MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
SEPTEMBER 6, 2005

President J. Allene Smith called the September Work Session of the Board of Education to order at 6:01 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons.

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

Absent:  Dr. Perry Davis

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Recognitions
The recognition of the Principals Leadership Training and Elementary Summer School Science Enrichment program was postponed until the regular meeting.

The Board of Education and audience conducted a moment of silence in honor of hurricane Katrina victims.

Central Administration
Superintendent Paula Dawning reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve three student readmissions for the 2005-2006 school year.

Operations/Facilities
Operations and Facilities Group Director Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve an amendment to the Skillman Corporation contract.  The contract with the Skillman Corporation was due to lapse with the completion of Phase II of the Strategic Plan.  Phase III commenced in July 2005 with the renovation of Stump School, and due to the complexities of demolition and renovations, it is in the best interest of the District to retain Skillman Corporation to manage this project to completion.  The extension will be for four months from July through October 2005.

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:

Other
Trustee Dan McGinnis discussed the proposed Benton Harbor Area Schools Chess Club to be implemented in each school after the MEAP testing in October.  The BHAS Chess Club, certified with the US Federated Chess Club, is open to all staff, students and parents with no requirements or previous experience needed to play.

Superintendent Dawning discussed a proposed Katrina Disaster Relief Fund.  A meeting is scheduled for Friday with the United Way of Southwest Michigan and local officials to determine how to best help those who have relocated to the Benton Harbor area, due to hurricane Katrina.  Thus far, the Benton Harbor Area Schools have enrolled 5 children from Louisiana and Mississippi.  Michigan school districts were required to report to the Michigan Department of Education as to how many children their District could support, as Governor Granholm looks for permanent housing and busing.  The Lansing School District has proposed to use vacant school buildings as temporary housing.   Superintendent Dawning proposed that the Benton Harbor Area Schools also use vacant school buildings for the purpose of transitional housing and send 5 school buses to pick-up disadvantaged hurricane victims.  Trustee Woltman questioned how the District could financially afford to re-open closed buildings, and pay the maintenance and utilities costs.  Trustee Henry stated that the District should move wisely and cautiously in the efforts to provide housing.  The Benton Harbor Area Schools is in the business of education not housing and there are better options in the community more suitable for housing than a closed school building.  Superintendent Dawning responded that the District does not have capital in the budget for this effort and that FEMA would be needed to pay for this proposal.  The Board of Education must vote to reopen any vacant buildings and approve any proposals.

Superintendent’s Update
Today was the first day of the 2005-2006 school year for Benton Harbor Area Schools students.

The District has received official notice regarding Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) building status as follows:

Morton Elementary School – Phase I

Benton Harbor High School – Phase IV (Not a Title I School)

Hull Middle School – Phase IV

Fair Plain Renaissance Middle School – Phase 0

Sorter Elementary School – Phase 0

MLK Elementary School – Phase 0

Calvin Britain Elementary School – On the watch list

Sorter and MLK Elementary Schools will be provided funds for technical assistance and professional development.  Letters have been sent to the homes of Morton and Hull students as notification that additional academic assistance will be offered.  Hull Middle School will need to develop a school improvement plan.

Trustee Bowman questioned the AYP status of Fair Plain Renaissance Middle School (FPRMS) making AYP, when previously FPRMS did not make AYP.  Superintendent Dawning responded that the State looked at the consolidation of McCord students into FPRMS.

Public Participation
Mr. Matthew Bradley addressed the Board of Education stating that the proposed Katrina relief effort is a good public relations move for the District.  He also stated that the District is making unwise decisions regarding the unresolved teacher contract and no salary increases.  It is apparent that the teachers are not content with the BHAS Board of Education.

Ms. Lou Buchana addressed the Board of Education stating that the District has excellent teachers who must be treated fairly and administrators must act kindly greeting the staff and students.  Ms. Buchana suggested that the Board of Education support the teachers and recycle the teachers into administrative roles.

Ms. Beverly Davis addressed the Board of Education on behalf of the Benton Harbor High School Tiger Marching Band and the band parent group, who meets each Monday night.  Ms. Davis stated that the BHHS marching band needs exposure and the out-of-state band trip planned for September 30th is not on the agenda. 

Mrs. Angelika MacGowan addressed the Board of Education on behalf of the Benton Harbor Education Association/MEA/NEA asking that the Board of Education start the 2005-2006 school year off on a great start, as teachers are ready to teach.  Mrs. MacGowan stated that the teachers are working without a contract or salary increase and are being treated disrespectfully by administrators and members of the management team.  Mrs. MacGowan asked the Board of Education for help in the settlement of the teachers contract and for support in the classroom.

Mrs. Olivia James addressed the Board of Education stating that it is nice to hear that McCord Renaissance Middle School was an academic success last year, as not all staff is acknowledged in this District.

Board Comments
Trustee Fort stated that she was a greeter for opening day of school, and how rewarding it is to see happy children and parents bringing their children to school.  Mrs. Fort conceded that the Board of Education and staff must work together to overcome any differences.

Trustee Bowman expressed how great it is to see smiling staff and students on the first day of school, as he visited Fair Plain Renaissance Middle School and MLK.

Trustee Woltman acknowledged that most students were in uniforms as he visited Creative Arts/Gifted & Talented Academy.

Trustee Henry discussed his attendance at the National African American School Board Member Association conference where the MEA President confirmed in his speech that teachers are underpaid nationally and deserve more than what they are given.  Mr. Henry stated that he would advocate for higher educational salaries for teachers, but would boot-out those teachers who are not educationally kind to students.  It is most important that the Board of Education, staff, parents and students work together to close the achievement gap in this District.

Trustee McGinnis stated that the Board of Education sets policies - not salaries or hiring and that he understands being a teacher is a difficult job.

Trustee Smith acknowledged that the District has great teachers and that the Board of Education is not an enemy, as we all want the best for the District, staff, students and parents.

 There being no further business, the September work session was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.