President Dwight P. Mitchell called the December work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:10 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

Praise and recognition was given to students and staff at Fair Plain West Elementary School, Boynton Montessori Program and Henry C. Morton Elementary School as recipients of the 2001-2002 Michigan Golden Apple Award. Governor Engler announced the 2001 winners of the Golden Apple Award, a cash award that rewards Michigan’s hard –working teachers and principals at both Michigan’s high achieving and most improved elementary schools. In order to qualify, a school must be among the highest scoring in the state for 4^th, 5^th grade MEAP test scores in the 2000-2001 school year, or show a 60-point composite increase between the 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 school years in these subjects: reading, mathematics, science and writing. To qualify for a Golden Apple Award, K-5 elementary schools with 50 or more enrolled must have at least 90% of their students take the MEAP test. Honorable mention was given to Calvin Britain Elementary School and Fair Plain East Elementary School, but neither school had a minimum of 90% or more students taking each of the MEAP tests.

Recognition was given to various District elementary teachers for receiving educational mini-grants from the Berrien County Intermediate School District, which are designed to enhance the learning experience for BHAS students.

Superintendent Williams reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt the 2001-2002 Board of Education Goals:

• Benton Harbor Area Schools recognizes the importance of communication in the District and will strive to increase and enhance internal and external communication.
• In order to address the needs of all students, Benton Harbor Area Schools will continue to offer programs like career pathways and the middle school concept and assess the viability of an alternative education program for high school students.
• Benton Harbor Area Schools will continue to assess and review the financial status of the District and determine cost-effective ways to increase efficiency.

As an informational item, Superintendent Williams discussed a proposal designed to aid in the strategic planning of the District created by Marketing Partners, Inc. One of the Board of Education’s goals for this school year is to improvement of the District’s internal and external communications.

As an informational item, Career/Technical Education Director, Carole Fetke and Mary Wilson, Career Pathway Coordinator, presented a BHAS Career Pathway progress report. The BHAS Career Pathway mission is to provide students a focus and foundation for their learning experiences that not only meets their academic potential and career interest, but also leads to lifelong learning and achievement. District accomplishments include shifting the BHHS to block scheduling, increasing the available credits from 24 to 32, developing a career-focused sequence of courses, creating pathway introductory courses and providing career pathway professional development for high school staff.

Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt the Career Initiatives Certification Statement that will allow the continuation of specialized funding for Career Prep system projects and programs such as Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Career Prep and Career Pathway Implementation. BHAS receives both funds and services through all of these sources and this resolution demonstrates the District’s commitment to continue meeting the objectives of these grants.

Mr. Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt the School-Based Health Clinic Resolution. The Berrien County Health Department has received official notification from the Michigan Department of Community Health that as a result of the Governor’s Executive Order 2002-9, funding for the Worksite and Community Health Promotion Program and Adolescent Health Clinic has been terminated effective December 15, 2001. Due to this order the Berrien County Health Department will no longer receive the needed funds to be able to provide services at the Benton Harbor High School. The adoption of the resolution confirms the District’s commitment, along with the Berrien County Health Department, to the continuation of the adolescent health services provided on the campus of the BHHS. BHAS Coordinator of Health Services, Lottie Pugh and Berrien County Health Department Officials, Michael Mortimore and June Moore, were present to answer any questions.

• Professional Management Team Staff Retiring
• Professional Staff Retiring

BHHS student Michael Blanks addressed the Board of Education questioning building conditions, the availability of the computer labs and the senior school trip.

Ms. Lisa Williams addressed the Board of Education stating that the District needs to pray to overcome various barriers.

Mr. Jeff Johnson addressed the Board of Education expressing his excitement with the District’s Golden Apple Award winners.

Mr. Corey Hampton addressed the Board of Education regarding paraprofessional employment concerns.

Trustee Henry acknowledged that Michael Blanks is a student of BHAS who is passionate about this District and deserves to be treated with respect and allowed to speak.

Trustee Robinson discussed a letter that she wrote to Governor Engler, which asked him to reconsider the closing of the BHHS Health Clinic.

Trustee Mitchell stated that the Benton Harbor Area Schools will select a consulting firm to assist with the Superintendent search.