other conducting the school district's business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. This meeting is an inerson meeting held at A7 Coldfax here in Benton Harbor. In addition, a live stream of this meeting is available at the following link. Questions may be submitted beforehand to Natalie. Singer
atbhas.org or presented in person during the public comment sections 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 Natalie.
BHAS.org. I call this meeting to order officially at 6:07 p.m. We'll begin by reciting the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Secretary Triplet, can you please call the role? >> President Robinson, >> present.
>> Vice President Bowen. Secretary Triplet, present. Treasure Gavin, >> present. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> present. >> Trusty Doyle, >> present. >> Trusty Bradley. Madame President, a quorum has been established.
>> All right. Next up, we have the approval of the agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? I >> make a motion that we approve the agenda. >> Is there a second or support? >> Support. The motion has been made by
Reich Martin and supported by Vice President Bowens. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Hearing none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowens. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasurer Gavin, >> yes.
>> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion Carrick. >> All right. Next up, we have review of our board norms. The board of education norms for Bitten Harbor 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 apologize for the slight delay this evening. We will challenge ideas, not people. We will ask questions when in doubt. 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. Next up, we have public comment on agenda items.
Is there anyone present that would like to make a public comment on an agenda item? Last call. Anyone present that would like to make a comment on agenda item. Hearing none, we'll proceed. Next up, we have approval of meeting minutes. This
evening, we will be reviewing regular session 129 2025, special session 113 2026, regular session 210 2026. This is our work session. So I do not believe we had anticipated approval for this
evening. I know that there were amendments that were needed to the regular section 129205 minutes which have been corrected. Are there any other noted corrections at this time? If not, I would ask um that you email those to Dr. Griffin and Miss Singer and we can get those corrected
prior to approval. All right, hearing none. Reminder protocol as of 9:13 2022 all comments will be limited to two minutes per trustee per topic. First up we have under board business the MLK student
honors and that is going to be presented by principal Roseberg. You have the floor. Um, I want to say uh uh thank you board of education and superintendent Griffin for allowing us to be here tonight. Um,
tonight we are here to honor 17 of our student scholars um for their academic achievement on the NWA MAP test. Uh BMW MA MAP test is a test that is given three times a year and um students who
typically take the math test in uh and they score within the 50th or 60th percentile show that they are at grade level and usually will show that uh they will perform proficient on the uh MSTEP test. Um tonight we are here to
recognize 17 students who performed at the 70th and 80th percentile. um some almost reaching the 90th percentile. So um thank you. So before I start, I would like to if we could uh give a shout out to the parents
if they can stand of those students that honor tonight. We definitely want to thank them uh for their hard work and dedication to bring our varian schools. Also, if I can have my staff to please come up and stand please or my staff members.
Want to thank them for being here tonight. So, first I want to call up one of our third grade teachers, Miss Jasmine Car, and she will begin with the recognition. Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. Can >> you hear me? >> Yes.
>> Okay. Today we celebrate excellence. We are incredibly proud of our students who scored 80th in the 80th percentile or the 90th percentile on their NWA, ELA, and math assessment. That kind of achievement takes focus, perseverance,
confidence, and hard work. You set a goal, stay committed, and prove that you are capable, what you are capable of. We see you, and we celebrate you. We also would like to give a sincere thank you to all of our teachers. I would like to start off with calling
up Ashton Terrell. Charm Stanton, >> Bo Griffin, >> Carla Griffin, Shantel Jawers, Sirius Edwards, Kase Barnes, Joseph Johnson.
I'd like to call up Miss Bfield. >> Good evening everyone. I have the pleasure to introduce three students from my room. The first one is Wyatt McMillan. Mayor Jackson and Kareem Griffin.
Good evening, number one. It's a pleasure to be before the board and our administrative staff. I have the pleasure of introducing uh several of my students. I'll start with Alex Clinton.
Congratulations, Alex. Great job. Ken Kayen. and Marcus Mims. Thank you. Any other teacher would like to come?
Miss Evans. M Evans. >> Good evening everyone. I have one student. I am honored and privileged to have him in my class and his name is Isaiah Penfield. Congratulations.
>> Uh good evening everyone. I'm Miss B. I teach second grade. I have one student in my class who has earned this reward, earned this honor, and that is Champion Wilson. Oh, we have no more teacher on the side. Miss after this holiday, can we have all the
students, please come to the front so we can take a picture with their certificates of achievement. Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Okay. believe he did that. >> Okay. Um,
let me add a little something. You know, I was the ties are too big because they're going to grow into them. And this is just starting off. Uh, I'm Jazelle Flowers Hardway and I am
the ASD teacher. I had two students in this room with the help of these wonderful people standing next to me that scored in that same category. And for you, the real world doesn't have
special ed. So that means they had to work five times, 10 times harder. So, at this time, we had too much fun. At this time, uh, I'd like my colleague,
my friend to say the names and for them to come up and accept their award. >> Can I have Kyrie Alexander come to the front? Deasio Carter, can you come to the front?
>> I just want to say how proud I am of them and have they had me in a little tent, tall as I am, trying to do some tests with these children. >> Thank you. grow up and marry her if you haven't figured that out. >> Good job.
>> Um, Principal Wallsburg, I think you did you have any other closing comments? You missed one. Okay. All right. I'm back again. Good evening again. And I have one other student that I would like to acknowledge tonight and
that is Kayen Edgar. >> Congratulations. You're so sharp tonight. Hey, >> can we have all of the students please come to the front, please? the line side by side. Makes sense. That sounds
there. She's gonna show him. Mayo, look at the camera. Look up there, Miles. Can we have our teachers join us please? Sharon Henderson, can you please report to the FL? All right. And before they return to
their seats, can I have everybody give them a standing ovation, please? Let's look at All right. So, we are extremely proud of our students at MLK. And Principal Roseberg, I like that you
took an opportunity to acknowledge the parents because I think that's extremely important. We want to make sure their efforts are acknowledged as well. So, moving right along with our agenda, up next we have the World Corporation Day of Impact. And Miss Tracy Robinson, if
you could come to the mic for your presentation. >> It smells like oil in here. >> I don't smell this. Do you smell oil? >> Oh, Mr. trick. Do you guys smell or
you know So, we're just going to take a quick moment just to allow those who came specifically for the presentation to exit if they choose. But those who I understand
Oh, >> yeah. Listen, when I open the door, I seen a bunch of kids. I'm like, "Wait a minute. What's going on?" All right. Mr. Robinson, you have the floor when you're ready.
I'm gonna ask if those that are exiting could bring their tones down so we can continue with business. >> Thank you so much. >> Ready. >> Is it on? >> It's on. Okay. >> Good evening.
