Benton Harbor Area Schools

President Dan McGinnis called the March Work Session of the Board of Education to order at 6:02 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 Candace Walker

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

Recognitions
Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Exchange Club, Newsie Newspaper Chairperson Dale Stover extended praise and recognition to the Benton Harbor High School Key Club for raising $634.39 during this year's Newsie sale.

Stephen Mitchell announced the six winners of Chartwells Food Service “Eat Learn Live” Student Essay Contest and that each student would be formally recognized with prizes at the regular Board meeting.

Central Administration
As an informational item, Michigan State Police Sergeant Bennie Bowers discussed the Michigan State Police Youth Leadership Academy. During the first week in April approximately thirty 14-16 year old girls will participate in the youth academy held in a training facility located in Lansing, Michigan. A common focus will be on relationships and character building.

Dr. Paula M. Dawning, Superintendent of Schools has submitted her notice of resignation from the Benton Harbor Area Schools, effective at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. Two firms have made presentations to the Board of Education and it is recommended that the Benton Harbor Area Schools contract with the Michigan Association of School Boards for the purpose of assisting in the search for a new superintendent.

Superintendent Paula Dawning reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve readmission for two students for the 2006-2007 school year.

Business/Finance
Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt a state aid borrowing resolution, as prepared by Thrun Law Firm. Due to a projected cash deficit position, it is necessary for the District to borrow against anticipated state aid for operations.

Assistant Superintendent Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt a bond authorizing resolution to finance the renovations at Stump and MLK Schools. There is a need to renovate Stump School into office space for Central Administration and to renovate rooms at MLK for the Technology Department.

Operations/Facilities
Group Director for Operations and Facilities Stephen Mitchell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to declare the Technical Center property as surplus property and establish a minimum bid price. All instructional programs have been moved from the Technical Center to the Benton Harbor High School leaving the building vacant. Two appraisals have been submitted on the property and a public hearing has been held to solicit any comments.

Instruction
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the 2007 Middle School Summer School Program. There is a need to operate a Middle School Summer School program that will service students currently enrolled in grades 6-8. The program will focus on all four-core subject areas: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. All students currently enrolled in the District's middle schools are Title I eligible and will not be charged tuition. Resident students attending other districts pursuant to the Desegregation Program will be charged a tuition rate of $100.00 per class. Resident students not enrolled in the District or involved in the Desegregation Program and out-of-district students will be charged the tuition rate of $150.00 per class. Non-resident students will only be admitted to the Summer Program on a “space available” basis. The program is scheduled to run from June 25 - July 30, at Hull Middle School.

Assistant Superintendent J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the 2007 High School Summer School Program. There is a need to operate a High School Summer School program for those students requiring additional credit in order to be promoted to the next grade level or to fulfill high school graduation requirements. All courses will be for Benton Harbor High School students. A tuition fee of $125 per class will be charged to students attending Benton Harbor High School and $225 per class for students attending from schools out of the district. The program is scheduled to run June 25 - July 30, at Hull Middle School.

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Benton Harbor High School Black College Tour. A tour of eight colleges and/or universities in Alabama and Georgia has been proposed for March 24-31, 2007. The tour would allow students to experience campus life, as well as provide information on entrance requirements and financial aid sources. The trip would cost approximately $150.00 per student, pending the minimum participation of fifty students. Benton Harbor High School Dean Anita Burton was present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Career/Technical Education Construction Trades trip to Slidell, Louisiana. Ten Construction Trades students, along with two adult chaperones, have proposed a trip to assist in the Habitat for Humanity rebuilding project in Slidell, Louisiana, which was heavily hit by Hurricane Katrina for April 1-8, 2007. The trip would provide students with a hands-on opportunity to utilize their skills while experiencing community service. The trip would cost approximately $3,000 and will be financed by community donations, to be collected by March 21, 2007. Mr. Larry Jackson, CTE Construction Trades instructor was present to answer any questions.

Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Virginia Maxwell reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve the Sorter Elementary School trip to Mackinac Island. Eighteen fifth grade students, along with six adult chaperones have proposed a trip to Mackinac Island for May 14-17, 2007. Mr. Andrew Stansberry, Principal of Sorter Elementary School was present to answer any questions.

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
• 2006-2007 School Calendar Revisions

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

• $1600.00 Donation from Steven & Katherine Bratschie to BHAS Girls Volleyball Program

Other
The Sorter Elementary School Spelling Bee is scheduled for March 28-29, 2007.

The Superintendent's Scholarship Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2007, in the Benton Harbor High School Student Commons.

Superintendent's Update
April 2007 marks the end of the Energy Management contract. The District will continue with the program, which did constitute substantial District cost savings.

Yesterday, a water main broke at the high school, heating systems failed at Sorter and Morton Schools and Boynton Montessori building is in need of a new roof, all examples of a deteriorating physical plant.

The District must hold emergency preparedness meetings with local responders for such events as tornado drills and fire evacuations.

Developer Sam Thomas is looking to partner with the District for programming purposes.

Next week, the District will administer the Michigan Merit Exam to students, which is a test that combines the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) and ACT the national college admission and placement examination.

Public Participation
Mr. Isaiah Newson addressed the Board of Education extending his appreciation to the District for condolences given in the death of his mother. Mr. Newson expressed his concerns with the District's management at the administration level, low MEAP scores, low staff moral and the need for a new secondary coordinator.

Ms. Shirley Wiggins addressed the Board of Education commending the students for their excellent Black History Month Program presented on February 23rd and stated her disappointment that no Board trustees were present.

Board Comments
Trustee McGinnis encouraged student Board member Abraham Chopin and Trenton Bowens to work together for student promotion.Student Board member Candice Walker stated that she is originally from Holland Schools and that this District is different, as teachers and staff are always on guard.

Trustee Buchana commended Bennie Bowers and Darrell Pargo for jobs well done.

Trustee Watts stated that the Benton Harbor Area Schools' glass is half full, as progress is being made and the District is moving in the right direction.

Trustee Henry acknowledged that the District does have problems and asked for help from the community in finding solutions.

Trustee Fort extended her apologies for not attending the Black History Month program, as she does try to attend all high school programs.

Trustee McGinnis commended Sergeant Bowers for the Michigan State Police Youth Leadership Academy and affirmed that staff ridicule will not be tolerated during this forum, as all comments must remain sterile.

There being no further business, the work session was adjourned at 7:10p.m.

This page was last modified : September 11, 2007