of conducting the school district's business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. This meeting is held in person at 870 Kfax here in Benton Harbor. An additional live stream of the meeting is available at the following link. Questions may be submitted beforehand to mono lame
atbhs.org or presented in person during the public comment section as indicated in the agenda. Board members may be contacted through the emails listed below. Requests for special assistance, including for persons with disabilities may be sent to mongre.lain atbhs.org. I call this meeting to order officially
at 6:08 p.m. We'll begin by reciting the pledge of allegiance >> to the flag of United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all. >> Secretary Tripley, King, please call the role. >> President Robinson, >> present. >> Vice President Bowen, >> present. >> Secretary Triplet, present. >> Treasure Gavin, >> present.
Trust Trusty Bradley Trusty Rocket Martin >> present. >> Trusty Doyle >> present. >> Madame President, a quorum has been established. >> Awesome. Up next, we have approval of the agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda?
>> Madam President, I make a motion that we approve the agenda as is. >> Is there a second or support? >> I support. >> The motion has been made by VP Bowens and supported by Secretary Triplet. Any questions, comments, or concerns hearing? None. Secretary Triplet.
>> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowen. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. >> Yes. >> Treasure Gavin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Doyle. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. >> All right. Up next, we have re review of
the board of education norms for Bitten Harbor area schools. Guys will just bear with me. Reporting educational norms for Benton Harour Area Schools. We will treat each other with respect. We will listen to learn. We will refrain from side conversations. We will use our time
wisely. Starting and ending our meetings on time. We will challenge ideas not people. We will ask questions when in doubt and there will be no surprises at the board table. We will practice the seven norms of collaboration. Those are pausing, paraphrasing, posing questions, putting ideas on the table, providing data, paying attention to self and
others, and presuming positive intentions. Up next, we have public comment on agenda items. Is there anyone present that would like to make a comment on an agenda item? >> Do you need me to read the public comment statement? I believe I read it off. Is it on the
sheet that I read? >> It's similar. Okay, you have the floor. >> Okay. So, hello. I'm Robert Cuba, head football coach here at Ben Harvard High School. Um, just couple of I just have three to four comments. Just want to
know as far as our facilities, our field maintenance on what we're doing going into the school year on how we're going to control that and take care of the grass because there are holes on the field walking through and I want to make sure that we have the safety for our players and that is a huge concern. And
then a few other things talking with my team and my staff, trainers as far as having for the upcoming season, not just for football, but sports in general, having trainers because that is a huge concern when it comes to injuries. Coaches can't diagnose every injury. So, you need professional people that are in
those stances to do so. So, I'm wondering how we go about that. And then as well as uh the facilities and the athletic facility down down at the bottom are what are we doing as far as the water maintenance? And I know there
was something talked about as far as uh quote check somebody coming in to check check the building but it hasn't happened because I'm always in there. So I was just trying to figure out how we go about that as far as our water maintenance what we're going to do for the kids bathrooms and everything. taking care of that so they have stuff
to go to and not have a porta potty in the dead heat summertime when we're getting ready for camp and it's getting up to 90 and we're all starting to feel it almost 90 to 100. So that's another concern. >> I have a quick question. When you say water maintenance, which as which facility are you referencing?
>> Athletic facility down at the bottom? >> The rec center. >> The rec center cuz we're that's where Yeah, the rec center. Sorry, I didn't know if anybody The rec center. So down there, we're we use the weight room cuz there's still a weight room in there and it's fully maintenance. Coaches are in there. We're always in there supervising
our players. So, we're just trying to figure out as far as water control what we're doing because we're buying water bottles and Gatorades, but that's not only going to last us for so long, especially once camp hits, we got a water tank, can't fill it up because we don't have water to get that going. And so, we got to make sure we get I just
want to know as far as what we're doing for that. So that's my comments and concerns. >> Okay, >> that is all. >> Thank you. Um, we don't respond of course in the meeting. Okay. >> However, each of your concerns that you have, you can address them to uh Mr.
Muhammed. >> We'll do. Thank you. >> And then I'm sure he'll do the research and get your answers for you. >> All right. Anyone else for public comment on agenda items? So sure that was concerned the email coach welcome to Ben schools.
Congratulations. Anyone else for public comment on an agenda item? All right. Hearing none, um we'll proceed with our business for today. Reminder protocol as of 9:13 2022. All comments will be limited to two minutes
for trustee per topic. Our first item today under board business is a close session pertaining to attorney client privilege communication. The board of education may hold a closed session to consider materials such as written opinions of council which are exempt from discussion from state or federal
statute reference policy number 0167.2F. Um, we have a legal opinion from Tron. And, um, just so the public is aware, we'll be stepping into the closed session room very briefly because it's a written legal opinion. It is exempt um,
from public discussion. So, we'll take a step in there, review the opinion that was provided, and then we will come back out for the remainder of the meeting. So, you are welcome to stay here with us and wait for us to come out. If we're in there longer than you'd like to stay, feel free to check us out online. So, at
this time, I'll ask is there a motion to end open session and enter close session per policy 0167.2F? >> Madame President, I make a motion that we end open session and go into close session. >> I second the move. >> The motion was made by VP Bowens and
supported by Trusty Rocket Martin. Any questions, comments, or concerns? >> President Robinson. >> Yes, ma'am. Will our turn to be joining us? >> I can attempt to reach him by phone. Thank you. All right. If there's no
other questions, Secretary Triplet, can you please call the RO? >> President Robinson? >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowen? >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet? >> Yes. Treasure Gavin? >> Yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin? >> Yes. >> Trustee Doyle? >> Yes.
