President J. Allene Smith called the September work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:15 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Praise was extended to District custodian Johnny Edwards for a tiger mural he painted in the BHHS athletic office.

Staff at the Creative Arts/Gifted & Talented Academies was commended for the countless hours of work they exhibited in preparation for the start of school.

Maintenance and custodial staff were commended for their hours of hard work this summer in preparing buildings for the start of the 2002-2003 school year.

Ms. Dawning discussed the desegregation plaintiffs’ attorney fees recently received by the District from Dykema Gossett, PLLC, for payment at a cost of over $1 million for a six year period. The District is facing a projected $3.9 million shortfall for the next school year. Management team closely monitors all projects and expenditures, and a meeting has been scheduled with BHAS union presidents to discuss the budget crunch.

Superintendent Dawning reported that Mrs. Virginia Abbott-Maxwell is being recommended to fill the position of Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, starting October 1, as Mr. Richard Garrison will officially retire September 30, 2002.

Superintendent Paula Dawning reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to accept and approve the Drive for Success Reading Project Resolution. The Benton Harbor Area Schools and the Benton Harbor Public Library have partnered to promote student success in learning through reading books and to support the No Child Left Behind Act. The District has asked for the Benton Harbor City Commission to support the Drive for Success project, which involves all students reading or being read to – grades pre-K through 12 – at least one hour a day (6:00 – 7:00 PM) four days per week. All students will be expected to read a minimum of twenty books during the 2002-2003 school year. It is the goal of the Benton Harbor Area Schools to prepare children today for reading success tomorrow so that we leave no child behind.

Group Director Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to award the transportation facility construction bid. Five companies submitted formal bids on August 20, 2002. Board trustees have had an opportunity to review and discuss the received bids.

Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a trip by the McCord Travelers. Ms. Barbara Pence presented information on the proposed trip to the Carolinas scheduled for May 4-9, 2003. The proposed cost of $26,000 is secured through the students’ participation in fundraisers and community donations.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the management agreement between BHAS and Workforce Skills Development Center, Inc. The Board of Education has maintained a two-year goal to provide appropriate learning environments for all students. As part of that goal, it has been the Board’s stated intention to create an educational environment that addresses the academic and social needs of students who have disengaged from the learning process. Workforce Skills Development Executive Director, Joanne Bailey was present to answer any questions.

• Professional Staff Resigning
• Hiring of Professional Staff
• Security Officer Merit Increase
• Wage Rate for Lunchroom Supervisors

President Smith discussed telephone calls that she has received from community members who are in favor of the proposed student dress standards.

President Smith read a letter from child accounting secretary, Barbara Davis, which addresses the decline in utilizing substitute teachers, due to the new directive implemented by Superintendent Dawning that requires teachers to directly report their absences to their building administrator.

Superintendent Dawning stated that she has reviewed Board policy EDDB – Walkers & Riders, and is seeking additional information for possible amendment due to safety reasons.

Superintendent Dawning has implemented an "open door" procedure scheduled for 4:00 p.m. each Wednesday on a first-come first-serve basis, designed to discuss any issues of parents, community members, staff or students.

The official kick-off date for the United Way of Southwest Michigan is September 12, 2002.

The 2001-2002 MEAP scores have been received and a five-year comparison with the State was disseminated to the Board of Education for review.

Superintendent Paula Dawning stated that she has been a guest on three local live talk radio shows to discuss the direction of the Benton Harbor Area Schools.

New hours of operation for the Central Administration Office located at 777 Riverview Drive is M-F 7:35 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Ms. Marion Shannon-Oliver addressed the Board of Education questioning the BHAS Creative Learning Center’s student enrollment criteria. Ms. Shannon-Oliver also questioned the BHHS Career Pathways curriculum and asked who represents the Career Technical Committee.

Trustee Henry discussed his attendance at the Michigan Association of School Boards Summer Academy and commended staff for the smooth evacuation of students from Sterne Brunson Elementary School.

Trustee Peeples-Burks commended District staff for the readiness of buildings at the start of 2002-2003 school year. Dr. Peeples-Burks discussed her attendance at the Michigan Association of School Boards Summer Academy and the No Child Left Behind legislative clinic that was offered.

Trustee Woltman praised the staff at the Creative Arts/Gifted & Talented Academies for their efforts in getting the building ready for the start of school.

Trustee Smith discussed her attendance at the Michigan Association of School Boards Summer Academy and the excellent informative clinics that were offered.

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

THAT the Board of Education recess to closed session for the purpose of discussing with legal counsel litigations and an amendment to the Superintendent’s contract.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

The Board recessed to closed session at 7:42 p.m.

Attorney David Olmstead, Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg, P.C., presented and discussed with the Board of Education the proposed BHAS Creative Learning Center Management Agreement between Workforce Skills Development Center, Inc., and the Benton Harbor Area Schools.

Mr. Jeff Noel discussed with the Board of Education a First Choice Program, offered by Cornerstone Alliance, which is designed to assist people relocating to the Twin Cities area.

President Smith presented an extension request for relocating to the Benton Harbor Area School District from Superintendent Dawning. The request asks for a six-month contract extension to complete relocating to the area and that the contract date be changed to 3/15/03.

There being no further business, the September work session was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.