MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
AUGUST 7, 2001

President Dwight P. Mitchell called the August work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:05 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Present: Mr. Dwight P. Mitchell, Mrs. Annie Robinson, Mr. Anthony Henry, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks and Mr. Ken Woltman

Absent: Ms. Michelle Jones

Recognitions
The Board of Education extended a sincere welcome to Mr. Howard Cousins, BHHS Assistant Principal.

Recognition was given to 12 Calvin Britain Elementary School students for their participation in the Benton Harbor Summer Pre-Med Science Camp exploring the medical field.

Business/Finance
Acting Assistant Superintendent Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the resolution to appoint election inspectors for the special election scheduled for September 18, 2001, as prepared by Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg.

Instruction
Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison discussed the cosmetology career pathway offering contract with the Parker/Twin Cities Beauty Academy, stating that the instructional building site in Benton Harbor is inadequate and that all students enrolled in that program would be transferred to the St. Joseph instructional site.

As an informational item, students from the Workforce Skills Development Center in partnership with Whirlpool Corporation gave a presentation on the E-Business Club, which is designed to give students an inside view of how businesses operate. Information was also shared regarding the Workforce Skills Development Center in conjunction with the Michigan Apprenticeship Pathways program.

Human Resources/Labor Relations
Assistant Superintendent Nora Jefferson reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve:

Other
Trustee Peeples-Burks discussed a letter that had recently circulated throughout the community in an attempt to slander her. Dr. Peeples-Burks stated that she has been involved in the economic development for Benton Harbor and that she is not to blame for the statistics of various surveys conducted regarding the economics of the city.

Trustee Smith expressed her concerns with a letter received by her high school age niece that was written on school letterhead and mailed with District labels, which attempted to sabotage the District.

Trustee Henry expressed his disheartenment regarding the slanderous letters circulating in the community regarding the school system. Mr. Henry praised the Workforce Skills Development Center's E-Business Club.

Trustee Mitchell disseminated to trustees the 2001-2002 Board of Education committees standing list. He discussed the formation of a Blue Ribbon Committee that is intended as a proactive community approach in discussing major items that may require Board action. Mr. Mitchell also reiterated the importance of renewing the currently authorized 18 mills operating millage and disseminated a letter that encouraged community support.

Superintendent's Update
Martindale, M.L.K. and Hull Schools are currently undergoing exciting new changes in the educational setting for children.

The Upward Bound Program was featured in the August 7 issue of The Herald-Palladium, which cited the program as an excellent opportunity for students.

Bosch Braking Systems have partnered with the BHHS athletic department and monetarily sponsored the BHHS varsity football team to attend their first football camp.

Lakeland Regional Health Systems have partnered with BHAS and have featured the Voyager programs in their recent monthly newsletter entitled the Pulse.

In a recent publication of Actionline Cornerstone Alliance has featured an overview of their achievements in the Benton Harbor community that included Benton Harbor Area Schools.

Public Participation II
Mr. Donnie Jones addressed the Board and discussed a disturbing article in the Michigan Citizen regarding the statistics of African Americans in the prison system.

Mr. Isiah Newson addressed the Board questioning Dr. David Armor's comments reflected in the millage letter written by President Mitchell.

Ms. Cheryl Melvin addressed the Board thanking them for listening to the food service workers comments regarding their employment with ARAMARK.

Ms. Marion Shannon-Oliver addressed the Board and asked for information on extra curricular activities available to students and encouraged the Board to be more aggressive in promoting I.S.D. programs that use BHAS statistics. She suggested utilizing local cable TV for millage renewal information and questioned why there is no permanent nurse stationed at the school-based clinic. Ms. Shannon -Oliver questioned the use of the M-Tec building and the middle school math program.

Mr. Alvin Greer addressed the Board seeking validation on the slanderous fliers that are circulating in the community.

Board Comments
Trustee Peeples-Burks commented on an excellent experience between BHAS and Bridgman students. She disseminated recommendations to the policy committee for cost cutting measures and asked for a compilation of employee overtime.

Trustee Smith praised the Upward Bound program recently attended by her niece in Georgia stating that it was an excellent experience for youth.

Trustee Henry praised the students for their E-Business Club presentation and expressed discouragement with the lack of audience attendance. He disseminated voter ballots and thanked trustee Peeples-Burks for her insight.

Trustee Mitchell stated that he is looking forward to working with fellow trustees in the educational development of Benton Harbor students.

There being no further business, the August work session was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.