President Dwight P. Mitchell called the September work session of the Board of Education to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Mr. Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Professional Training Concepts (P.T.C.) contract. During the last school year, Ms. Jolene Prosper of Professional Training Concepts provided some limited contracted services for the Benton Harbor High School. The High School Administration is proposing to expand Ms. Prosper's services to include over 600 students. Ms. Jolene Prosper presented an overview of the program and disseminated a packet of information to the trustees. The mission of the P.T.C. Parent -Involvement and Student Mentorship program is to provide parents, teachers and students with a model of parent-student mentoring in the academic environment that will result in: increased parent involvement, improved parent-teacher relations, improved cross cultural student behavior, and increased student academics. Trustee Peeples-Burks suggested that the Board of Education Instructional Committee review this program prior to the Board voting.

Mr. Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Michigan School Readiness Program grant. BHAS is applying for a grant to fund the four-year-old preschool program to provide half-day preschool sessions for 192 students.

• Professional Staff Retiring
• Professional Staff Resigning
• Employment of Professional Staff
• Professional Staff Lay-Off
• Informational Items
• Employment of Labor Counsel
• Other

Dr. James Comer is scheduled to give his deposition in the desegregation case and Honorable Douglas W. Hillman will reveal his findings after November 1, 2001, for the purpose of Benton Harbor Area Schools obtaining unitary status.

The 2001-2002 school year is successfully underway and the community is encouraged to visit MLK and Hull Schools to see the newly remodeled buildings.

The Berrien County Intermediate School District has created a booklet for Career Pathway majors that provides program overviews and information needed for achievement at a higher educational level.

Ms. Geraldine Gray addressed the Board of Education encouraging the continuation of the Pipestone Pre-School program.

Mr. Jeff Johnson addressed the Board of Education in support of the Professional Training Concepts program. He commended the Board of Education for the remodeling at Hull School and also asked for additional information on Project Tiger.

Ms. Debra Atkins addressed the Board of Education commending the District for the needed remodeling of school buildings and expressed support of the Professional Training Concepts program.

Mrs. Lottie Pugh addressed the Board of Education expressing her concern with the lay-off of a school nurse and applauded the health services department for ensuring that 100% of BHAS students are immunized.

Ms. Kim Thompson addressed the Board of Education in support of the Professional Training Concepts program.

Mr. Willie Morrow addressed the Board of Education in support of the Professional Training Concepts program and keeping schools open.

Trustee Smith recognized the BHAS freshmen football team for an excellent game and also acknowledged that Mr. Arthur Crump would be honored in the Lake Michigan College Hall of Fame.

Trustee Henry expressed his support of the Professional Training Concepts program and the Pipestone Pre-School program.

Trustee Mitchell stated that on September 16 at 6:00 p.m. he would be featured on WSJM radio along with Acting Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, Ms. Sheletha Bobo, and BH City Commissioner Hill to discuss the upcoming operating millage renewal.