President Carolyn Graves called the December work session of the Board of Education to order at 6:03 p.m. at the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons Area.

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

Recognitions
Sterne Brunson Elementary School staff and students were commended for their outstanding achievement in the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP). Governor Engler will hold a press conference regarding the Golden Apple Awards for schools that have shown substantial MEAP improvement and it is possible that Sterne Brunson will receive an award and special monies.

Business/Finance
Accountant Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the annual bus replacement/purchase resolution. The District is seeking to purchase two 78-passenger Genesis buses from Woodland International Trucks, Inc., at a cost of $139,084.00, through the 2001 Michigan School Business Officials-Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation Aggregated Bus Purchasing Program.

Ms. Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the summer tax collection resolution as prepared by Thrun, Maatsch and Nordberg. In 1983, the BHAS Board of Education determined to impose a summer property tax levy to collect all school property taxes that included debt services upon property located within the district. The resolution acknowledges the Board's decision to impose summer taxes on an ongoing basis and specifically invokes that resolution and requests the levy of summer taxes in the following year.

Operations/Facilities
Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the solid waste disposal contract renewal with Bestway Disposal, Inc., for the 2000-2001 school year. The 1998 contract was for one year with two-one year renewal options.

As an informational item, Teacher Consultant Sondra Sheppard presented the Michigan Literacy Progress Profile (MLPP) that is designed to ensure that all Michigan children are independent readers by the third grade. In 1998, Governor Engler implemented the MLPP, which is a collection of tools for observing student achievement based on individual development. MLPP is aligned to Michigan benchmarks and standards but is not a state-mandated test or a way to compare classes or schools.

Instruction
Assistant Superintendent Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the BHHS 2000-2001 Close Up program/trip. Close Up is a program of the Close Up Foundation, the nation's largest civic educational organization, designed to provide an exceptional experience in government in the nation's capital. The program fee of $1383.00 per student includes 6 nights lodging, all meals, program and related materials. Currently, there are ten students signed up to participate and the Board of Education is asked to contribute $300 per student. Close Up Coordinator and BHHS teacher Mary Newcomb-Ealy was present to answer any questions.

Mr. Richard Garrison reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to accept and acknowledge a $1,500 grant to Morton Elementary School from the Upton Foundation for the purpose of providing enrichment activities and field trips for kindergartners.

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

• Recommendation for the Employment of Administrative Staff
• Recommendation for Tenure
• Other

• Early K-12 student dismissal - Thursday, December 7, 2000
• BHHS men's basketball season underway
• Creative Arts Academy building is receiving maintenance and environmental updates
• Facilities upgrades at Hull Elementary and King Junior High Schools are underway
• Governor Engler has initiated Michigan Teacher Technology Initiative (TTI)

Public Participation
Mr. Larry Feldman addressed the Board of Education stating that he is a HOSTS mentor and attended the opposed property rally held at the Benton Harbor Library on December 4, regarding the proposed BHAS Benton Township property purchase. He expressed concerns of a potential racial element that surfaced in a hostile manner and stated that all members of the community must work together to provide a quality education to BHAS students.

Mr. Feldman stated that important questions were raised and that the community needs detailed information regarding the prior BHAS meetings and forums that were/will be conducted regarding the bond issue.

Ms. Robin Zollar addressed the Board of Education and read a letter that she had outlined regarding the summary of what the general consensus was at the meeting conducted at the Benton Harbor Library concerning the proposed BHAS Benton Township property purchase.

1. Students in BHAS need and deserve the best education that can be provided.
2. BHAS needs to maintain the buildings it currently owns.
3. Local neighborhood schools are better than schools located far from the student's home.
4. BHAS does not need to expand.
5. Accountability seems to be lacking at all levels of school management.

1. All buildings owned by BHAS taxpayers be open for public viewing.
2. Delay the purchase of any properties until a more comprehensive study can be completed.
3. Delay any further millage proposals until a complete educational plan for the District is accomplished.
4. Reach out to the community through the local media informing them of the opportunities to participate in the process such as focus groups, committee meetings and other opportunities for citizen involvement and dialogue.

Mr. Willie Morrow addressed the Board of Education with his concerns regarding the poor condition of the BHAS transportation building and thus the unfair treatment of District support staff.

Mr. Larry Streeter addressed the Board of Education stating that the Michigan Legislation has been working on community bills and that Benton Township has submitted their land appropriation plan. He commended the District for the brilliant move to purchase the land stating that BHAS will be a future technological hub.

Mr. James Turner addressed the Board stating that he had attended the meeting conducted at the Benton Harbor Library concerning the proposed BHAS Benton Township property purchase and wished that community participation was present prior to the bond proposal. He commended the District for educational improvements since the implementation of the new curriculum in 1996.

Mrs. Francis Piggott addressed the Board of Education expressing her support for the neighborhood schools concept, which promotes parent-teacher participation. Mrs. Piggott stated that America's farmland is being swallowed-up and needs to be preserved.

Board Comments
Trustee Woltman expressed his appreciation for tonight's public participation.

Trustee Peeples-Burks voiced concern that ample information has been available to the community, which was presented at public forums and community meetings regarding the BHAS bond issue. As a state mandate a building assessment plan was completed and submitted by the District prior to the preliminary bond qualification. Since 1981, the District has been busing students to rural settings in the community, which includes Benton Township. BHAS is obligated to provide education to all students in the sixty-mile radius of the District that includes the rural and inner city areas. The community was notified of all public forums and community meetings regarding the bond issue via local newspapers, radio and postal mailings. The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education or the administration is not trying to hide or deceive anyone in this community.

Trustee Smith commended Superintendent Williams and the District staff for a job well done and asked for community support in providing adequate buildings for the future student generations of the Benton Harbor area.

Trustee Mitchell expressed his appreciation for the audience participation and asked why the rural setting is being questioned to build a new BHHS and made reference to the surrounding school districts that have high schools in a rural setting. Mr. Mitchell stated that BHAS must plan for the future to ensure quality educational opportunities.

Board President Graves stated it is imperative that the Benton Harbor community put forth an interest and effort to support the children of BHAS.

There being no further business, the December work session was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.