>> My name is Tracy Robinson. That made me proud to see that as a former teacher. But I am the senior manager community relations and managing director at Worldpool Corporation. So I'm excited to talk about Day of
Impact which is scheduled for June 18th. This marks our fifth year. If any of you did not know, we have had a successful partnership with the city of Benton Harbor that has already brought revitalation to our
several parks in our community which include Union, June Woods, Yarro, and most recently Morton Hill. This year, we are excited to collaborate with Benton Harbor area schools to revitalize the basketball courts behind the high
school. So, as many of you know, the courts are a historic and important part of our community that was dedicated by one of our own um the actor Sinbad in 2003. These courts once hosted legendary games
and served and I remember cuz I was there the school's physical education classes. The really reason behind us wanting to do the basketball courts is that one, it will enhance the appearance
of the area visited by other schools, >> right? >> Especially during track and football season. Two, the revitalized course can again be utilized for physical education courses and the basketball teams. And
then also we plan to add a turf, a practice turf that is adjacent to the court. And this will help because Ben Harbor Area Schools or the high school is the only school in the district does that does not have a practice turf. So
we are really excited about that. So we believe that investing in public spaces is obviously an investment in the heart and soul of the community. It is essential for us Whirlpool to continue making a positive impact through our collective efforts with the city of Bent
Harbor. So again, it's scheduled for June 18th. You may see preconstruction happening during spring break. Ignore it. We will be down there making sure and you know in the end we will make sure that it will definitely be a vital place
for our students, our kids, and our community. So I plan to see all of you there June 18th. >> Thank you. >> Any comments from the board? I think is just absolutely amazing and I
want to take this opportunity you know um when you look back when Sinbad put this initiative and had this vision to do something for his alma mater it was so vibrant and it was so beautiful and our kids truly did benefit
>> and I just want to take this opportunity first of all to congratulate you in your new role >> and also for all the wonderful things that I've seen you do in this community. So, I appreciate it and I'm just excited to see um how it's going to look and
what's going to happen. Go Tiger. >> Thank you. And I I know she's not here, but I would really like to acknowledge Dr. Griffin. She was very handson, very ready and excited when I brought this idea to her.
So, I just wanted to say thank you to her. Thank you to all of you. And again, I plan to see you there helping June 18th. >> June 18th. >> Thank you. >> Absolutely. >> If you have any questions, please reach out to me. >> Thank you so much.
>> God is good. >> All right. Up next, we have Blue Roof Church Airplane Middle School teachers lounge recognition. Principal Alexander and team. >> Good evening. I'm Trevon Alexander, principal at Fairplane Middle School.
First, I want to thank um my lovely CIS, well, I don't know if it been announced, but my lovely CIS worker, um Elena Rocket, she did a lot of the back work for it. All the back work, I'm sorry. She came to me like, "We want to redo
the staff loss." And I was like, "Sure, go for it." and she just did her thing. And if you look at the screen, there's a couple pictures um that we took. And that is a new couch. It was not there. The rug is new. Everything in there is fully furnished and new. And it looks
good. Um snacks in there for the staff, drinks, all the above. So, I don't think we have any before picks in there, but it was outdated. Very outdated. Um, and that's just one of the first steps of improving Fairplane and just beautifying
it. So, there's gonna be more to it. But like I said, this is Miss Rash. She give you a little more backstory on what took place and what all happened because I had all four trust that she was going to do. Amazing job and what she did. So, this is Miss Rocket.
>> Hello. Um, so with community in schools, um, Miss Rakette, so when I first got to the middle school, I seen the teacher lounge and, um, that was one of the first things I wanted to do because I believe in happy teachers, happy students. So I met with the teachers and we do a needs assessment. So some of
those things they needed a space. We do have like a potluck. We usually have it in the office, but though this is a space where we can get together and the teachers can sit down and just relax. Um, but it wasn't just me. I had a volunteer. She um reached out to community in communities in school. You
can step up and at that moment I was new. So I was like I will take help wherever it wherever I get it. Um so she came in, she was willing just to meet with me, volunteer, clean, whatever. Um we had she helped with the library and um it
started the end of the school year last year. So she came in and usually what I do when I have um partnerships, I tell them everything that we need. So I said, um, yeah, I was looking for maybe someone can come in and decorate. It started with decoration. I just knew
something needed to happen. Um, so she went back to her church, which is Blue Roof. Um, and she pretty much made it happen, her and her team. So, um, I'm really happy that she was able to do that, and it was it's just a good partnership. So, they did, um, they filled up the refrigerator with snacks,
pop, Pepsi, uh, coffee. Um the other side was chips, mint, so much stuff. And then there is talk to do this quarterly. So um it's amazing partnership that we have for our teachers. And this is Leticia Baker.
>> Hi everybody. >> Yes. Um Miss Rocket reached out well asked me if I knew anybody. being like, "Okay, I can go back to my church and talk to our staff and see what like see what they will do." And we have Heidi. Um, she is the one in the white
>> by Ardell the white sweater. She made it happen. She reached out to partnership with Fresh Decor. Um, they were the one who brought the cabinets and put that together. She reached out to
Whirlpool and also TripleC who helped like who helped brought the Oh, and shoulders. Shoulders is shoulders furniture. They were the one who brought the furniture into the teacher lounge. But she did above and beyond. I also thought we were going to decorate, but
she did amazing things over the Christmas break for the teachers, so when they come back, they can have something great to do. and it was fun for us staff to just come in and paint and help transform the teacher lounge. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> And I also want to give one shout out to a custodian, Mr. Arty Fischer. Um over winter break, he was letting them in constantly, consistently, and helping with demolition, moving things around. So, he was a great help to that project as well. So, thank you. And that's all I have.
>> Thank you. Absolutely amazing. We are going to proceed with our agenda. Up next, we have the Michigan Association of School Board 2026 elections.
I did touch on it briefly. I would like to acknowledge my mother for coming here this evening with her classroom. >> That's your twin. >> Are you her twin? I'm I'm her I'm her car. >> Okay. So, as you all are aware, we do
have the opportunity to cast a vote um for Michigan Association of School Board in our elections. I did kind of preface it that we would be um reviewing slightly today in case there's any conversation that the board would like
to put before the floor regarding the candidates selected or noted. And then we anticipate making our board vote formally in our regular board meeting. I believe the deadline to submit is a day or two after. So it's uh we we vote the
day before, which will be Tuesday, March the 10th, and then Miss Singer has to have it submitted by 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11th. So, I wanted to open the floor up if there's any conversation or discussion at this particular time regarding the region six
candidates noted um because we'll be ready to take a vote. I'll be asking if there's a nomination to be made for a candidate and then we'll proceed with our vote at that time. So, anyone would like to add any insight regarding the candidates as selected.
>> Madam President. Oh, no. >> You have the floor? >> No, I haven't. >> You don't? Okay. Anyone else? So, just to review who it is, it's Charlie Fulbright, Battle Creek Public Schools, Calhoun County. He's uh served
region six. >> You got to go down. >> We're region six, three-year term. He's region six. >> Okay. So, region six, uh Charlie Fulbright, Battle Creek Public Schools, Calhoun
County. He served seven years on the board. Um he's an incumbent. His offices held have been president, vice president, and treasurer. He has the noted MASB uh certifications. He also has provided an election statement to the board. We have region 6 Tiana
Harrison, Kazoo Public Schools, Kamazoo County. She served 12 years on her board. Her office is held a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Her certifications are also listed. And then we have Elizabeth
Odell, St. Joseph County ISD, St. Joseph County. She served 28 years on her board with offices held of president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. She's also an incumbent and her certifications are listed. So if there's no other disc, no current
discussion and you all would like to marinate on the candidates, um, we can continue to do so. We I'm not going to delay the meeting. Um but we'll be prepared to take a vote in our upcoming regular board meeting.
All right. We're going to proceed with our agenda. So, we've had discussions prior regarding um having legal counsel at our board meetings. So, we have staff report B2.