>> Motion carries. >> All right. So, we are ending open session temporarily and entering close session as of 6:16 p.m. We'll return briefly. >> Can I have a motion to end close session and return to open session? >> I so moved.
>> Is there a second of support? >> Support. The motion has been made by Secretary Triplet and supported by Trusty Doyle. Any questions, comments, or concerns? >> President Robinson. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I like Oh, it's been supported. Okay.
So, when could I amend it? >> As soon as we come back to open session. Okay. Okay. Secretary Triplet, please call the vote for returning to in session. >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowen, >> yes. Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure
Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> Trusty Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right. We've return to open session as of 7:57 p.m. >> President. >> Yes, sir.
Can I can we amend the motion to include the accept the appointment of keep standards as the principal for I'm sorry as the interimm superintendent any kind negotiations. >> So you want to
>> amend the agenda to add that to the agenda >> specifically for that person? >> Yes. >> President Robinson, >> you have the floor. Is it possible to add a second name to that amendment and the board
make a vote on either of the two candidates? Um, so my or Donald Pearson, my recommendation if there's two candidates would be to amend to allow for the vote of appointment of an interim superintendent.
>> Okay. >> And that allows for both candidates to be considered. Correct. depending upon the motion made. >> So, you're wanting me to change my motion? >> I can't force you to change your motion.
I just made a recommendation, but it's up to how you want to amend the agenda essentially. >> So, if we were to do it as treasure Gavin is saying, would you call for the first motion for Keith Sanders doing what and then the second motion for
nominates? If we did it as a standard, if we did a standard amendment to the agenda to allow for the a motion for appointment of an interim, then it would be based upon who puts the motion on the floor when we get there. >> Okay. I would like to leave my motion as
is. >> So, you would like to amend the agenda to allow a vote to appoint Heath Sanders >> as interim superintendent? Is there a second or support to that amendment to the agenda?
>> Any other questions, comments, or concerns? I have a concern. You have the floor. That's what I was requesting to do in the first place. So trying to understand how I got pushed out of that opportunity
when that's what I was asking. And also it's just more expedient to allow for both candidates and for the board to just identify who that candidate is of the two.
Trusty Borne, are you really So, with the acknowledgement that Gavin did ask about amending the agenda and you jumped out ahead of her, would you be willing to amend it to allow for a vote on the appointment? >> I think we need to do proper context for
what we're stating that I interrupted or Gavin was at the wrong part of the agenda when treasure Gavin was at the wrong part of the agenda and we had to do a vote. So, we weren't technically out of close session. So, I did not jump in front. We were at the wrong park. So,
if Trusty Gavin is wanting us to vote for Keith Sanders first, and if he doesn't get the votes, then we vote for the person she nominates. >> So, are you amending the agenda to allow a vote on both individuals? I would
amend the agenda that we would vote for Keith Sanders as my recommendation first and then whoever she nominates second. Okay. Trusty Gavin, your nomination was Donald Pearson, correct? I'm concerned about
this process >> and I think that it can create like a disunityity. There's two candidates available and so just to be able to identify [clears throat]
who those two candidate who of those two candidates are feels right as opposed to voting yes or no on somebody knowing that there's a second candidate. It just feels
like a divisive way of doing this. submit my motion as is then. >> So at this particular time, okay, the the thing about it is I'm essentially the chair and the president.
So there was a question that was asked as we were getting ready to take vote to come out of close session about amending the agenda by Gavin and I told her once we returned to open session, she'd be able to do that. You made a motion to amend first with a specific name. My
strong suggestion would be to simply amend the agenda to allow a vote for the selection of an interim superintendent. However, I cannot force you as an individual to change your motion on the
floor. I can just strongly suggest as I did. Madam President, my motion as appointing Keith Sanders as interimm superintendent pending contract negotiations. >> You want to allow for a vote? >> Yes.
>> And are you making an amendment to the agenda to allow for a vote for >> I'm sorry, for the second name presented or No, >> I thought Trustee Treasure Gavin just said that would seem unfair. >> Okay. So what? So communicate very
clearly to me what your amendment is. You're amend you're asking for an amend the agenda. >> We amend the agenda to appoint Keith Sanders as interimm superintendent >> to allow for a vote. >> To allow for a vote. Yes.
>> Was that who was that initially supported by? Trusty Ret, >> any other questions or concerns regarding the amendment currently on the floor? Is it possible to Is there a
parliamentarian? What would what would you need a parliamentarian for? Trusty Gavin, >> just the process. >> The process of what? of the >> what exactly would you need the clarification on?
>> I would like clarity on the process of nomination. Um so right now we're just at the amendment of the agenda and I made a strong recommendation that we just amend the agenda to allow for the a vote on an interim.
>> Right. >> However, I don't have the authority to control what you amend the agenda as or what Bowens amends the agenda as. So parliamentary procedure we are we are clear in parliamentary procedure right now. Your question was asked I will
identify that but it was asked when would we make a vote to amend the agenda and that would be once we return to open session jumped out first with a motion to amend. So nothing as it relates to
parliamentary has been violated per se. >> Okay. Madam President, >> you have the floor. >> I thought we were going to uh take care of some other business before we um what is it? Before we made a suggestion
to agenda, not agenda, but adjust the agenda. >> So, we um we have a superintendent resignation that we do need to address. Um that would need to be handled prior to the appointment of anyone. Um I would
just assume what were you expecting to place the motion specifically? >> It would be so we're amending the agenda to we would follow business as is and at the end once we vote on the resignation of the superintendent we would vote for the replacement or temporary entrance.
