Benton Harbor Area Schools

President Dan McGinnis called the May 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. J. Allene Smith, Mrs. Carolyn Fort, Mr. Ken Woltman, Mr. Anthony Henry, Ms. Lue Buchana and Mrs. Iris Watts

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
Recognition was extended to District teachers, as May 7-11, 2007, is National Teacher Appreciation Week.

District nurses were commended, as May 9, 2007, is School Nurse Day.

Praise and recognition was extended to the M.L.K. Freshman Academy students who participated in the Michigan Social Studies Olympiad. Each student received a certificate of achievement.

Central Administration
As an informational item, Michigan State Police Sergeant Bennie Bowers and thirteen female participants were present to discuss a recent Michigan State Police Youth Academy, which was designed exclusively for Benton Harbor girls. During the first week in April approximately thirty 14-16 year old girls participated in the youth academy held in a training facility located in Lansing, Michigan. A DVD documentary was shown on their positive experiences, where the common focus was relationships and character building.

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 policies:

• EEA - Free Food Service (Also JGHA)
• JBCE - Credit by Examination
• JBCEA - Credit by Examination With Prior Instruction
• JBCEB - Credit by Examination Without Prior Instruction
• JBCE-A - Tentative Test Dates
• JCD-E - Code of Student Conduct

Business/Finance
Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Sheletha Bobo reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to adopt the Berrien County Intermediate School District's general education budget. The Revised School Code requires the intermediate school board to submit its proposed budget no later than May 1st of each year to the board of each constituent district for review. No later than June 1st of each year, the board of each constituent district shall review the intermediate school district's proposed budget and shall adopt a board resolution expressing its support for or disapproval of the proposed budget.

Instruction
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education J. Leonard Wright reported that Board action would be requested at the regular meeting to approve a JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge trip. The Benton Harbor High School JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge will be held at Phelps Collins Army National Guard Base in Alpena, Michigan from June 28 - July 5, 2007. The purpose of the summer camp is to challenge the cadets physically and to enhance leadership skills. Ten cadets have been selected to attend this training, having met the requirements. There will also be three adult chaperones attending. The cost is $20.00 per cadet, which he/she is responsible to pay. Uniforms and equipment will be issued by the Benton Harbor High School JROTC Department.

As an informational item, six tenth grade male students representing the Benton Harbor High School Science & Engineering Academy were present to promote Dress For Success. Dress For Success is an initiative designed to promote tiger pride and pride in the community for young leaders.

As an informational item, four high school construction trades students were present to discuss their recent experience as participants in the Habitat for Humanity Build Project in Slidell, Louisiana, due to Hurricane Katrina.

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:

• Professional Staff Resignation
• Layoff 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:

• $375.00 Donation from Fiskars to HOSTS Program at Fair Plain West School

Other
Following the work session the Board of Education will recess to closed session for the purpose of discussing with legal council negotiations.

President McGinnis discussed his recent attendance at a Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) Legislative Conference designed to inform school districts on proposed state budget cuts.

Superintendent's Update
The Benton Harbor Area Schools received a state aid proration letter today, which will become effective June 1, 2007, unless the Senate votes differently. The proposed budget cut will force the District into a deficit.

The Sinking Fund Millage renewal is on the May 8th election ballot, which is a fund for the repair and upkeep of District school buildings.

The 2006-2007 Superintendent's Scholarship Dinner was very successful, as the fund received an additional $3,000 from an anonymous donor today.

Congratulations to the BHAS Flying Tigers Rocket Team for receiving three blue ribbons during a recent competition.

Board Comments
Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education trustees commended District staff and students for their excellent presentations tonight.

The Board of Education recessed to closed session at 7:30 p.m. to discuss with legal council negotiations.

There being no further business, the May work session was adjourned at 7:59p.m.

This page was last modified : September 11, 2007