate of $100 plus utilities for each game.  Trustee Watts discussed the last Operations and Facilities Committee meeting where this proposal was reviewed, stating that to date the District had not received a business plan.  The District is not in a position to absorb any costs related to the ABA Basketball proposal.  The Board of Education requested a business plan be submitted prior to the regular meeting for review.

Instruction
The 8th Grade Science Curriculum State Mandate (informational item) was pulled from the agenda.

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the School-Based Probation program at Hull Middle School for the 2006-2007 school year.

The proposed agreement would be entered into by the Berrien County Trial Court/Family Division and the District to provide school-based probation services to eligible in-school probationers and their families.  The Family Court would provide non-educational services such as counseling, intervention, moderating support groups, overseeing conflict resolution activities involving participating students and teachers.  Berrien County Probation Officer Sherron Rimpson was present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Lake Michigan College Administrative Agreement for dual enrollment and direct credit classes.  Dual enrollment classes are college credit courses taught by faculty employed and compensated by Lake Michigan College.  Direct credit classes are college courses taught by high school instructors while they are employed by the high school.  Lake Michigan College would award credit to those students who successfully complete the requirements of the course.  This Administrative Agreement would be effective on the date of its execution and would remain in full force until terminated at the will of either party upon giving no less than twelve months written notice of the intention to terminate.  Director of Career and Technical Education Carole Fetke was present to answer any questions.

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:

Trustee Woltman questioned the hiring of professional staff and if that information had been presented to the 2006-2007 Board of Education Human Resources & Litigation Committee.  Human Resources Committee Chairperson Carolyn Fort would review District policy to determine the need for HR Committee review.

Consent
$495.66 Donation from Don Radde of Horizon Bank

$5,000 Grant from Whirlpool Foundation for a Health Education Program

$4,622.38 Grant from the Michigan Department of Education for Displaced Hurricane Katrina Students

Superintendent’s Update
In the absence of Superintendent Dawning, Assistant Superintendent Virginia Maxwell reported that tomorrow is the last day of the 2006 Summer School programs.  In addition next week concludes Boynton Montessori’s Book Club.

Public Participation
Mrs. Marian Tripplett addressed the Board of Education commending the District for the newly hired Deans and the new direction of the Benton Harbor High School.  She stated that the Twin City Ballers proposal is exciting and she is hopeful for community support.  Mrs. Tripplett asked what has been done to evaluate the District’s low MEAP scores, as it is apparent that something is out-of-kilter.

Mr. K. Morris Gavin addressed the Board of Education stating that the dual enrollment option with Lake Michigan College is an outstanding program for students, as his niece enrolled as a sophomore in college due to this initiative.

Board Comments
Trustee Buchana wished good luck to the Twin City Ballers and expressed her disappointment for her misquote in The Herald-Palladium regarding Project Tiger.

Trustee Watts expressed her concerns with the District’s low MEAP scores and stated that the Board of Education is looking at all possible solutions.

Trustee Woltman stated his concerns with the great disparity in the District’s MEAP scores and is looking to the administration for answers.

Trustee Fort encouraged all to work together to solve any problems, as the District does have very bright talented students.

Trustee McGinnis stated that the District is looking to solve the problems with low MEAP scores, as big decisions need to be made and encouraged parental participation.  The District is looking to utilize local tv and radio stations, as a method of getting the word out to the community on positive student achievements and accomplishments. 

There being no further business, the August work session was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.