>> So were you saying that would be in item C or is that in the superintendent search? Okay. >> Board report B2 is what that would be. Okay. Any other questions or concerns? >> Yes. U my concern is that this is out of
order. We haven't even accepted the resignation of the superintendent and we are changing the agenda to add a motion to accept a person without any discussion on that. But uh we can move forward. I
just want to notate that. Okay. song. Secretary TR um Vice President Bowens, I'll request one more time. Are you willing to >> So, what I want to do is amend the
agent. >> Mhm. So we would follow business as is. But I want us to add on superintendent search on the agenda to play. We're going to vote on the superintendent's resignation on the superintendent agenda. I'm sorry on the
agenda C to appoint Keith Sanders as term superintendent. >> Okay. The motion has been made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Trustee Rocket Martin. Um, Secretary Tripley, can you please call
the vote? President Robinson, >> can you come back to me? >> President Bowens, >> yes. >> Secretary Tripper, I must recuse myself. Um, I cannot um vote on this matter.
>> Treasurer Gavin, >> no. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Doyle, >> do we get to talk about this or no? >> Um, this is just the amendment, so you can discuss it once it gets to that
particular vote. >> Okay. No. President Robinson. Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Okay. Next is uh superintendent resignation. So the public um the school
district and the media has reported as well regarding Dr. Griffin's resignation. Um, and so I wanted to officially read the resignation email into the public record. The email was received Monday, June
29th, 2026 at 7:49 a.m. from Dr. Simone Griffin. It reads, "Dear members of the board of education, please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools effective July 24th, 2026.
Serving the students, family, staff, and community of Benton Harour Area Schools has been a meaningful professional honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to support the district's mission and to work alongside dedicated educators, leaders, and board members in service of student success. I appreciate the trust
placed in me during my tenure and the opportunity to contribute to the district's work. Over the coming days, I remain committed to supporting an orderly transition in a manner that reflects professionalism and care for the school community. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Benton Harour Area
Schools. Sincerely, Simone Griffin, superintendent, Benton Harour Area Schools. Um, so I just wanted to make sure that that was documented in the record. Up next we have the um um you can choose to make comments
regarding the resignation now or you can choose to do it in the comment section of the board report which would probably be a a better flow of business. Okay. So board business board report B1 uh subject separation of
employment dated July 2nd 2026. Reason for board consideration. On June 29th, 2026, Benton Harour Area School Superintendent Dr. Simone Griffin submitted her resignation to the board of education effective July 24th, 2026. Facts and analysis. It is recommended that the board of education vote to
accept the separation of employment of the superintendent of schools. Policy reference 3140, termination and resignation of professional staff. Um, strategic plan goal reference personnel leadership. Benton Harbor area schools will recre recruit hire develop and retain the best staff to improve student
outcomes. Separation of employment first name and last name Simone Griffin superintendent. Reason is resignation effective date July 24th, 2026. Of course, she was in central administration. Her date of hire was July 28th, 2025.
Her um to my knowledge, no exit interview has been um it'll be done in person. None has been completed at this time. recommended action that the Benton Harour Area Schools Board of Education votes to accept the resignation of employment of Superintendent Dr. Simone
Griffin effective July 24th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve board report B1? >> You making a motion, Doyle? >> Okay. >> The motion has been made by Trusty Doyle. Uh Bowens, would you like to provide the support
>> to the motion? >> Support. >> Okay. The motion has been made by Trusty Doyle and supported by Vice President Bowens. We'll now open up the floor for questions, comments, or concerns. If you had a statement, Bowens, that you wanted to make, it would be now choosing
not to. Okay. Anyone have any comments, questions, statements? >> Madame President? >> Yes, ma'am. >> I'd like to amend the agenda. >> Okay. Um, so right now we're in a motion. >> Okay.
>> But I will go to you directly after the motion to allow you to amend. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Um, any questions, comments, or concerns regarding board report B1? >> Raquette Martin. >> Yeah. I would just like to thank Dr.
Griffin for her service to our district. >> All right. Any other comments from the board? >> Yes. U Madame President, I too would like to take this opportunity to um thank Dr. Griffin for her service to our community
and our school district. Um and I want to wish her uh the very best in our future endeavor. >> All right. Um any other comments from the board? Okay. So, I'll provide um what I will
read is the the board of education statement um that we released in response to the resignation. The board of education expresses appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Simone Griffin for her efforts given during the 2025 2026 school year. We wish her the best in her
next professional journey. Benton Harour Area Schools is a district of resilience, fortitude, and strength. The board will convene a special meeting to discuss the transition of the office. We thank the Benton Harour Area Schools community for their commitment and support. Tigan Nation second to none.
There's no other comments or statements from the board. Secretary Tripler, can you please call the vote for board report B1 concerning the resignation of Dr. Simone Griffin effective July 24th, 2026? >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowen,
>> no. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. >> Treasure Gavin, >> yes. Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Doyle. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Okay. Okay. So, the only no was Bowens.
Okay. Trusty Doyle, you had an amendment. >> Yes. I would like to amend the agenda to um nominee or whatever it's called um Mr. Pearson for inim superintendent.
