Benton Harbor Area Schools

President Dan McGinnis called the January Work Session of the Board of Education to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Benton Harbor High School, Student Commons.

Present: Mr. Dan McGinnis, Mrs. Carolyn Fort, Mr. Ken Woltman, Mr. Anthony Henry, Ms. Lue Buchana and Mrs. Iris Watts

Absent:  Mrs. J. Allene Smith

Also Present: Student Board Member Abraham Chopin

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

Recognitions
Superintendent Dawning read the Michigan State Board of Education resolution that declared January 2007, as School Board Recognition Month.

In appreciation of Board Recognition Month, Trustee Buchana disseminated an inspirational card and a flower to each trustee.

Central Administration
Superintendent Paula Dawning reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve District policy revisions. The Policy Committee has made a recommendation to revise the following policy: CED - School Superintendent/Appointment.

Superintendent Dawning reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the awarding of Education Broadband Service (EBS) channels. The Benton Harbor Area Schools owns bandwidth and is in contract with Sprint. The FCC set aside these bandwidths 15-20 years ago for school districts, which they control. Bandwidths are low frequency radio with wireless capacity. The District has received a 30-year lease proposal from Sprint. Sprint has proposed an up-front payment of $620,000 and $100 monthly rental payments for thirty years thereafter for its channel group.

Technology
Group Director for Informational Technologies Bill Kaeding reported that Board action would be required at the regular meeting to approve the following contracts:

1. Telecommunications Services
2. Cellular Services
3. Internet Access/Web Hosting
4. Internal Connections/Basic Maintenance

Business/Finance
Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt the 2006-2007 budget revision. It is necessary to revise the 2006-2007 budget due to adjustments and changes, which have occurred since the June 28, 2006 adoption. After the audit was completed it was determined that the capital projects and the food service fund were in a deficit and therefore it is necessary to adopt a deficit elimination plan.

Assistant Superintendent Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt the regular school election resolution, which designates what is to be voted upon at the regular school election that is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 2007. Items to be voted on include filling two Board positions and the operating millage renewal.

Operations/Facilities
Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the relocation of Central Administration to the Stump Academy building, relocation of Stump Academy to Fair Plain Northwest Learning Academy, relocation of Fair Plain Northwest Learning Academy to North Shore School building. In addition, the termination of North Shore building lease with Tri-County Head Start. The lease agreement between Benton Harbor Area Schools and Consumer Investments, Inc., expires in December of 2007. The Board of Education has explored many options in an effort to reduce costs. It is recommended that the Board of Education vote in the affirmative for the relocation of Central Administration to Stump Academy building and relocation of the above-mentioned sites as a result of this proposal.

Group Director Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to renew and extend the Skillman Corporation contract for six months. The Board of Education employed Skillman Corporation to be the construction manager for Phases 1-3 of the District renovation projects. The construction manager oversees the day-to-day work at the job sites.

Group Director Steve Mitchell reported that a Public Hearing needs to be held for the purpose of declaring the Career/Technical building as surplus property.

As informational items, Group Director Mitchell reported that the Benton Harbor Police Department has requested that a 3-foot antenna be installed on the high school for the purpose of a safety wireless network. In addition, a proposal has been made to rename the Benton Harbor High School television media center to the Robert Cuhran media center.

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

• Resignation of Instructional Staff
• Retirement of Instructional Staff

Consent
Board action will be requested at the regular meeting to accept the following donations/grants to the Benton Harbor Area Schools:

• $14,000 Grant from the Upton Foundation for Elementary Field Trips

Other
President McGinnis stated that a formal presentation would be given at the regular meeting on the Benton Harbor Area Schools superintendent search process.

The Benton Harbor Area Schools is working with the City of Benton Harbor to develop a student public relations television channel.

Superintendent's Update
Governor Granholm has asked that American flags be flown at half-mast Wednesday through Friday of this week in honor of those who have lost their lives in Iraq.

A robbery occurred today at a local credit union, which resulted in a District lockdown. The Benton Harbor Area Schools implemented the emergency fan-out procedure and letters were sent home to parents explaining the situation.

The State of Michigan has declared a teacher shortage and in turn has sent this information to the Federal Government for possible deferment of student loans.

The Citizens for Progressive Change (CPC) will host a breakfast on Saturday, January 27, 2007, for high school scholars with a 4.0 or better semester average.

Public Participation
Youth in Government representatives Samantha Gunter and Trenton Bowens addressed the Board of Education reporting that the First Annual Youth Inaugural Banquet is being planned for May 1st, and $2400 must be raised before February 5th.

Mr. Al Johnson addressed the Board of Education commending the District for the positive promotion of students in the local news during the first semester.

Board Comments
Trustee Buchana extended her appreciation to those who donated money to help students get their hair done for the Christmas tournament.

Trustee McGinnis encouraged student Board member Abraham Chopin and Trenton Bowens to work together for student promotion.

There being no further business, the work session was adjourned at 6:58p.m.

This page was last modified : September 11, 2007