MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
NOVEMBER 9, 2004

The November regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President Ken Woltman at 6:00 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons Area.

Present:  Mr. Ken Woltman, Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Mr. Anthony A. Henry, Dr. Perry Davis, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, Mr. Robert L. Bowman and Mr. Dan McGinnis

Also Present:  Student Board members Brianna Hill and Matthew Bradley

The Benton Harbor Area Schools Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps JROTC offered the Presentation of Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Bowman and supported by Dr. Peeples-Burks that the Minutes of the work session of October 5, 2004 be approved as printed.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Bowman that the Minutes of the special meeting of October 5, 2004 be approved as printed.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mrs. Smith that the Minutes of the regular meeting of October 12, 2004 be approved as printed.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Mr. Bowman and supported by Dr. Davis that the Minutes of the public hearing of October 19, 2004 be approved as printed.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Mr. Bowman and supported by Dr. Davis that the Minutes of the special meeting of October 19, 2004 be approved as printed.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

A motion was made by Dr. Davis and supported by Dr. Peeples-Burks that the Minutes of the special meeting of October 28, 2004 be approved as printed.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Vendor Payments
A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Dr. Davis that vendor payments in the amount of $1,803,965.43 be approved for payment.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Activity of the General Fund was reviewed and accepted as presented.

Central Administration
Staff Report #1
A motion was made by Mrs. Smith and supported by Dr. Davis:

THAT Board policies:

be hereby adopted/added as policies of the School District and that any policy as listed be hereby rescinded.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Staff Report #2
A motion was made by Mrs. Smith and supported by Dr. Davis:

THAT effective immediately 07-04-01-MMS, 04-04-035-FPMS, 06-04-063-BHHS, 04-04-016-BHHS, 10-07-03-CLC, 04-04-0020-HMS and 04-04-0009-BHHS, be allowed to return as students in the Benton Harbor Area Schools.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Staff Report #3
A motion was made by Dr. Davis and supported by Mr. Bowman:

THAT the Board of Education, Benton Harbor Area Schools, meet in closed session on the following dates:

Tuesday, November 9, 2004 before, during or following
the regular meeting of the Board of Education on
that date, and

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 before, during 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.

Business/Finance
Staff Report #4
A motion was made by Mr. Bowman and supported by Mrs. Smith:

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education adopt the resolution to Establish a New Regular School Election Date, as prepared by the Thrun Law Firm.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Staff Report #5
A motion was made by Mr. McGinnis and supported by Mrs. Smith:

WHEREAS the Benton Harbor Area Schools is a member of the Middle Cities Risk Management Trust, having duly executed the membership Interlocal Agreement and Declaration of Trust on June 30, 1997; and

WHEREAS Bylaws of the Trust require the appointment of a designated Trustee as the District's representative to the Trust's Board of Trustees.

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THAT:
Sheletha Bobo be appointed as the District's designated Trustee representative to the Middle Cities Risk Management Trust's Board of Trustees and is authorized to cast the District's vote on all matters which come before the Board.  She shall serve as Trustee until replaced by this Board in its absolute discretion.

FURTHERMORE Carol Burke be appointed as Risk Management Coordinator for the District as provided in paragraph 8 of the Interlocal Agreement.  Carol Burke shall serve as Coordinator until replaced by this Board in its absolute discretion.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Instruction
Staff Report #6
A motion was made by Dr. Peeples-Burks and supported by Mr. Bowman:

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education approve the Resolution confirming the District's Operating Agreement with the Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools assisting Fair Plain Northeast School with its school improvement efforts as outlined in the contract.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Staff Report #7
A motion was made by Dr. Davis and supported by Mrs. Smith:

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education officially adopt the Michigan School Readiness Program Resolution for a grant in the amount of $528,000.00, to fund the four-year-old Preschool Program, and Comprehensive Parent Involvement and Education Programs for families of children 0-5, for the 2004-2005 school year.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

As an informational item, Fair Plain Middle School Principal Ruth Watson and Teacher Consultant Greg Rood undated the Board of Education on the simplicity pattern restructuring plan for Fair Plain Middle School.  Staff and students are both stepping up for the accountability and future of the school.  The restructuring plan includes gender core classes, 5 person core teams, Project TEAM, Parent Workshops, Honors Classes and an increase in class periods and minutes of core instruction. 