>> Okay. And where are you placing that? >> Um it really don't matter just as long as it's on here. >> Okay. So are you so as it stands right now there's an amendment to appoint Keith Sanders as interim. Are you
wanting you're just wanting it in that same section C? >> Yes it can be in the same section. >> Okay. Okay. Is there a second or support? Support. The motion has been made by Doyle and supported by Gavin to amend the agenda
to also allow uh for a motion to appoint Donald Pearson as interim superintendent. Questions, comments, concerns. Trusty Gavin. Um I want to thank um my colleague
Trusty Doyle for adding Mr. Pearson's name. There's been over a hundred positive reactions uh throughout the community for this um appointment. Mr. Pearson has already
interviewed. He has over 30 years of experience in the district, successful um educator, high in the area of academic excellence um and also uh cultural uh awareness of
who we are. Um I think it would be a I know that it would be a great opportunity to consider him for this interim position which would allow us to have both Mr. Pearson and um Mr. Sanders
in key positions within the district, we have been missing consistency. We need consistency at the high school and at every level and Mr. Pearson has the ability to empower us to hit the ground
running. Um I've heard from his former staff. I've heard from uh ministers and different people in the community who wanted us to make this decision the first time. And so I want to apologize for the delay on that and I hope that we
will seriously consider our need for consistency right now. Um and I will leave it at that. Thank you. I support this agenda item. >> Okay. Any other questions or comments regarding the amendment to add uh Donald
Pearson as a motion for Donald Pearson as interim superintendent? >> Madame President. >> Yes. >> Yes. Um I know Mr. Pearson and I appreciate him and I respect him. However, uh for the needs of our
district, we need somebody that is current, that is knowledgeable about what we're going through right now. uh that has proven from this year proven that he has the ability that Mr. Sanders has the ability
to move the district academically to move the cl to change the climate to make it a positive climate at the high school uh to work with the staff the students and the community. He is also from this community and he
has the credentials to do it. So I would uh that's my take on that. >> Bonus. >> So Mr. I never had Mr. Pearson as a teacher. He worked at McCord um back in
2003 and two when I went attended McCord. Um, what I will say is when it comes to our European counterparts, they're not saying we need consistency
or waste your time. They're moving forward um with replacing with replacing um their individuals. When you look at St. Joe public schools. When you look at the Waljack public schools and all of these
other schools here, South Haven public schools, um Mr. Sanders and Mr. um has shown what he's able to do. He has the experience in running districts. Not saying that Mr. Pearson does not. He ran
River of Life for those two years um few years. he um was the principal and when whatever happened back then um so you know I seen some of the stuff on Facebook I
tossed and turned um that's what I will say >> okay so reminder this is just the amendment um >> that would cause us to uh would allow us to consider both candidates. So, I know that we kind of started talking about a
favorite a little too early. Um, but this is the amendment of the agenda to allow for a vote uh a motion to consider Donald Pearson as well as made by Trusty Doyle. The motion was made by Doyle and
supported by Gavin. >> Point of information. >> Yes, ma'am. If this is voted down, um, will the trustees not have an opportunity to speak on this issue?
So if if the amendment to appoint Pearson is voted as a no, I think is what you're asking, you can still discuss your preference in the in the agenda if it's if it's
maintained for Sanders, >> but it wouldn't be a vote on >> it wouldn't be a it wouldn't be a vote if it doesn't pass. It doesn't pass. >> Thank you. Any other questions? Okay. Secretary Triple. Yes.
Am I allowed to speak? Yes. Um I just want to from inside um we are not in the best position right now as a district um moving into the
next school year. And um while you all are choosing a candidate for interim superintendent, I just want you all to be aware that we need an expert. We need someone who's going to
take on quite a few challenges that we are left with at this time. Um things that need uh expeditious attention, especially with school starting. um not too long from now. So, uh I just want to
make sure that you all know from uh a cabinet position that we are in a tough spot and we need a dynamic leader and we need an expert to be our interim superintendent so that
we can get over the hurdles that we need to get over in order to have a successful school year. and um everything else going forward. Um so, you know, I'm not sure what the process is, but I want to, you know, I just hope
we're doing things correct and in order so that whatever is decided is a decision that will stick and that you all know that uh there's a lot that needs to be done before school starts.
So, we just wanna I just want to make sure that the decision is takes that into consideration. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Um, as it relates to things being and I and I strongly agree as it relates to the expert piece as it relates to us doing things in
decency and in order. The board is aware that we are legally capable of appointing an interim. Um, we are not required to post a position legally. We can choose. We have received clarification that we can choose an internal or an external. Um we also have
the authority of deciding how long that person is in an interim position. So whichever way the vote and keeping in mind that we have essentially about 3 weeks to get someone in place. Um, the district does not have
current time right now to do a full-on search beyond. We have a short turnaround window. Um, and a search takes a bit longer, which is why an interim would be needed. But we also have to keep in mind that
while we may have about 3 weeks um a little over 3 weeks to get someone in place, we also have to give me time to negotiate a contract or an addendum which cuts that time down by a 5 to 7 day window. But I just wanted to respond
to the decency and order piece so that you have comfort in knowing that us making an appointment as an for an interim today is legally sound and justifiable. And then the board would have additional time to decide how it
wants to pursue a permanent person whether that's the interim appointed or we choose to go elsewhere. Okay. All right. Any other questions? Um reminder this is just and thank you so much for coming from the table cuz I
understand we selecting your your supervisor know regardless of how temporary it may be. So I appreciate that. Okay. So the motion that's currently on the floor is an amendment of the agenda to also allow the um allow
a vote for a motion concerning um appointing Donald Pearson as inim superintendent. The motion was made by Doyle and supported by Gavin. Um, Secretary Triple, King, please call the vote. Madame President, I too must again
recuse myself um from this portion of our agenda. President Robinson, >> can you come back to me? >> I can't. Vice President Bowens >> to amend the agenda to allow for to add
Donald Pearson as well. >> Yes. >> Treasure Gavin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> No. >> Trusty Doyle. >> Yes.