And Trusty Gavin, were you wanting to take this vote tonight or were you willing to take it at the regular board meeting? I know that we have it prepared. >> Um, President Robinson, I don't want to surprise the board members even though we talked about it. I'm prepared to wait
until the regular board meeting, give them an opportunity to think through which option works best. >> Okay. So, to um point out, everyone knows the standard. We want to have our board me our council present in our meetings. That's a discussion that the board has had. Um there are a couple
options on the back which is important that you take a look at. There's three options noted. So of course it now therefore be a resolve the board of education for Ben Harbor Schools authorizes legal council to attend all regular regularly scheduled board of
education meetings under the following options as selected by majority vote. Option A is to authorize Clark Hill Associates at 295 an hour to provide legal counsel at all regular scheduled board meetings at an estimated annual cost of 21,240 based on 6 hours per
month. Option D would be to authorize Trinaw firm at 285 an hour to provide legal counsel at all regularly scheduled board meetings at an estimated annual cost of 20,520 based on 6 hours per month. And option C will be to decline authorizing standing legal counsel
attendance at all meetings and instead request legal counsel attendance on an as needed basis as determined by the board president and or superintendent. And of course if you all um indicate that you feel that we need council president, I'm always open to do so. And
then so you would um we would have that conversation and then you would actually make your Now we have A's and N is no. We haven't even taken a vote. I think that's just >> it was a mistake. >> We probably updated a previous
um resolution. So we would put the yes and nos here once we actually take a formal vote. So, we will have we will take this vote and um we can have a discussion now if you'd like to or we can actually continue with our meeting because we do have a hefty schedule and and discuss
more in detail at the next upcoming meeting. Trusty Gather, >> I just ha would like to make a comment that I think we have demonstrated that it is super important for us to have legal counsel at our board meetings
whether they be uh physically present or available um virtually. Um, it's it's one of those things in which we all are smart in our areas, but we're not lawyers. And they have some insight that will help us to save money, help prevent
us from making certain mistakes. Um, even be great if they could review certain things before we, you know, before we vote on them. I think it would put us in a much better situation. And I I just want to say that I've um
I'm I'm partial to Clark Hill. I appreciate the way that they handled a couple other things and their due diligence. Um, but I believe that it's better to have either than than none at all. Um,
that's uh where I'm leaning. Um, I believe that we save money when we invest in wise counsel. >> All right. Any other comments? Secretary Triplet. >> Yeah, I'm just looking at it and I I I too agree.
um that to have counsel here is important as we transition and so that we don't make mistake um and we can make some uh solid
good decisions in advance instead of afterwards. Um, however, when I look at this, this is u we see $21, uh, $240 for 6 hours per month. We have uh
regular meetings for uh six hours. Um, >> that's both of the meetings. So, that's that's estimated I'm thinking three hours per meeting, >> right? Yeah. And so, but when you look at it, you're talking about almost $200 uh,000 um $240,000
for the year if there if say for in either one of these. So, you're talking about a quarter of a million dollar um for council if it's a month. >> No, the 21,240 is the annual >> $21,000 based on six hours per month.
>> Mhm. >> So, $21,000 a month. No, >> that the 21,240 is the annual amount. >> Annual cost >> for the year. >> For the year. >> Okay. Because I was getting ready to say now that's a little
>> No, we don't need that much at home. >> Thank you so very very much. I'm looking at six hours per month at 21. That's the devil. >> Yeah. So, yeah. Okay. All right. Now, thank you so much for that clarification
and I will look at it. I'm kind of leaning to I I too um feel a lot more comfortable with Clark Hill if we pick between those two. Um
and um but the and and I'm not wiping out option C, you know, where we could where we could do some planning. Um, and so when you say like the if they say $21,240
that's including travel and everything we don't have to pay mileage and stuff if they come. I think all those things need to be taken into consideration. >> So we do have to we do have to pay for travel but there's potentially an option that maybe they could attend virtually but it's still we're paying for their
time. >> That's some pretty good money for No, no, I'm just kidding. So, thank you. That's just my thoughts. >> Trusty W. >> Oh, Vice President B. Trusty, you don't want to go. >> Well, I'm I'm confused because I'm
looking at this rate and it says their attorney's type a shareholder is $335 an hour. The associate is $285 an hour for
And the other one is 335 an hour, 325, and 295. So I guess my question is, how do we make sure I know we're going into a budget, but I don't want them to come back and state that they sent a
different attorney. So what I'm saying is we had a vendor that came back and said they needed more money. Mhm. >> Will we run into that with this? So the attorney that we the level that the attorney on is is what determines the
rate. So if we specified that we wanted the the cheapest route an associate at 295, then that's who they would designate to to assist us. >> Okay? >> If we if we felt that for whatever reason a particular meeting we wanted a
member attorney, then that of course would increase the rate. if we felt that if we were more comfortable with having a higher level. >> Okay. So, I just I understand what you're saying. I just want to make sure. So, say for example, they can't send an associate. Would we have to still pay because we're requesting that associate,
would we have to pay that shareholder price? So, that would be something that we would discuss with the with council prior to them arranging them coming. So, if we let's say we approve it at an associate rate because they've given us the number. So, that means they have associates. they know why we're
inquiring. We could always go back and make an amendment if needed to say, "Okay, we've realized that we're going to we our preference is a senior attorney and the rate is going to be this." So, we I can flesh that out more. Um,
these are the rates that they provided. So, I would anticipate if they provided the race, they anticipate that they can have someone here. We can double check that for you if you'd like so that we we have fully prepared to take a vote whether it's for against. I'm not trying
to encourage you in either direction. >> So would this mess up our function codes to make sure that we're not over our 50%. >> This would go into legal. Um it would probably alter what's been budgeted because this is not what's budgeted. So we would be >> potentially over
>> well it depends on where we are now but we would potentially be over what has what we've projected because this is an expense we're adding close to the end. >> So we may need to do a budget amendment. >> We always yep we always do budget amendments. >> Okay. Thank you for your clarification. >> And u director Varia where would you in
what month of this year do you anticipate us doing a budget amendment? Would it be March? Yes. So she could always go back in and if we were to take this budget or this vote and the board passes, this could be
included in her amendment to the budget. >> Any other questions? >> I'm responding writing. Thank you. >> Okay. Trusty Mia, >> I'm leaning more toward option C to have counsel as needed. uh for the simple
fact that each law firm offers different things and um I know that HR would always use the uh Clark Hill, the rest of the district
would use uh Truan and then out of that they sometimes would tell you to get a a third party, a neutral party to investigate. that would be their recommendation on some issues. And then
if we were not satisfied with their findings, sometimes we've had to get other attorneys to come in and look at uh the issue. So, I'm leaning more toward um option C.
>> So, I would just like to clarify, we would never have a third party um present for our board meetings. It would be >> No, no, no. I'm talking sometimes like after we got the legal counsel, they would tell us to get a third party to investigate
or get a a different at you know and investigate it from a neutral from not either from not from their firm. >> Right. I think I'm try what I'm trying to clarify is that we that that particular piece of it although true would not be relevant to the attendance
of the meeting because they would they would give us someone within their firm to be here consistently and not a third party because both firms have HR people that are good with facilities different things those particular situations were always so it wouldn't be whatever that
particular issue was at that particular time but that wouldn't that wouldn't necessarily resonate with our board needs. >> Okay. Secretary Triple, you >> and Madame President, I think if we did have an attorney on site, we wouldn't need third party because they would keep
us away from those type of investigations because they giving up the advice and counsel that's necessary. So, a lot of times things were made, things happened because we didn't have counsel, then we had to call counsel after the fact. So, this is really something that we do need to look at.
Um, and and how does it look? Um, having somebody here to say, "Listen, y'all can't excuse me. You all cannot do that." Because a lot of times we did things or things happened, unbeknownst to us, and then we had to end up with a third party because we made or I don't
know if anybody made mistakes. Thank God the majority of the third party investigations um as it related to the board and what have you uh did not go through. Yeah, but I'm I'm just speaking more toward the HR investigations that the third
parties were recommended for. >> Okay, we are going Trusty Doyle, >> I just want to weigh in. Um I feel like we need council here um to help us when we making decisions and we're not clear
so we don't have to call them later. They're already here. Those are my thoughts. >> Thank you. Short, sweet, and to the point. I like that. Not to say anybody else wasn't, but she already says what she needs to say so quickly and efficiently.
