MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
OCTOBER 2, 2001

President Dwight P. Mitchell called the October work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:03 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

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

Recognitions
In memory of former BHAS Athletic Director, Herb Quaide, a plaque of recognition was created and will be presented to his family.

Recognition was given to Ms. Solita Pullen, former teacher at Fair Plain Northeast, as the Wal-Mart Corporation declared her Teacher of the Year at a special reception held at the Benton Harbor store.

Instruction
Ms. Sharon Hatfield, Director of Student Assessment, presented the Winter 2001 Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test performance overview. BHAS scores show significant improvement in 4th and 7th grade reading, 5th grade science and 8th grade writing. Ms. Hatfield reviewed District highlights and the legislative changes since the MEAP was first introduced, which indicates extreme changes in tests for future years. A packet of information was disseminated to the Board trustees that included comparison data for the thirty-three districts in the Middle Cities Association.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Richard Garrison presented the District's Annual Education Report, which provides information on parent involvement, student achievement, MEAP scores, educational reform initiatives, specialized schools and placement procedures. Points of pride for the Benton Harbor Area Schools include improved academic achievement, professional development training, strengthening of middle grades and progress in information technology.

Mr. Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to officially accept and acknowledge a Fredrick S. Upton grant in the amount of $1,500 to provide enrichment field trip activities for Henry C. Morton Elementary School kindergarten students.

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

Superintendent's Update
This is Homecoming Week that is filled with exciting and fun events for students and staff such as a parade, bond fire, pep-rally, dance and the homecoming football game.

A Dowagiac businessman has extended his appreciation for the outstanding performance of BHAS athletes, cheerleaders and band members during the recent Dowagiac/Benton Harbor football game.

State Aid funding was the topic at the Michigan Association of School Administrators conference. Governor Engler has vetoed the State Aid Bill and has proposed to cut out at-risk and school readiness funding and there is a belief that additional state funding cuts are forthcoming.

Condolences were extended to the Bates family of Benton Harbor whose youngster was killed as a result of an auto accident this morning.

Public Participation II
Ms. Keisha King addressed the Board expressing her discontentment with District transportation.

Mr. Isiah Newson addressed the Board asking for a list of BHAS students who were recipients of the MEAP scholarship last year. Mr. Newson questioned the District website and computer installation and requested a copy of the 2001-2002 operational budget.

Board Comments
Trustee Jones stated that she has been appointed to the judicial board at Western Michigan University.

Trustee Henry stated that he attended tonight's open house at Fair Plain Middle School and praised the excellent student band and choir performances.

There being no further business, the October work session was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.