>> President Robinson. >> Yes. Motion carried. >> Now you could have just allowed. You voted yes to Adam. You could have did your >> point of order. Can you please stick to the agenda? >> No, I have the floor. You could have allowed for a open motion.
>> Yeah. >> I'm just saying I begged you. You >> It's hot outside and I don't have time. >> Don't be dis >> You won't be called on anymore this evening. Okay. Up next is uh the topic of superintendent search. Um I just
provided everybody with uh board policy uh 1220 concerning employment of the superintendent just as a refresher. I know that we have been here in selecting a superintendent, selecting interrums and things of that nature prior, but it's important that we always have um
policy in front of us. Um and as stated, we've also received counsel from we've received counsel as well regarding options moving forward. Um so at this time we're at section C. Um there were
two amendments made to the agenda. Both were to consider um two different candidates which congratulations to both of those candidates for being considered um as interim. They are Keith Sanders who
[clears throat] is the current principal for Benton Harour High School and Donald Pearson who is a former principal of Benton Harbor High School. Correct. He was principal um and is currently retired um
at this time. So um I have given the trustees the appropriate language for the motion. Um, so the floor is open. >> Madam President,
>> yes ma'am. >> Madame President, I make a motion to appoint Keith Sanders as interim superintendent of schools effective July 25th, 2026 contingent upon contract negotiations. >> Okay. Is there a second or support of
that motion? >> Support. >> The motion was made by I'm running out of space. The motion was made by Rockat Martin and supported by uh Vice President Bowens to
appoint Let me see that again. I don't want to say it wrong. The current motion on the floor is to appoint Keith Sanders as the interim superintendent of schools effective July 25th, 2026 contingent upon contract
negotiations. The motion was made by Rockat Martin and supported by Bowens. President Robinson. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I'm confused. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I thought I thought Vice President Bowens had already he his motion was to
amend the agenda to allow for the vote just like hers was to to amend the agenda to allow for the vote. So now we're at the point of actually making votes for nominations. Now, if you go ahead, trust
>> in terms of the order of it, was that already decided? Like, how did that work? I'm I'm confused. So, I asked Trusty Doyle if she had a preference of where to place it. She said in item C, which was superintendent search, she didn't tell me to put it
before Keith Sanders or after Keith Sanders. So that's why I did not feel comfortable specifying Keith Sanders first or Pearson first because neither of you said a certain way to go first and I didn't want to make it as if I'm somehow being biased either. So I just
open the floor up because there's clearly two motions that are going to be made or considered. If this motion fails, then we have a second motion. If this motion passes, we can open the floor up for conversation. Whatever you all feel is most comfortable. Well, I like to go first, Dan.
>> Yeah. The question wasn't clear like I wasn't if if the question was did someone is this next part of the agenda? My hand was up by the way, but would you be willing to withdraw your motion
so we can move? At the end of the day, whichever the votes are going to lie, they're going to lie. So what what I'm asking my trustees to do and I'm going be very transparent in this. There are two options presented on the table. Regardless to whether who goes first or how if it goes, people are going to vote
the way that they're going to vote. And I know no one knows exactly how anyone's going to vote. So I don't want you all to think that you have less power based on which order the motion goes. But I don't want to be here all night going back and forth over which motion goes
first because people are going to vote the way they vote. So just to allow us to get through this meeting, do you have any do you have any issue with withdrawing your motion and allowing Gavin to place her motion?
I'm asking you don't have to do that. I'm asking you have the floor at this time. I just wish you guys could allow this to be a smooth process. So, it's up to you. I can't force you to do anything. You You would like to maintain your
motion. Okay. The motion on the floor is for the appointment of Keith Sanders as interim superintendent. I'll open it up for questions, comments, and concerns. >> Madam President, >> you have the floor.
>> I love what Mr. Sanders is doing at the high school. um how he's got the got order and he's doing a great job there. Um for me, like our director of finance says, we
need somebody experienced, someone who can hit the ground running, that knows the lay of the land. Um, and I just, yeah, I don't, like I said,
I love I love what he's doing, but I don't think that would be good for us now cuz we need we have put people in this position who has not had the experience. And you see where we are.
So, I think we should get someone that has done the work. That's my thought. All right. Uh, Vice President Bowen, so when you look at Delaware state schools and having to turn 23
schools around from failing to proficiency, you look at someone who embodies the work. When you look at someone who started a school from the
ground up, started from the bottom, now we at the top. How old? He has the work. Not only does he have the work, he has the experience. when he is writing grants for 13 to 18 million
to get in schools like ours and fix them up and turn them around. Time is of the essence. We need someone like our financial director said that knows how to do the work. This is not against Mr. Pearson. I have the confidence in um
either or. But I do believe that for a time that we're in, we need Mr. Sanders to guild that and lead us to that. This is just an intern position.