>> President Robinson. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I'm just curious, how do we have these How do we have names already on? >> I pointed that out. I think what I would anticipate is that we probably updated a previous resolution and did not amend.
So I did note that earlier that we needed to cross out who voted in what direction. >> Okay. >> No has taken. >> Wait, let me see where it has my name. >> Oh, it said I voted for it.
Okay. So according to this Robinson boys triplet Gavin Do said yes said no. Now I wonder is this some behind the scenes conversations going on. Doesn't seem too far off to me but okay.
So yeah noted no vote has taken place. We plan to take a vote in our Tuesday March 10th meeting and then we'll indicate who has voted what towards the option that is input. So for example, if Gavin was to make the motion regarding
B2, she would she would make the motion with her option and then we would vote according to her option. If for something that one doesn't pass and someone wants to offer an alternative option, then we'll we'll go with what works, but we will deal with that in our
next meeting. All right, so moving right along. Um up next we have two close sessions. We're going into close sessions for two separate reasons. Um so I believe that
we have an individual present that will be um joining us. So even though the opinion and council goes first, we will actually enter into the um 0167.2A 2A first to be uh cognizant of
time and then we'll go into close session plus 0167.2F and we have two opinions of council today. Yes. either. >> I don't know if it's doable, but is there a one of the things that I hear
from our individuals in Zoom lane is that they wait for so long and sometimes fall asleep or anything um waiting for the closed session to end. Do we want to do a time limit on our closed sessions or
is that illegal to do? >> It's not illegal. Um, I think it's not illegal to have a time limit. We can try to be u mindful of that ourselves. I I love when we're able to get in and out, but I also respect the
voice of the board in um digging through what we need to dig through. But yes, and and maybe we can find a way to make a an alert or or something so that they are able to stay with us when we return. But thank you for being mindful of those
in Zoom land. >> Okay, Madame President. >> Yes, I need to read the reasons. Okay, we're going to take just a quick recess. Um we standard take bathroom breaks or things of that nature if we need to and you will um
we'll enter our closed sessions. So, the board of education is holding closed sessions for two separate reasons. The board of education may hold a closed session to consider materials such as written opinions of council which are exempt from discussion by state or
federal statute reference policy 0167.2F and then the second and we have two account opinion councils from Truman Law Firm. We also are entering a a closed session. And the board of education may hold a close session to consider the dismissal, suspension, or disciplining of or to
hear complaints or charges brought against or to consider a periodic personnel evaluation of a public officer, staff member, or individual agent if the name person requests a clone hearing. Policy reference 0167.2A.
For both of these, a majority vote is required. So, as stated, we will um end open session and enter close session. However, we're going to take a quick recess prior to doing that. So, is there a motion to end open session and enter
close session per 0167.2F and 0167.2A? >> All right. Second. >> Okay. The motion was made by Doyle and I and I'll take Bows as the second. Any questions, comments, or concerns? >> I'm sorry. What' you say?
>> I'll tell you later. Okay. All right. Hearing hearing none. Secretary Tripler, can you close the call the vote? >> President Robinson >> and notating we are even though it's two closed session, we're taking this vote mutually as a consent to go in for these
two separate reasons. >> Thank you. >> All right. Secretary Triple, please call the vote. >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Gavin, >> yes. Yes. Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Doyle.
>> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. So, we are um ending open session as of 6:58 p.m. For anyone that is here uh in the public or virtually, you are more than welcome to wait for us. We will continue with our
standard work session once we return from close session. in session. >> I make a motion to end close session and return to open session. >> Is there a second or support? The motion has been made by Rockat Martin and
supported by Doyle. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Hearing none. In the absence of Secretary Tripler, Miss Sior, can you please call the vote? >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes. >> Treasurer Gavin, >> yes.
>> Trustee Rox Martin, >> yes. Trusty Doyle. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. We're returning to open session as of 8:45 p.m. At this time, um given the hour and for the sake of efficiency, I would ask that um we amend
the agenda. There is addition that needs to be made. Um we would need to add a under board business. we would need to add motion B1 and I'll read the language
of that very short motion. Um, I am suggesting that we remove everything else from the agenda outside of the Fairplane Middle School out of state overnight field trip approval staff report T2 as well as uh the items under human resources staff separations
creation of staff I'm sorry staff separations and creation of staff positions staff report H1 and H2 we would have to maintain open public comment and then I would not take away the board's opportunity to make
announcements if you all would like to. So, is there a motion? >> Motion. I support what you just said, Madam President. >> All right. Is there a second and support? >> Support. The motion has been made by Trusty Boones and supported by I'm sorry, by Vice President Bowens and supported by Trusty Doyle. Any
questions, comments, or concerns? >> I do have a question, President Robinson. >> You have the floor. >> Yes, this question is for curriculum committee. the CTE course approval. Um, was this just for our information or
was there a vote required tonight with any deadline? Unfortunately, I am unaware of the CTE course approvals. Um, I was not privy to that conversation. and Miss Wilson, from what I was told,
should be here tonight to present that. So, okay. Well, with the absence of Miss Wilson, well, if we could just take a look at it real quick. Um, just making sure there's no deadline on that.
So, I do know that there were conversations and it appears that what we're what we're voting on is board approval. board approval for the CTE courses that we are currently taking which is culinary arts, construction
trades, computer system networking and telecommunication, general engineering and robotics, radio TV broadcasting. So this document is the document that shows um that we are approving those
classes to either substitute for it looks like third science, second world language, fourth math, social studies, physical education, BP, AA and algebra 2.
And so you all are voting to say that we are using those courses to substitute for those classes. Also, it looks like there is a personal finance requirement course
that will be required um for students entering 8th grade in 2023 to complete a half credit course in personal finance. So, with that, I'm wondering if we can add
Were they requiring a vote tonight? >> No. >> Or is it just for our information? >> I'm not sure. Um, however, um, because it is on there, that's probably something that we do need to vote on. Um, it's very vague.
>> Can your professional opinion does Yeah, it's a work session. I noticed some of them are dated for today, but I guess we're seeking your guidance on whether we need to take action. >> Yes. >> You would you would advise that we take action tonight? >> Tonight? Yes.
>> Yes. >> I think we need to follow our norms and our expectation. I was not under the impression that we were voting on this, but if it's a requirement, then what is the point of a work session? >> Yeah. Well, we our work session is to
review the information, but I know that the district tries to take advantage and not in a negative way, but they try to utilize the time and opportunity when the board is together. So, we do have time similar to the HR reports that we're going to take action on and the
field trip that we're going to take action on where it is in our best interest to use the time that we're here. Unfortunately, I don't have the information as to whether or not this is timesensitive myself. So I can't I don't feel comfortable advising either way. >> I was going to say because didn't the
director of CTE Miss Wilson is not here. >> So we can't even ask questions in the >> Sorry. No. >> So I'm the director of CTE is not here. Our director of academics is saying it's
Ray. She's not aware. Um so we're voting on this. I'm just confused. I would like more information. >> Is there a deadline on us needing to have this rolled? >> So, I I am at the liberty of the board.
