The October regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President J. Allene Smith at 6:05 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons Area.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Woltman that the Minutes of the regular meeting of September 10, 2002 be approved as printed.

A motion was made by Mr. Woltman and supported by Mrs. Bennett that the Minutes of the special meeting of September 14, 2002 be approved as printed.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education officially accept and acknowledge the generosity of the basket of books as donated by The Book House Café and Gifts, valued at $226.71.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education adopt the BHAS Student Dress and Grooming Standards, an addendum to the 2002-2003 Uniform Code of Discipline and Students' Rights and Responsibilities handbook. Pursuant to the authority granted in the Uniform Code of Discipline and by Board of Education policy, the administration reserves the right to address any other concerns regarding students' attire which may be considered inappropriate, disruptive or hazardous.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education adopt the following District Board Goals for the 2002-2003 school year.

• Establishment of an alternative program.
• Improve student achievement by 15%.
• Decrease student dropout rate by 10%.
• Consistency in the administration of the Uniform Code of Discipline and Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.
• Establish dress standards for students and staff.
• The motion passed by unanimous vote.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education approve the agreement between Benton Harbor Area Schools and Lake Michigan College to provide certified instructors at the Career Technical Center. The term of this agreement is August 2002 through June 2003.

THAT Board policy:

EDDB-Walkers & Riders
(Also JGGA)

be hereby adopted as policy of the School District and that any previous policy as listed be hereby rescinded.

Tuesday, October 8, 2002 before and/or following
the regular meeting of the Board of Education on
that date, and

Tuesday, November 5, 2002 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.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education officially accept and acknowledge the generosity of a gift valued at $170.00 from Bibco, Inc. to the Benton Harbor High School.

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education officially accept and acknowledge the generosity of a grant in the amount of $1,500.00 from the Fredrick S. Upton Foundation to the Henry C. Morton Elementary School.

THAT the following teachers be granted tenure effective as listed:

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education vote to ratify the Master Labor Agreement between the Board of Education and the Benton Harbor Area Schools Administrators Association effective July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2003.

President Smith announced that an open house has been scheduled for 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2002, at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons, to meet the Superintendent of Schools, Paula M. Dawning.

In accordance with the No Child Left Behind legislation paraprofessional professional development is being implemented with the Berrien County Intermediate School District.

Groundbreaking ceremony for the BHAS transportation facility is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 18, 2002.

Federal Judge Hillman has yet to respond to the District regarding the requested reduction on desegregation plaintiff's attorney fees.

Selected grades at McCord Renaissance Center and M.L.K. Elementary School have been chosen to participate in the math and arts National Educational Assessment Program (NEAP).

The sale of bonds occurred today at 4.25% for the BHAS transportation facility.

The District will be implementing Lights On After School an extended day program for middle school students.

Superintendent Dawning read a letter from teacher Tia McCarty, which discussed a student success story and how nice it would be if every student could be adopted by staff for the purpose of academic achievement.

Trustee Peeples-Burks asked BHAS faculty to emphasize the importance of walking safety to those students who walk to school.

President Smith suggested that community residents turn on their porch lights as an aid to those students who walk to school in the morning darkness.

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

THAT the Board of Education recess to closed session for the purpose of discussing with legal counsel possible student expulsions.

Present: Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Mr. Ken Woltman, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, and Mr. Anthony A. Henry

Absent: Mr. Dwight P. Mitchell, Mrs. Michelle Bennett and Dr. Perry Davis

Also Present: Ms. Paula M. Dawning, Mrs. Virginia Maxwell, Mr. Howard Cousins, Dr. Leo Cloman, Mr. Solomon Collins and Attorney K. Morris Gavin

Both the student and parent were present and requested an open hearing.

THAT Sherrena Wright be permanently expelled from the Benton Harbor Area Schools for a period of no less than 180 school days for a violation of the Uniform Code of Discipline and Section 1311(2) of the Michigan Revised School Code. The conditions of the expulsion will be outlined in a letter to be written by the Superintendent.

Neither student nor parent were present.

THAT Olie Griffin be permanently expelled from the Benton Harbor Area Schools for a period of no less than 180 school days, retroactive to February 20, 2002, for a violation of the Uniform Code of Discipline and Section 1311(2) of the Michigan Revised School Code. The conditions of the expulsion will be outlined in a letter to be written by the Superintendent.