MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
AUGUST 2, 2005

President J. Allene Smith called the August Work Session of the Board of Education to order at 6:06 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons.

Present:  Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Mr. Dan McGinnis, Dr. Perry Davis, Mr. Anthony Henry, Mr. Ken Woltman, Mr. Robert L. Bowman and Mrs. Carolyn Fort

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Recognitions
Assistant Superintendent Virginia Maxwell stated that the Elementary Summer School Science Enrichment Program presentation would be presented at the September work session.

Condolences were extended to Assistant Superintendent J. Leonard Wright in the death of his mother.

Central Administration
In the absence of Superintendent Paula Dawning, Assistant Superintendent Virginia Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve District policy revisions.  The Policy Committee has made a recommendation to revise the following policies:

Operations/Facilities
In the absence of Group Director Stephen Mitchell, Assistant Superintendent Sheletha Bobo reported that the City of Benton Harbor has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, August 3, 2005, pertaining to the special permits and ordinances needed by the developer regarding the use of Sterne Brunson Elementary School.  If the City of Benton Harbor approves the developer’s requests, Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the sale of Sterne Brunson School property.

Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Virginia Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Capstone Family Center Agreement for the 2005-2006 school year to provide non-educational services like health care, nutrition and family support services to MLK Elementary School.  The District is in collaboration with Governor Granholm’s Children Action Network (CAN), a networking of state agencies working to better support and serve the students of the District.

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 to provide a Newspaper in Education program that 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 $5,711.25, and would be funded through Title I funds.  Traci Smith and Tom O’Neal, Project Tiger representatives were present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt a Benton Harbor High School-Based Clinic resolution.  The District and the Berrien County Health Department have partnered with each other for the provision of adolescent health services at the BHHS Teen Health Clinic since 1987 and wish to continue providing these services for the 2005-2006 school year.  Berrien County Health Department representatives June Moore and Robin Henry were present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Instruction Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt a planning grant resolution for Hull Middle School.  The Benton Harbor Area Schools is partnering with health and human service agencies of Berrien County in the planning of a health clinic to possibly be implemented at Hull Middle School through a planning grant being coordinated by the Berrien County Health Department.  The Community Advisory Committee proposed that a variety of clinical, educational and support services be proved at the school-based health clinic including general health assessments and sports physicals, immunizations, treatment of acute and chronic health illnesses and lab tests.  Counseling and educational information will also be available regarding nutrition and weight control, pregnancy prevention, substance abuse, behavioral health problems and other student concerns.  Berrien County Health Department representatives June Moore and Robin Henry were present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent Virginia Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Lake Michigan College Cisco Networking Academy Contract for the 2005-2006 school year.  The District has been contracting with Lake Michigan College to provide an instructor for the Web Design and Cisco Networking Academy career/tech courses approved by the Board of Education.  An instructor who is employed by Lake Michigan College is teaching the courses on the LMC campus.

Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Virginia Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the nomination of two parents to serve on the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for special education.  The Berrien County Intermediate School District must appoint a Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) according to Rule 340.1838 of PA 451.  This committee will be composed of representatives from each of its constituent local school districts.  Bylaws of the PAC state that each District will be represented by up to two parents, serving a two-year term.

Assistant Superintendent Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a Benton Harbor High School varsity football team trip to Camp Wagner, Cassopolis, Michigan scheduled for August 7-10, 2005.  The BHHS varsity football team would like to spend 3.5 days at Camp Wagner and participate in an athletic camp to develop their skills, increase their focus and to develop a sense of responsibility.  The athletic budget would cover the cost of $4,000.00.  Coach Larry Featherstone was present to answer any questions.

As an informational item, BHHS teacher Debra Turner presented an overview on the ACT software.  The ACT software program is a component of the Michigan Virtual High School that is an online resource, which enables Michigan high schools to provide courses and other learning tools that students wouldn't otherwise have access to.   High school students can prepare for tests such as MEAP, SAT, PSAT and ACT exams and take a variety of courses and learn any place there is a computer and an Internet connection at no cost to the student.

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:

Consent
Board action will be requested at the regular meeting to accept the following donations/grants to the Benton Harbor Area Schools:

Other
Mr. Darwin Watson was present and proposed that the City of Benton Harbor radio station FM 96.5 WBHC-LP broadcast all Benton Harbor Area Schools sporting events.  Beginning this fall WSJM/WIRX radio stations will not carry BHAS football games unless being played against Lakeshore or St. Joseph Public Schools.  WBHC-LP is currently waiting for state approval and is a limited power station serving approximately a 4.5-mile radius from the antenna at BH City Hall.

Superintendent’s Update
In the absence of Superintendent Paula Dawning, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Virginia Maxwell reported that 2005 summer school programs have concluded.

The Benton Harbor High School Tiger Marching Band has been invited to perform in a parade in Lansing and Chicago, and was also invited to participate in South Bend Hall of Fame event.

Public Participation
Ms. Sara Phipps-King addressed the Board of Education expressing her discontentment with her son being transferred to Hull Middle School from Fair Plain Renaissance Middle School.

Mrs. Marian Tripplett addressed the Board of Education suggesting that the Act Software be incorporated into the District’s curriculum and be provided to the BH Boys & Girls Club or BH Block Clubs.  Mrs. Tripplett also questioned the PAC parent nominations and encouraged the District to promote employees from within the District.

Mr. Roger Tripplett addressed the Board of Education expressing his concerns with the District’s policy on out-of-district trips for students citing that the BHHS cheerleaders were not allowed to go to camp but the football players were.  Mr. Tripplett stated that the District must be consistent with enforcing this policy.

Mr. Ricky Hill addressed the Board of Education requesting information on Project Tiger and the Cisco Networking Academy.  Mr. Hill encouraged the District to promote the Cisco Networking Academy career/tech courses to students and to build tough minds.

Board Comments
Trustee Fort discussed her attendance at the recent Michigan Association of School Boards summer conference.  Mrs. Fort agreed that each employee should be treated fairly and that she would work hard to ensure District practices are consistent.

Trustee Bowman discussed his attendance at the Michigan Association of School Boards summer conference stating that it was an excellent source of tools for Board members.  Mr. Bowman expressed his concern with the MEAP tests and encouraged all to work together to ensure District students academically achieve.

Trustee Henry stated that the Board of Education must be held accountable for the Benton Harbor Area Schools academic achievement.  It is important for the District to promote consistency, provide monitoring systems and treat individuals fairly.

Trustee Davis remarked on the “building tough minds” statement and agreed that education should certainly provide that to students.

Trustee McGinnis stated that the District must try new things in a changing world and questioned why the Board does not respond to simple citizens comments.

Trustee Smith replied that the Board does not instantly respond to citizens merely to allow investigation into the answer.  Mrs. Smith encouraged parents to become involved in their child’s education to ensure their success.

There being no further business, the August work session was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.