I would just prefer we not spend five or 10 minutes deciding whether we're going to take action on this item. >> Yes, Secretary Triplet. >> I I you know, when I hear um CTE courses taking the place of of uh academic core classes like algebra 2 and
all those different things, I'm very concerned. So I, you know, um I I need more information, you know, because I struggle with that. I don't think that it's, you know, when I say algebra 2 where algebra 2 is a major part of the
SAT. So you can't get that in cosmetology and what what algebra 2 is asking for. So I think that we need some more guidance from our director of academics and the CTE. we could get some more information. I think with it being
there for us to look at, but I'm very concerned um of those classes taking the place of core classes and in those places are they it doesn't match. It will not match in my opinion. So, I need some more information. They have to show
me how any of these classes would stand in for algebra 2. >> President Robinson, uh trustee, uh treasurer gav. >> So, okay. um being that there is no deadline or no um special notice that
this is a urgent matter. I don't recall in the committee meeting whether or not it was a a urgent vote. So being that there is no specific notation that this is urgent, I will um concede to this
being off of the agenda until >> Okay. So, you all have to remind me. I know the initial um Vice President Bowens made the motion for amendment and Trusty Doyle supported. Correct. Is is what I Yeah.
All right. If there's no other questions, comments, concerns, Secretary Triple, King, please call the vote. >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bolins, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasurer Gavin,
>> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. Up next, motion B1. At this time, I would ask if there is a motion that the board select the Allen Lo law group to perform a factf finding
investigation. >> Oh, that was Doyle. All right. The motion has been made by Trustee Doyle. Um, is there a second and support? >> I support. >> The motion was made by Trusty Doyle and supported by Secretary Triplet. Any
questions, comments, concerns? >> Hearing none right here. >> You have the floor. I just want to say that I'm reluctantly supporting this because I
am desperately asking my colleagues that we require these third party individuals to move with a greater level of expediency. things have just taken too long in the past to collect
information, do investigations, and come to proper conclusions and get the facts. And so, if we are moving in this direction, I think there needs to be some stipulations that they move with expediency as they get the facts and
make sure that we have all the facts to make the proper decisions. And I'm hoping that we will do everything ethically as we
move in this way so that everyone is treated fairly and I'll leave it at that. All right. If there's no other comments or questions from the board, secary triplet, >> president Robinson,
>> yes. >> Vice President Bowens, >> no. Secretary Triplet, yes. >> Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> no. >> Trustee Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carries.
>> All right. Um, >> get your computer back. But what did you say? >> We have We have um an administrative assistant for the board of education as well as the secretary. >> You have to sign your roll call sheet though. Yeah. Don't you give me
Okay, >> Miss Miss Singer, >> she does a great job. >> She does a great job. She up on that. >> All right, up next, according to the amended agenda, we have the Fairplane Middle School out of state overnight field trip approval. >> Principal Alexander, you have the floor.
Thank you for your patience. >> Thank you. >> So, thankful. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> So, I'm here to present um our request. The subject is a request of an out ofstate overnight field trip for Flay
Middle School 8th grade students. Uh the reason for board approval. The board the board should approve field trips and other district district sponsored trips that are planned to keep that are planned to keep students out of district overnight or longer and or out of state.
Back some analysis. Fair play Middle School is requesting approval for an end of the year eighth grade educational trip to Washington DC scheduled for June 11th through the 13th 2026. The trip will include 45 students and three staff members along with two parent
chaperones. This experience will provide students with an immersible learning opportunity aligned to Michigan standards in civics, history, geography, English, language arts through visits and visits to the national landmarks and government institutions.
The estimated cost of the trip is $65,848 with a per student cost of $1,46328. The trip will be fully funded through title one funds to ensure equitable access for all participating students.
Policy reference policy 2340 build other district sponsored trips and policies 6320 purchasing the funding sources title one. The strategic planning goals reference academics. Ben Harvard area schools will increase student
achievement as measured on local, state, and national assessments. The learning opportunities the Harvard area schools will develop, maintain, and implement with fidelity a multi-ter system of support that enhances the culture and learning environments. The recommended action is that Benhart that the Ben
Harvard Area Schools Board of Education approve the Fair Point Middle School 8th grade educational trip to Washington DC scheduled for June 11th through the 13th, 2026 as presented. >> All right. Now, the whole time you was reading, I was tangled up in my book
trying to find There's no resolution attached to this >> the actual resolution in my packet. Okay. Um, >> no. >> Is there a motion to approve? Oh, it's the last page. Aha. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And we will we will have questions, but I'm going to let the motion be placed on the floor first. >> President, I make the motion that we approve staff report T2. >> Is there a second or support? >> I support. >> The motion has been made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Secretary Triplet. Any questions,
comments, or concerns? >> I do, Madam President. First of all, I'm glad I'm I'm grateful that our eighth graders will have an opportunity um last year. I think it was absolutely amazing um for the eighth graders. They worked extremely hard. I'm quite sure you all have systems in place. I do have one
question. He said it's 45 students and so I'm not sure if they changed the number of student per chaperon. So it's my understanding that for every 10 students there should be an adult chaperon. So with the 45 student do we
have four with a you can't have four and a half but you should have five chaperone to make sure the children are covered. So I don't know how that how that look. >> So um with World Stries is the company that we're using. They use Okay, hear
me. With World Stries, the company we're using, they do every 15 to one. Uh we could purchase more, but they also provide chaperons alongside us. So they have three additional chaperons as well that'll be with us as throughout the entire trip. They also provide a
chaperon for night security, two for each floor for boys and girls. Um, and if we do want to provide a shower room, we will have to pay for that through the district. >> Yeah. I mean, that's what I was saying. I I understand they might have the think that they're adding, but when we leave
here, >> what does our policy say? Our policy say every 10 students there should be an adult shepher. So, I think if that is the policy here, that's what we need to make sure that we that we're covered regardless. They don't bring anybody else. >> Okay. >> So, can we get some clarification on
that or what would have to happen? Would you have to add an additional person or you know two chaperon? I didn't I I can't remember exactly how many you said that you had. >> It's three uh chaperones. They give us three. They pay for three chaperones.
Anything more than that we will cover. So I can contact them tomorrow um and see what that cost is. >> So the chaperones that are the chaperon from our district from our school that know our kid. >> Yes. It's three staff members that work at at Fairplane. I'm one of them. Miss
Pearson is another one and we're still debating on the third one. >> And then you have two parent loans. >> Yes. >> So you all are taking five technically. >> Technically, >> but three paid district employees. >> Okay.
>> So you would actually be a chaperone instead of the overseeing everything. I mean it's a responsibility. It's a city responsibility. So, I'm just thinking if you can add one more to make sure that we have from Benton Harour from your school that would do that work.
