Vice-President Annie Robinson called the November work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:10 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Superintendent Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the following District policy revisions:

GBC - Professional Personnel Recruitment

GBD - Professional Personnel Hiring

Group Director Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the awarding of gas and diesel fuel bids for the 2002 calendar year. Thirteen potential suppliers of petroleum products were solicited to provide proposals and only one proposed to provide at rack price plus $0.0225 per gallon.

Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the awarding of the solid waste disposal services bid for the 2002 calendar year. Five potential suppliers of solid waste disposal services were solicited with three suppliers responding.

Mr. Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve requests from St. Joseph Public Schools and Lake Michigan Catholic Schools to use Filstrup Field during the 2002 football season for their home games while Dickinson Stadium is under renovation.

Mr. Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the declaration of Millburg School as surplus. Buildings and other real properties no longer effectively utilized by the District may be declared surplus by resolution of the Board. Surplus property shall be disposed of in a manner that complies with all statues and conforms to such terms and conditions as the Board deems to be in the best interest of the patrons of the school District.

As an informational item, Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools Associate Director, Nancy Fenton, presented information on the Michigan Middle Start Technical Assistance program. The Benton Harbor Middle School Project is a comprehensive school reform effort that is designed to develop staff knowledge and skills in literacy, teaming, student behavior management and leadership. The project goals are to improve learning, teaching and assessment; and create a school culture that is collaborative, reflective and inquiring about ways to support all students' learning at high levels. The Benton Harbor Middle School Project is a collaborative effort between Benton Harbor Area Schools, Michigan Middle Start and Academy for Educational Development, Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools (MCES) and Michigan Schools in the Middle (MSIM). Middle Start and the Academy for Educational Development will receive a Michigan Department of Education grant of approximately $300,000 to serve Hull and Fair Plain Middle Schools. Three areas of need were identified; reading and management related to student behavior, leadership and teaming through a series of meetings with the Michigan Middle Start Coordinator, middle school principals and attending teachers. The Coalition of Essential Schools is principal driven with primary focus on students developing rigorous habits of mind for learning and achievement.

As an informational item, Director of Curriculum Carolyn Jones presented the newly revised report cards for grades K-3. The report cards are aligned to curriculum standards and inclusive to Michigan Literacy Progress Profiles (MLPP), Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP), Orton Gillingham and Continuous Progress.

• Professional Staff Retiring
• Professional Staff Resigning
• Lay-Off of Administrative Staff
• Tenure of Professional Staff
• Possible Contract Ratification

Michigan Department of Education Director Tom Watkins has extended an invitation to Morton Elementary School Principal, Virginia Maxwell, to participate on a panel in Lansing regarding Turning Around Low Performing Schools.

Producer Tim Zeko, WKAR Television, has created an excellent documentary regarding the twin cities area that was recently broadcast entitled, Tale of Two Cities.

Superintendent Renee' Williams announced her retirement effective at the end of her contract which expires May 29, 2002. Ms. Williams extended her gratification to the Board of Education for the opportunity to serve children and to the management team for all their dedication and hard work.

Mr. Isiah Newson addressed the Board of Education praising Superintendent Williams for a job well done citing a true leader of the District.

Ms. Sharon James addressed the Board questioning alternative educational opportunities for expelled students and the Board policy on student readmission.

Dr. James White addressed the Board commending Superintendent Williams and Assistant Superintendent Garrison for their outstanding leadership and the opportunity to serve as a building administrator.

Trustee Peeples-Burks commended Superintendent Williams for her quality leadership and educational development in this District. Dr. Peeples-Burks extended her utmost respect and admiration to Superintendent Williams as she plans for her retirement.

Trustee Henry extended his appreciation to Superintendent Williams for her excellent management of BHAS. Mr. Henry questioned the BHHS student drop list and suggested that the Tale of Two Cities documentary be shown to students and parents. He also encouraged District employees to take the lead in representing BHAS in a positive manner.

Trustee Robinson commended Superintendent Williams for her years of service to the District.