Human Resources/Labor Relations
Staff Report #8
A motion was made by Dr. Davis and supported by Mr. McGinnis:

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education vote to confirm the layoff of the following teachers:

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Consent
Staff Report #9
A motion was made by Dr. Davis and supported by Mr. Bowman:

THAT the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education gratefully acknowledges and accepts the following grants and donations to the District for the 2004-2005 school year.

The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Other
Following the regular meeting the Board of Education will recess into closed session for the purpose of discussing with legal counsel personnel issues.

Superintendent's Update
The Michigan Association of School Administrators named Joan Sergent, Superintendent of Utica Community Schools, as Superintendent of the Year for 2005.

The District's Strategic Plan kicked-off today and a period of time will be expended to retrieve information from the community and parents on how/what they want in their schools.  Parent and Community Forums will be held each month throughout the community to hear comments.

The District's financial shortfall has warranted the action taken in staff layoffs and the elimination of positions.

Both student Board members and Trustee Bowman will be attending a student Board training offered by the Flint Intermediate School District next Thursday.

Public Participation
Mrs. Lisa Peeples-Hurst addressed the Board of Education questioning the vacant positions and if those positions were budgeted for and if the Health & Wellness positions that were eliminated were paid for in part by Title I funds.  She also questioned, since the 6th graders not using the portables at Fair Plain Middle School, if other classes are using them.

Ms. Angela Doran addressed the Board of Education expressing her concerns with her son's suspensions from Fair Plain Middle School.

Mr. James Childs addressed the Board of Education with concerns of the roof leaking at the high school and if the NCLB requires a Spanish teacher to be certified.  Mr. Childs questioned if the Board trustees visit schools, if schools have functioning Parent/Teacher Organizations and if the high school could give out food baskets for the needy during the holidays.

Mr. Waymon Hodges addressed the Board of Education questioning why the administration is still located at the 777 complex and why children are leaving the District.

Mr. Isiah Newson addressed the Board of Education questioning if the Strategic Plan has been revised since the recent District changes and asked for information on the CSR grant.

Ms. Dimpsy Posey addressed the Board of Education questioning the number of staff layoffs and why parents are taking their children out of the District.

Ms. Maxisure Garrett addressed the Board of Education questioning staff layoffs and that it is important that the District listen to community voices.

Mr. Sam Williams addressed the Board of Education questioning why the public has to wait for their answers  - why not respond immediately.

Board Comments
Trustee Henry asked Reverend Childs if the District could use his church for Board Public Relations committee meetings.  Mr. Henry stated that the District has excellent teachers and as elected Board officials, trustees are held accountable to the community.  He encouraged the community to attend the upcoming community and parent forums.

Student Board member Breanna Hill questioned the hiring status of a new Benton Harbor High School Band Director.

Student Board member Bradley questioned the proposed restructuring of the District and suggested that the Superintendent look at former Superintendent Mitchell's successful plan of action.  He also expressed his appreciation for the upcoming student Board member training.

Trustee Peeples-Burks questioned President Woltman's memo on Board conferences and the handling of the media.  She also questioned how to close the achievement gap of African American students.  Dr. Peeples-Burks reiterated the caution stated from the attorney in answering public comments.

Trustee McGinnis commented on the status of the District questioning the low turnout of parents at meetings and encouraged all to focus on positive school happenings not the negative.

Trustee Bowman stated that the Benton Harbor Area Schools offer A/B schools, however the District cannot teach those students who do not come to school, which does have a vast effect on the community.  He encouraged all parents to be involved in their children's education.

Trustee Smith wished all a Happy Thanksgiving and commended the excellent Parents As Partners meeting with Principal Roseboro last night.

Trustee Woltman stated that the District is experiencing low student enrollment and that the American families are getting smaller.

The Board recessed to closed session at 8:00 p.m.

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

Also Present:  Dr. Paula Dawning, Ms. Nora Jefferson, Mrs. Virginia Maxwell and Attorney K. Morris Gavin 

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Labor Relations Nora Jefferson updated the Board of Education on personnel issues.

There being no further business, the November regular meeting of the Board of Education was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.