>> Okay. I'm going get with Miss Brock Carter just to ensure that we have the correct funds um because I know >> it's paid through title and I know she submitted an application so I had to do >> some things on her end but >> I know previously uh trustee Rat Martin
written on the H.B.CU CU tour as a chaperon to my understanding. Um, I don't think she was I don't know if she was there as a board rep or just as a volunteer. >> So, I think that would be similar as the
parents. and we can we can um send something to the tour company and ask for an updated um quote that would include the additional people and then we can pay that from general funds versus title
funds or the additional chaperones just to make sure that our students have the appropriate number of chaperones for the number of students. >> But why couldn't it come from the title fund? I'm just saying that there >> just have to resubmit it again for had to get prior approval from AB because
the title application was in the phase. >> So I had to email and get prior approval to authorize this so that we can come here before the board and also make the payment deposit. So I don't have a problem with asking them to to amen the
submitted. >> Can we turn her mic down just a second? I'm sorry. Because I don't I mean I personally myself I feel I don't feel that chaperone that our kids do not know that we should put that burden on them. Everybody that go on that trip with our
kids all of them need to be covered by our staff familiar staff. So you need to add additional people. We can go ahead and support this tonight with that with the correct amount of chaperones being added from Ben Harour area schools not stranger. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, the only question I have or um I like the places that you all are visiting. Is it is it feasible for them to make a stop to the Africanamean
history museum? >> Yes, that's going to get added. Um, I spoke with Mrs. Pearson. There's some couple more places. Um, because the itinerary is almost set in stone. Um, there are those places right there. Those are places that they want us to go to. But
we also have flexibility to go to other places. >> Okay. >> And I told her to find all the places that are free. So that's what she's been working on. >> Vice President Bo, >> um yeah, I support anytime that our children
um get to explore DC. I remember being a senior in high school and I got to go to DC and it was just a experience. Um, I also hope that we get, and this is nothing to you, um, the Charles Wright M
U Museum in Detroit. I hope we get to get our kids. Every year I see we're getting Washington DC, but um, one of the first museums I ever got to experience was with Bitten Harbor area schools taking me to the Charles Wright
Museum in Detroit or and everything. So, I'm glad we're going to DC. support it. And I'm glad that you guys are putting African-American things on your um >> itinerary >> itinerary because we know that our history can be whitewashed
and what we're exposing our kids to can be dangerous in our society that we're living in. So, thank you. >> All right. Any other Trusty Gavin? >> Thank you, President Robinson. I definitely advocated for the National
Museum of African-American History last year and they went. There was no additional charge. And so I'm hoping that this is one of those trips that we can we've talked about having a list of
field trips that are annual and if it's possible I would like to revisit that and you know have that on the agenda if possible and just this seems like one that we should do regularly as well as the
H.B.CU to you and a few of the others so that folks can go ahead and plan out their year accordingly. And I see um our director of finance nodding yes with a smile. So I'd like to see that happen so you don't have to sit here for you know this amount of time. And I'm also
wondering if um it may not happen this time, but I would love for you to consider if folk if the kids are going to um Washington DC to consider riding the metro train. Um it's a beautiful subway system, not like the
ones you see on TV where they're dirty and all that. It's a really nice subway system. It'd be great for them to experience that. Um so just something to consider. Thank you for investing in our kids in the summertime. I appreciate that. >> Thank you. We will definitely look into
that. >> Okay. So, if there's no other questions from the board, um, Secretary Triplet, can you please call the vote for staff report T2? >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowen, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasurer Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin,
>> yes. >> Trusty Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. Thank you so much for your patience, Mr. Alexander. you're more than welcome to stay here for the remainder of the meeting. >> Right, but we understand if you have to head home. So, we're going to proceed.
Um what I will say regarding our agenda in general for the work session because we don't have the um for the sake of time we've amended the agenda but I do ask that the board take a deep dive into the
committee work sessions um as well as the reports that we anticipate voting in our next meeting so you can follow up with the relevant uh director and Dr. Griffin, if you have questions and we can be prepared um for our meeting um
March 10th or I think it's the 10th. So, but we're going to proceed. Um we're not going to touch on anything for business and finance. Up next, we have human resources and we have staff separations staff report H1.
Um I do anticipate that we initiated this with a consent agenda. for H1, but I do believe it needs to be separated if there's no disagreement from the board.
There's two names on H1 and my apologies that I didn't ask for that as an amendment um previously. So, it would technically be we would be taking the vote separately on the names noted. >> So, you're wanting us to agend
Is there a motion to amend the agenda to allow for the split of the consent agenda and creating um an H1 for Miss Sutton and an H3 for Mr. Nelson?
>> Madame President, I ask that we amend the agenda, make them to separate the consent. We need the consent. I >> Yes. As noted. >> Is there a second or support? >> I support. >> Okay. The motion has been made by Trusty
Bowens and supported by Secretary Triplet. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Hearing none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowens. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. Yes. Treasure Gavin.
>> Yes. Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Doyle. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right. So, um, >> Director Dorsy, you can proceed with, um, H1. You're you you can read do it as
H1, read as H3. You're just going to read the staff report twice with one name each. >> Thank you. Um staff report Harvard area schools separation of employment date February 24th 2026.
Reason for board consideration list of employees whose employment relationship with the district is is or will be separated is submitted to the board each month. Is recommended that the board of education vote to accept the separation of employment of the following staff
member. Policy reference 3140 and 4140. Termination and resignation of professional support staff. Strategic plan goal reference personnel leadership vent harbor area schools will recruit, hire, develop, and retain the best staff
to improve student outcomes. We're recommending that niche sudden teacher and training and physical education be terminated. Effective date 1219 2025. Beer plane east date of hire August 5th 2022
and the exit interview was sent on February 19th 2026. We did complete that and it will share with the board tonight. Recommended actions that the board of education vote to accept the resignation of employment of the affformentioned
staff. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve staff report H1? Did she say resignation? >> I'm sorry. >> Are you asking me a question? >> Yeah, just making sure I heard that last
part right. Did it say resignation or termination? >> Termination. >> Okay. >> Is there a motion to approve staff report H1? >> I move. >> Is there a second or support? >> The motion has been made by Secretary
Triplet and supported by Vice President Bournes. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Good hearing? None. Secretary Triple King, please call the vote for a staff report H1 regarding Miss Sutton. Miss Shay Sutton >> termination. >> Termination.
>> President Robinson. >> No. >> Vice President Bowens. >> No. >> Secretary Triplet, no. >> Treasurer Gavin, >> no. Trusty Rocket Martin. Trusty Doyle.
>> No. >> Mot. >> Motion fails. >> Yeah. >> All right. Up next, we're going to do staff report H3. Um, you can you can read and present as as noted. One moment. So you're just reading the second name
listed but just reading the same staff report of employment uh date February 24th 2026 reason for board consideration list of employees whose employment relationship is or will be separated is submitted to the board each month is recommended that
the board of education vote to accept this separation of the following staff policy Reference 3140 and 4140. Termination and resignation of professional support staff. Strategic goal reference. Personnel leadership. Visit Harvard area
schools will develop and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. >> Sheldon Nelson's been recommended for termination. Title MTSS specialist reasons termination. Effective date is February 10th, 2026.
Buildings Fairplane East, date of hire, August 27th, 2019. Exit interview is sent on February 19th and is completed not at this point >> and the recommended that the board Ben
Harour Area School Board of Education vote to accept the resignation of employment of the affformentioned staff. All right. Is there a motion to approve staff report H3? >> Madam President, I make a motion to approve staff report H3. >> Is there a second in support?
>> Support. >> The motion has been made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Treasurer Gavin. Any questions, comments, or concerns? The only question that I have, I assume the answer is yes, is was this person given notice that they will be brought
before the board this evening? >> Yes. >> Okay. There's no other questions. Secretary Triplet, can you please call the vote? >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes.
Treasurer Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Doyle, >> yes. >> Madame President, motion carries. >> All right. Up next, according to the amended agenda, we are at human resources staff report H2
regarding the creation of a staff position. You have the floor. >> Thank you. The date of that is February 24th, 2026. We're submitting the for consideration to approve the creation of the following position. Director of technology.
There's a link. Job description. Facts and analysis. The district's increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, one-to-one student devices, cloud-based systems, and data security requires centralized leadership to ensure systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with
instructional goals. The proposed director of technology position will provide strategic oversight of network infrastructure, cyber security, instructional technology integration, compliant, and compliance requirements. Policy reference 31114111
creating a position strategic goal reference personnel leadership visit Harvard area schools will recruit hire develop and and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. Director of Technology. The funding source is the general fund. Effective
date is February 24th, 2026. Is recommended that the board of education vote to approve the creation of the above listed position as presented. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve staff H2? >> I so move.
