MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2001
The September regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President Dwight P. Mitchell at 6:15 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons Area.
Present:
Mr. Dwight P. Mitchell, Mrs. Annie Robinson, Mr. Anthony A. Henry, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks and Mr. Ken WoltmanAbsent:
Mrs. J. Allene Smith and Ms. Michelle JonesCommunications
Trustee Peeples-Burks stated that she had an opportunity to discuss "Healing Racism" with Brenda Layne on her talk show. Dr. Peeples-Burks extended her sympathy to those who lost family or friends in the recent national tragedy and gave a reminder that the blood donated or money collected has no color.
Minutes
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Mrs. Robinson that the Minutes of the regular meeting of August 14, 2001 be approved as printed.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mrs. Robinson and supported by Mr. Woltman that the Minutes of the special meeting of August 24, 2001 be approved as printed.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Vendor Payments
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Activity of the General Fund was reviewed and accepted as presented.
Recognitions
Recognition was given to all District schools for encouraging parents to support the millage renewal.
On Saturday, September 15 the BHAS curriculum department hosted a back-to-school workshop for parents to introduce the new middle school textbooks.
Sincere condolences were extended to the family of Mr. Herb Quaide. Trustee Mitchell suggested that on behalf of the District a Resolution be created in his memory.
A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Woltman:
THAT a Resolution be created in memory of former BHAS athletic director, Herb Quaide, to be presented to his family.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Central Administration
THAT the Board of Education, Benton Harbor Area Schools, meet in closed session on the following dates:
Tuesday, September 18, 2001 before and/or following
the regular meeting of the Board of Education onthat date, and
Tuesday, October 2, 2001 before and/or following
the work session of the Board of Education on that date,
at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons Area, 870 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan, in said District for the purpose of discussing with legal counsel litigations, negotiations and possible expulsions.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Instruction
THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education approve the District's participation for the 2001-2002 school year in the "Project Tiger" student literacy program in partnership with The Herald-Palladium for five elementary schools at a cost of $8,653.50.
The motion passed on the following vote:
| AYES: | Dr. Peeples-Burks | ABSTENTION: | Mrs. Robinson |
| Mr. Henry | |||
| Mr. Woltman | |||
| Mr. Mitchell |
Staff Report #3
THAT the Board of Education officially adopt the Michigan School Readiness Program grant in the amount of $633,600 to fund the four-year-old Preschool Program for the 2001-2002 school year.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Staff Report #3A
THAT the Board of Education approve the Professional Training Concepts contract (CHOOSE Program) at the cost of $19,500 for the 2001-2002 school year.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Human Resources/Labor Relations
THAT the retirement of Mrs. Mary Jane Ezell be accepted and that a letter be sent to her thanking her for her years of service to the District.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Staff Report #5
THAT the following resignations be accepted and a letter be sent thanking them for their years of service to the District:
| Ms. Marie Boettcher | Ms. Cecilia Peoples |
| Mr. David Kliss | Ms. Christina Wake |
| Ms. Marilyn Pinkerton | Ms. Mary Wright |
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Staff Report #6
THAT the following individuals be employed as professional teaching staff by the Benton Harbor Area Schools:
| Mr. Alan Asiala | Ms. Kimberly Lueders |
| Ms. Janice Hester-Brychta | Ms. Annunziata Macerata |
| Ms. Jane Ernsberger | Ms. Gloria McNeary |
| Ms. Rachel Foster | Ms. Shannon Povinelli |
| Ms. Micole Jackson | Mr. David Waterhouse |
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Staff Report #7
THAT Ms. Cynthia Dukes, a school nurse and Mr. Dillon Barnes, an in-house suspension monitor, be laid off effective August 30, 2001.
The motion failed on the following vote:
| AYES: | Dr. Peeples-Burks | ABSTENTION: | Mrs. Robinson |
| Mr. Henry | |||
| Mr. Woltman | |||
| Mr. Mitchell |
Staff Report #8
THAT the Board of Education approve the employment of Miller, Johnson, Snell and Cummiskey, P.L.C. to represent the District on labor law issues, employee discipline, teacher tenure, special education, civil rights, and Freedom Of Information Act issues, effective immediately.
| AYES: | Dr. Peeples-Burks | NAYS: | Mrs. Robinson |
| Mr. Henry | |||
| Mr. Woltman | |||
| Mr. Mitchell |
The motion passed on the following vote:
Public Participation II
Mr. Chester Henry addressed the Board of Education expressing concerns regarding staff reductions and the cold food served at Hull Middle School.
Board Comments
Trustee Henry extended his appreciation to the new members of the professional teaching staff.
There being no further business, the September regular meeting of the Board of Education was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.