The board will come back, but right now it's an internal move and we need someone that has showed us just something that he showed us. And when you look at him and see the record and what he has done, he has done
that. >> Any other comments from the board? G. Uh, Rocket Martin. >> Uh, I agree with Trustee Bowens. I think being current makes a difference. Uh, he
has the current certification. He has the current knowledge that we're working under right now with that partnership agreement. He has some understanding of it. Uh he's aware of it. He knows about it. He's living it because surely the high school is part
of it. And I think it's important that you have somebody that already knows what we're in right now like uh Mrs. Carter has said and will understand what the next steps will be for our school district and what the next steps should
be for our school district. So, I am um advocating for Mr. Sanders because he knows he knows what to do next. He's here. He's among the children. He's among the community. He's um he's among
the staff. And so he knows he has a a bird's eyee view I'll say he sees. So I am advocating for Mr. Sanders and it's not anything against Mr. Pierce but for this time for right now for this hour I
believe Mr. Sanders is what we need uh as interim superintendent. >> Okay Gavin. So, um, of course I didn't want to do it this way because I, you know,
if Mr. Pearson was voted down, then I would have voted for Mr. Sanders. I want to make that clear. Although, I don't think that's the best decision. And I'll say why. Because we would
benefit from having both Mr. Pearson and Mr. Sanders. And by choosing Mr. Sanders, we're taking him out of the high school who needs some consistency and some stability. And then we're putting him
over the district. And then once again, we have to find another principal andor assistant principal for the high school. We have an opportunity to have great leadership
at multiple buildings and show a real example of consistency. Mr. Pearson has 30 years of experience, much of which is in this district, much
of which is creating an air of um excellence in curriculum and instruction. and I've seen his work as a superintendent of another um school and I was thoroughly
impressed with the academic excellence of those students, the behavior, their self-awareness, the culture and climate. And I I do have a question. How long has Mr. Sanders been at um Ben Harvard had
served Ben Harvard schools as the principal. Can someone answer that question? >> It was maybe around October September. September September.
>> It was what? It was November. Okay. Bowens is saying November. December, January, so about six months, right? I would love to see I would love to see what he does um
moving forward and this position would be interim and so it would give him an opportunity to stabilize the high school and it would give Mr. Pearson an opportunity to step in and stabilize the district. And if there's a a need to um
compete for that position after we've seen what everybody has done, that's that is the most sound consistent decision. Now whether folks follow it or not, that's up to you all. But I've given that sound um I've given that
sound statement and it's not just me by myself. There are ministers, there are other educators who work with him. There are other people in the community who are in alignment with that. And so if this board decides to uproot the principal from the high school, we also
have some HR issues at this time. Then that destabilization is something that you're going to have to deal with while we're in this transition period with uh Dr. Griffin um you know transitioning out and the new interim not even being
able to start until um the end of July. So that is my that is my statement and the only reason why I'm you know not supporting this is because from my observation and from my analysis
Mr. Pearson is the best decision but Mr. Sanders has my um complete and total support if he is voted in although I think that it's too soon for that. Okay. Any comments? Any other comments from the board?
I prefer not to make a comment. And although this this has been a pleasant meeting, y'all have pulled me from one end of this table to another. So, um, very graciously though was done very, um, very professionally.
Um, no other comments. Secretary Tupler, can you please call the vote? >> President Robinson, >> you come back to me. I'm sorry. Vice President Bowen, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes.
>> I'm sorry. Treasure Gavin, >> no. >> Trusty Doyle. President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Okay. Up next is open public comment.
Anyone here that would like to make a public comment? Hearing none. Board member announcements and Oh, go ahead. You have the floor. Do you need me to read the statement or you're good? >> You can read the statement. Okay. Give me some time. I got >> Is this mic on?
>> Yeah. Got to get it pulled up on my phone. Oh, >> the Ben Harvard Area Schools Board of Education recognize the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on district
matters. Today, there are two areas for comment on the agenda of which you may decide when to speak, public comment on agenda items, and open public comment. We request that each interested participant complete a public participation form using legible writing to ensure that responses are appropriate and properly focused. Perent Harvard
area schools bylaw 0167.3 which governs board participation at board meetings. We request that you preface your comment with your name, address, and group affiliation when appropriate. Each statement made by participants shall be limited to a threeminut duration and per bylaws. No participant may speak more
than once on the same topic until any other persons have had the opportunity to speak on that topic. Participants may remove their masks when addressing the board. Participants shall direct all comments to the board and not to staff or other participants. The board will listen, take comments and questions
under advisement and not respond at this time. I as president will refer questions to the superintendent for research and response. Please ensure that your public participation form includes your contact information as requested. If you have specific questions to the board or executive team
that require followup, please email those directly to Natalie. I'm sorry. It should be emailed to monro.lamebhas.org. You have the floor. Thank you. Good evening.
When I I'm Angela Wilson Turnbull. When I think about Benton Harbor, I think about the students, the children. I think about the culture. I think about the grit, the power, the
tenacity, the needs of the students paramount to all things. politics, relationships, the students come first.
My question are the decisions of the board considering the needs of the students with all they have been through. Clearly, the principal is doing an exceptional job.
Clearly the principal is standing with these students creating an incredible culture and necessary transformation of this school for these children. Why would you rip an exceptional
principal away from your students after only three months instead of allowing him to continue to support our precious students, transform the district,
create stability. This is one of the most tumultuous periods in history. There is extraordinary mental health breaks with our children. They need
sound leadership. They need powerful support. I urge and implore this board for corrective right action to put the
students at the forefront of every decision they make. Put nepotism, favoritism, politics aside, and support these children.