>> Is there a second or support? >> Support. >> The motion has been made by Secretary Triplet and supported by Trusty Doyle. Any questions, comments, concerns? You have a floor, >> Madam President. And I apologize, Director Dorsy, if I missed this
discussion in our committee meeting. >> It wasn't on the agenda. >> Okay. My question is, we're in a deficit, correct? >> That is correct. So eventually we're going to need to be
doing some right sizing of positions. That is correct. I think the messaging is backwards. And I I hope you guys understand what
I'm saying. Not throwing anybody or putting anybody in the hot seat. We're creating a position and then we're going to have to come back and say we're in a $7 million deficit. So, we don't need, you know, I I want us to if there's a need for this because I thought we had a
director or someone doing it that reported to one of the directors. I can understand making a director position, but what I want to see is the road map. So before we create a position, we need to look at what are we cutting and are
we going up to the mountain or are we stagnant at the mountain? And then we're going to come back and say the staff that we hire, our teachers, our special ed, the support staff, we got to cut you, but we're creating this position that can be making
95 to 125,000 a year. I understand the need of it, especially where we're at in this day and age. I just question the vision. I want to see a vision of rights sizing, cutting, and
am I making sense to you? >> You are. So, understand that there'll be a position eliminated. So, Mr. Dash is in a position now that won't be there. So essentially he'll be moved up to director and there won't be a a technology supervisor anymore. Okay.
So I would I'm glad to hear that. But I guess what I'm stating is before we vote on this position to my colleagues I think we need a roadmap of what positions are being cut. We
can't keep adding funds to our deficit, building our deficit, and then cutting positions unless I'm not understanding how that operates. I don't know. I don't know if it's appropriate to ask this question. I
think certain salaries are are public knowledge and I know that we've given the superintendent at this point has right of assignment. So if she was considering a transfer, it wouldn't require to come. >> This is >> No, I'm let me finish my statement, please, and you'll see. I'm not saying what you think I'm saying. So right now,
we're creating a position. She's asking us to create a position. What I'm understanding from Miss Dorsy is that she's planning to shift the staff into this position, which she would not have to bring back to us because she has the right of assignment.
I don't know if it's okay to ask this question. I think all our salaries are public knowledge. In in in making that shift, is there an increase to the salary already being provided? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> I have. >> You have a floor. >> Um Madame President and >> I didn't know Gavin had her hand raised >> to my colleague in education today as it relates to and I understand right sizing. I I just
haven't, you know, it kind of threw me off the $7 million deficit that's that we're in right now that I'm not aware of. >> It's just a one-year overspending of the budget. >> Yeah. I mean, but like I said, I'm just a guy. So, that right there, we we have to be careful with our verbiage and our
usage and what messages that we're sending out to the community as well. However, it is very, very important that we do have a bonafide director of technology in this school district. Everything that we do is technically
basically technically inclined. We have there there are there are there are things that we need to that somebody needs to know to leave this district and if you know we we you know with our kids not having um their
Chromebooks and and and and teachers you know we have um staff that's really not technically uh inclined. There's nothing that's going there's nothing moving forward. You will not see a district that does not have something like this
having this position in place as it relates to technology and moving our district forward. So when I look at the I support it when I look at the um what it what the job entail and so
>> let the record show that Trusty Doyle is easing on out at 9:22 p.m. >> Okay. And it's not like you're getting ready to add whatever that salary is. That person with the right assignment right of assignment and all those different
things. It's an additional $20,000. It might be an additional $30,000 to the salary that's already there. So it's not like we're going to get ready to but we just need that. I don't think that we can really really go forth without having that established as a director of
technology then. >> All right. trust that treasured if I call you trustee correct me please. >> You have the floor that um so my my question um Dr. Dorsey
is more so for the position itself not speaking to any person. You mentioned the um our needs with our laptops and our programs and things of that nature. Are we expected to vote on this tonight
or is this was this a motion that was made to vote on this tonight? >> Yes, ma'am. >> That's so interesting. Like some things we like, oh my gosh, the work session and then it's like, yeah, let's vote on this thing tonight. It's real interesting. I think it just
depends on what it is. Um, so >> I just went with what my I I went with what my directors told me was needed on the floor this evening or they were anticipating. >> I directed to you. Um, President Robinson, I'm just saying it's a it's a
theme. >> Understood. >> Um, when you speak to this position and us voting on it, for me, I like to see the job description. I like to see what's
the hierarchy. Um, what are the educational requirements? Because there's two levels to technology. there's your um just like your daytoday
um networking or technical needs, but then there's the education technology piece where you're talking about the software, the you know the apps that the students and the staff are using and
someone who's kind of keeping track and supporting that. And then there's like the security technology. And so I am interested in understanding the the level of expertise that this
person um would hold. Would they need, you know, a education technology degree? Uh something that really speaks to what we need in our field or is it just a
technical piece? So it so if the second page of the job description notes >> yeah um education would be a bachelor's degree in computer science information technology or related field masters.
>> Okay. So on the on the document it's it's like a requesting access. >> Oh the electronic one. It's a hard copy in your book. You know, I rarely use my computer. >> I've been following on the online and
it's I need access. >> You see it right here right after the report that we >> like 500 at the very back. >> Okay.
the mayor. >> Well, she's looking I was looking at the evaluation the performance of this job evaluated by the director of special education. Is that a typo? Why was the director of special education evaluate the director of
technology? Is that a typographical error? >> That is a typo right now. >> Okay. So, at this point, I would ask, is there is it the will of the board to take to um table this particular vote until the next meeting? Cuz I don't I don't I would what I would
anticipate is we probably updated a draft from something else and overlooked that. But with that measure of an oversight, I just want to be confident that there everything that's noted is what is anticipated. >> Yeah. And I think there's more
information that the board would like to have. I've heard from Barnes that he wanted um a road map and um there's some other clarifications needed. And this is just f solely on the creation of the position
and nothing beyond that. But it's really the the will of the board. >> Madam President, I support tableabling this. >> Okay. So is that a motion? >> Yes. I make a motion that we table the creation of the director of technology. Is that staffing for H3?
>> That's H2 technically. >> H2, sorry. >> Okay. Is there a second and support to that to tableabling H2? All right. The motion was made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Treasurer Gavin. Um, Secretary Triplet, can you call the vote?
>> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowen, >> yes. Secretary Triplet. No. >> Treasurer Gavin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin.
>> Motion carries. >> All right. And so, of course, making it very clear, this is about the creation of the position and nothing beyond the creation of the position. I would just like the board to feel a little bit more comfortable and have the clarifications needed. So, um, Director Dorsy, if you
could, uh, go through the job description with a fine tooth comb and ensure it's is ready to go and everything is noted as needed. Um, and also, Miss Singer, if you could go through the video and kind of get the questions that were asked by the board's
we're ready to take a vote on this in the next meeting. I fully support I want to say for the record, I fully support the creation of the position. I think it's needed. I think it's necessary. I just tend to ensure that my board feels comfortable with the decisions that
we're making at the table. So, >> um, yes, sir. >> And I'm getting kind of nervous as people are going through pulling reports, old reports, and bringing it before the board with mistakes and >> they guessing no on the resolution
making me nervous. >> It's making me nervous, you know. So I I if we're going through we have you know one thing that's very important because this right here is very serious and I've said this before previously when it comes before the board of education.
I think it deserves the very best represented to us as we represent our constituents in this community and our district. I don't know who's responsible for um putting pulling these reports together for each department or I don't
know who does that but I think that is very very critical. It to me it's a pet peeve. It and I think that we deserve and and should feel confident when we receive this information from our central administration staff that this
stuff is that this information is grammatically semantically correct. >> Vice President Bas. >> Madame President, I also um if I want to say I apologize if my number was incorrect on the deficit. uh my
colleagues secretary triplet um did mention that so I want to um apologize on that number but I also want to make sure I'm not against creation of a position what I am wanting is a road map you know we
what is the road map of the vision of the administration um how do we look at it are we going to be right sizing so that's what I want it's going to be hard one that we're creating a position.
At the same time, we're going to have to do layoffs. Not saying we have to, but it's going to be a conversation. So, that's why I just want us to be mindful and let's look at the 50,000 ft view as Trusty Bradley
would say. Um, so I apologize and I just want to say >> Oh, okay. >> Um, Miss Morsey Smith had a >> You have the floor. >> I just apologize because whoever comes
to my department, I own that fully. So, I will take heed and and make sure it doesn't come that way again. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate that. I'm a person that will say my error as well, so I respect that sincerely.
Um, so we're going to proceed with our amended agenda. We have um technically we took old business and new business off so I won't belabor the the the meeting with anything. Open public comment. Anyone here that would like to
make a public comment at this time hearing none. Um in the absence of the superintendent will uh proceed with board member announcements and comments. uh trusty rocket Martin >> been an interesting evening. Um with that being said, I have no further
comments. >> All right. >> I have no comments. >> Okay. >> All right. Treasurer Gavin. >> Thank you, President Robinson. I want to thank everyone who is joined
us virtually and came out. Um very proud of the students, parents, families and staff at MLK for your strides in your testing. And even though I believe that test is
only one way, you know, our standardized test is only one way to show our genius. we have so many different uh ways of demonstrating genius and so I applaud all of the students and especially the effort of the parents that came out came
out and filled the room. I want to thank um everyone who showed up here on February um 19th was it for the black history lunchon and roundt. The room was packed. It was filled with positive energy.
people caring, demonstrating so much care about our children. Um, there seem to be some interest in a individual u mental wellness plan. So, I'm interested in um figuring out what it looks like to
design some policy around that and see if we can get some consensus on that. Seems like uh the superintendent is in support of that as well. Um, I just, you know, also want to say that
I hear the conversation about layoffs and I've always been against any mass layoffs, always been against um, you know, cutting staff at the first
sight of um, any financial turbulence. I believe in creative solutions. I believe that honoring our staff and building up our staff is one of the best ways of
expanding our district. I believe in reverse engineering what they did to shut down our schools and they came after our staff for many, many years. And the best way for us to rebuild is to pour into our staff and to look for ways
to build them up. So, I'm all for uh creating important positions. Just want to get more information on that and looking for ways to make sure that we are keeping um quality staff and doing our due diligence to uh just treat them
the same way that we would want to be treated. and I'll turn it back over to you, President Robinson. >> All right. Up next, we have Secretary Triput. >> Thank you, Madam President. It just amazes me how every February, probably February, March, we go we go
from being uh $55 million rich and then in February we got a $7 million deficit. People got to be, you know, I mean, you know, just really I I mean, it's just amazing. Um we know our staffing situation it it I just keep saying it
amazes me cut the stuff. We have a lot of work to do. We have we need to we are excited about the conversation the discussion in HR about creative ways to um identify
teaching staff powerful certified credential teachers and getting them in our district. really appreciate those conversations. Um I really don't have a lot to say. I am praying for Benjon Harvey area schools
um it central ad administration staff the district in its entirety. You know my goal um is for us to be successful. Um it is a lot of work and all of us we
work extremely hard on our uh job as well. This is not our job and many people think that we get paid um for doing this not one dime. >> We could amend the policy to do so. >> Yeah. But we we don't get one dime. Um
um haven't even sent in mileage and no one even mentioned mileage and we've traveled near and far hither and yan and no one has said anything about at least giving up our gas money back. But anyhow um I think you all are doing a good job
to our our our team over here. The encouraged um don't you cannot take things personal. We know this work in education. Um it's some it's some it's some tough work.
It's some hard work and I I just you know being in it myself for as long as I've been in it myself that that that's a part of your growth you know. So I just want you all to be encouraged. I want everyone to feel like they're being respected with uh uh um
and treated with respect and dignity and because it t it go it goes down to our children. So y'all be encouraged. I know this time of the year is a very tough year for schools all over the nation. You know, we're getting ready for state and national testing. We have
all types of things coming into play. But um to my colleague, I think you all are the best board in the world and I really mean that from the bottom of my heart. Um and um let's continue to fight the good fight of faith. And I would
like to wish the Tigers uh the best of luck as they get ready to go into districts in basketball, both our girls and our boys. Um one of you all need to be at the Breland and uh we'll be meeting you there. We want to see you there. Um, and thank you
so very much for the opportunity to serve uh the community of Ben Harbor. >> Thank you, Vice President Bowens. >> Thank you, Madam President. Again, I stand corrected. I think my colleague has mentioned the several million dollars is a mistake, but let the record
show it said a mistake. I'll get the correct number. Remember if thou shalt not come if I don't send. >> Um, which book is that? >> Um, what I do want to say is I also want
to take a moment to say >> I'm coming. >> Say I I also want to say um I want to take a moment on how proud I am um of our students and especially
What's that? >> Especially uh our special education students during the testing season. >> You know, too often society places limits on our students before they even have a chance to show what they can do.
Um sorry, before they have a chance to show what they can do, labels become ceilings and assumptions become barriers. And there that is still a stigma especially with our special education students. Somehow they're t told that they can't achieve or they can only go so far. Um that stigma is wrong.
I often talk about when I had to do a protest at my school in Detroit to read that book because they thought it was too advanced for me. um my career here in Bitten Harbor, being a city commissioner, being the president,
being a nonprofit leader, working um at jobs and everything, people see that accomplishments, but they don't know the fight. And I often talk about um my experience being a special education student and how that
was not a barrier. It was a barrier that I was overcome. It's not what they call you, it's what you answer to is what my mom always taught us. So seeing them there just did something and still seeing some of our teachers um from 30 years ago, 20 years ago still working
and their commitment does something. Um I want to just be upfront. I was talking to an elected official and they said, "I haven't heard nothing about the high school. It's quiet." And I said, you know, I haven't seen no drama, no scandal, no nothing lately.
Um, but I'm just glad to see that, you know, we're not in the news for nothing negative that's happening and good things are happening um in our district or there's not been a fight or, you know, the first negative stories they get, we would be on channel 16 or ABC
57. So, I'm pretty glad that the tide is turning. Um the superintendent sent us some data that proves that and it was music to our ears. Um we often talk about respect
and respect must be given. Respect the roles and respect the authors. It's easy for some of us to say that. It's harder for some of us to do it. Um, and I want us to make sure we're being
ethical and integral when we are giving out information and not um sugarcoating or hiding any information. That's not a accusation or anything.
It's just I want us to make sure we're being genuine when we're giving that information because we have to make decisions off of those that information. Um, on that note, I would say thank you and God bless you all.
>> Thank you, Vice President Bowens. I'll be very brief. I say the same thing each meeting. Thank you all for your patience this evening. I appreciate the board. I appreciate the staff and um I'm grateful to be a part of this team and I know
that I have not had an opportunity to get to know everyone personally but I hope that you all know that everything that I say I come with good intentions and with a few heart I'm a very factual person very policy and procedure-based
and so if I ever seem short in communications it's not permissible I'm just very factual and don't like to fluff. So with that being said, I would just ask for a motion to adjourn. >> I so move. >> Is there a second or second?
>> The motion has been made by Secretary Triplet and supported by Trusty Rocket Martin. Any questions, comments, concerns? Hearing none. Secretary Triplet, >> I do have um I want the central administration team
over here before you bag up. No, just nothing. President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowens. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. I keep forgetting myself. Yes. Treasurer
Gavin. >> Yes. And happy birthday to Trusty Doyle. >> Happy birthday, Trusty Doyle and Trusty Rocket Martin. Thank you. Meeting is adjourned as of 9:43