Mr. Pearson has a proven record, has been in this community, is deeply connected, is culturally um relevant and has made a profound difference, has the capacity, the brilliance, the
intellect and the proven record to transform the entire district and to support the current principal and the citizens of this community, our students and the leaders. I implore you to do
right by this district and take care of the children first. Thank you. Thank you. Up next, we have board member announcements and comments. Uh we'll start with Doyle. >> Can you come back to me? >> Yeah. Rocket Martin,
>> she she wanted she passed, but she's I'm coming back to her. The summer institute is rapidly approaching for MASB. It's in Kalamazoo. It's not that far away. Uh sign up and take some classes. You know what what I've learned is
um you're almost like a sponge when you go into those classes. You take away something. It becomes a part of you that help you do board business, to help you understand board business. And so, um, I urge you to take
the classes because as a board, and I'm going to say this openly, as a board, we can improve with better superintendent and board relations. We all need that. So, um, I think that's something that we
could do uh, and we should do because clearly, uh, we need better board and superintendent relations. We do. We just do. The other thing I would like to say is social media has a profound
uh impact on what we do for our district. You can put scenarios out there that are constantly false and untrue. You can get a whole group of people to be on your side, but that's the people that just follow you.
What you need to do is talk to both sides. Literally talk to both sides. And we can paint our district in trouble as poor and negative as you want, but you can also paint your district as a district that is moving forward, that is
progressive, and that has positive influences on children. I'm working with them every single day from kindergarten up to high school. And I see the impact that we are partnering with other entities to bring into our district. Our
kids are excelling. Our kids are nice. They are doing better. They are They could do better. We all can do better. But we don't have a negative district. It's how you look through the lens. If you see a jar that is half empty, that's
what you have. But you can also look at our district as being a glass half full where we are moving forward in spite of the challenges. There are no districts that don't have challenges, but if we can fight through our challenges as a
united body, we can overcome our deficits or whatever things that we have going on. So, I am imploring us, we are putting our children first. We are striving to give our kids the best of everything. We are spending our dollars
on our students, but we also want to spend our attitudes and our state of minds on working with ourselves to see that our students are doing better. You can talk as negative as you like, but I see Bitten Harbor with good teachers.
I'm working with them every day. I see that with good administration. We see their work here. I see a a good board. We can do this work if we stay positive. If we stay off social media with things that put people down instead
of building people up, we can do this. That's my comment. >> Thank you, Trusty Doyle. >> Um, I would like to thank everyone for watching and a few people that came out. Um,
for me just a little I'm really concerned about our district and how we moving and how we say that we are putting our kids first, but
I don't know. It doesn't feel that way. Um, I have my own personal feelings and thoughts, but I'm just I want the best for our district and our children. So, with all of this is going
on, um, I would like to let Mr. Sanders know that I would support him as long as he continue to do what he doing. Um, I would have rather had Pearson with the more experience, but either way,
we'll get through it. And I would also like to um I don't know if anybody knows but the class of 2026 ranked third in all of the graduating classes of Ben Harbor in their
calim something um grade point average accumulative grade point average and I want to give them a big shout out cuz that's so freaking awesome. Thank you. You guys have a wonderful evening on purpose.
>> All right. Uh, Trusty Treasurer Gavin. And if I didn't call you Treasure G, did I call you trustee or treasure the meeting? >> I'm good either way. I a L. >> Okay. Okay. Um, I want to thank um everyone who
listened on Zoom and I especially want to thank uh Angela Wilse Turbo for your powerful words. I'm fully in alignment with what you said. Um there's a saying
that the oppressor would not be so strong if he did not have accompllices amongst the oppressed. When we have an opportunity Oh, sorry. Google wants to talk too. where when we have an opportunity to give our
kids everything, it's important for us to give them everything. Um, we had an opportunity to do that. We had an opportunity to give them
really great examples on all levels. and my colleagues went a different way. I've seen that pattern happen over and over again. But that doesn't mean that
we cannot be successful because I saw Mr. Sanders at the high school and I saw him I I believe I abstained at that time because I didn't have the information that I needed and my colleagues put him there and I'm
pleased that what I saw. So that doesn't mean that it's not possible um to do a great job. I'm concerned about uprooting him from the high school right now at a time in which consistency and
stability is needed. I've been concerned about stability and consistency for quite a while. Doesn't mean that we can't turn it around. So, I want him to be successful. My son is going to be at the high school um after
next year and so he has my support there. I'm praying that the high school gets the leadership that it that it deserves. Um Dr. Str is is an amazing um leader. Um I'm glad that uh we had Mr.
Nan at Fairplane East. He's also um I hear that he's done an amazing job there. And so I just think it's important for us to if we can put the right people in the right seats, um we can give our kids everything they
want. I just would love for us to get to the point in which when we have the opportunity to do it, we seize the moment. Thank you. Okay, up next we have Secretary Triplet. >> Good evening. um
Ben Harour area schools um into the community of Ben Harour before my mother died. She asked my sister and I why are you all doing this?
Those people don't feel y'all. They're in your faces, but they don't like y'all.
I don't know why y'all do it. And so you have to be careful, you know, you you you you grow to my colleague, you grow, you continue to grow because if it's your calling, it's your calling.
Um before my father died, he said to me, "H I guess my name is Chain because when people see me, they don't say Mr. Reggie, Mr. Gil, they
say Mr. Triplet's father." But I'm all right with it and I just speak [clears throat] my little sister and my little brother who was just voted as the interim
superintendent and I want to say congratulations have had conversations about how difficult they felt it was to be my little sister and to be my little brother
because people come up and say instead of saying that's Sharon or saying that's Keith, they'll say that's Ronaldo's little sister. Ronaldo, that's Mr. Triple's little sister, Mr. Triple's little brother.
And my brother tried to say something to me the other day as he closed out his work at the high school to go on vacation. And he tried to say,
um, I'm honored, but I have been in this work for 30 years. I haven't lived here and I've been in this work 30 years and I've been in a lot of places
and I said all of that to say this. I have said down through the years to whom much is given much is required. And I didn't know what it really really meant when I was saying this to our
children. In this community, people come from all over. You go on Facebook and you have comments from different people. They don't even live here. You have people that have have worked in this district
for years. Not saying that the ones been here for years, but people that have worked in this district and have walked out of here and we have gotten nothing for what we have paid. It it's very difficult to me. I I I I
did have a conversation. I felt, you know, I've been here through three superintendent and I just felt in my spirit that these people don't respect us. They don't. They come here, they say whatever it is
they want to say. I didn't know. I remember sitting on the other side and I often wondered why we're coming up here. We're saying this stuff and nobody's saying anything in return. People have been disrespect
people that I know that I have work with them from their childhood because this is not about me. On June the 20th, 2016, 10 years ago,
they walked me out of this building with false accusations and people saying all manner of things. And when they went through the process and they found that it was not true,
but you care about the kid, but they never publicized it like that because their desire and their intention was to destroy. An elder man called me during that time. He said, "They're coming. They're not coming for you. They're coming for your mind."
But they didn't know me. It was never my dream or my wish to come back and be the principal of Ben Harour High School, but everybody wanted to make that the narrative. So, I just went along with it. I just followed I just said, "Okay, well, that's what y'all want. I'm okay."
Yeah. >> Secretary No, I'm I'm going to close off because I I'm I'm sitting here. I've sat here time after time. I've been here
for a long time. I never stop never stop giving of myself to this district. I know you, you know me, I appreciate all of
you have a right to speak your opinion. But I want to say to this community, this is a small community that my stripes have never changed. I don't have any grants. I don't need
any money. I don't have anything in the game but to fight for our kids in this community. Thank you, uh, Madame President, for giving me a little time. I'm trying to process because I don't want to respond
wrong. You have to be the example that you want people to be. Thank you. And I wish Ben Harvard area schools as always the very best. Dr. Griffin, again, I do want to say that I wish you the very
very best in your next um endeavor and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, >> Vice President Bowens. >> Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. You know, when I hear that we are not focusing on kids or not investing in the kids, when I look at
that $160,000 investment into the blacktop, when I look at the driver's education that we're investing, when I look into the curriculum and our test scores are improving, when I look into the facility
improvements that we have done, we're putting students first. People speak because they not know what they've studied. They listen. Sometimes when you shut your mouth and listen and study, you won't make yourself look like a fool. And I hear and see all of those
comments on social media that people have been running around with little comments and all of this and that and that. And just because you say it doesn't mean it's true. So, I'm so excited about the next future of Bitten Harbor area schools and where
we go. It's going to be hard. We need a curriculum and school support coordinator. We need an HR director. We need a facilities director. We need a secretary. We are in transition. It's rotten.
Transition is never easy. Dr. Griffin, thank you for your vision and your level of expertise and Godspeed on your next adventure. Um, and thank you. Okay. So, first I want to apologize to staff
because I told them that I could probably get them out of here by 8:15, 8:30 at the latest and the board of education determined that that was a lie. So, I apologize, but I did say that it was dependent upon comments. Um, I
cannot say that I anticipated a vote this evening. Um, my agenda of course didn't have that there. was just ensuring that we were able to have the conversation about next steps, accept the resignation, etc. Um, and so members
of the board, given the time frame that we have, as you've seen here, had two candidates that they had in mind. I need you to stop rambling that bag and that candy, please. In the midst of my comment, y'all got
two seconds to wait. Um what I would like to do is give honor to both of the candidates that were provided as options. Um both of them are exceptional in the work that they do. Um as stated the interim was selected for
this uh this evening. This person would be in place until the board of education selects a permanent superintendent. Um, just for the board's reference, I did provide you all with a copy of the superintendent um, search profile that
we made last year. Um, because this is a temporary placement or interim as it is. Um, next steps will be me uh, reaching out to Mr. Sanders and discussing
an amendment or addendum rather to his current administrator contact. Um so I will our next meeting is the 14th. Um and so I anticipate that I would have a copy of that um addendum available at
that meeting. Um, as stated, this is just this is our interim selected, but we do still have to think about uh a permanent superintendent. Um, but this gets us through at this particular time. So, I'll keep it short and sweet
because we're here beyond. Um, I thank you all for being as gracious as you were today as you pulled me from one end of the table to the next, but we got through. Um, and with that being said, I'll ask is there a motion to adjurnn? >> President make a motion to adjourn.
Second the motion. >> Okay. The motion was made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Rocket Martin. Questions, comments, concerns? Hearing none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson?
>> Yes. >> Vice President Bowens? >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet? Yes. Treasure Gavin? >> Yes. >> Trustee Rocket Martin? Yes. >> Trusty Doyle? >> Yes. Motion carry.
>> Okay.