the meeting of the board of education and public for the purpose of conducting the school district's business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. This meeting is an inerson meeting held at 870 Kfax here in Benton Harbor. An additional live stream of this meeting is available at the following link. Questions may be
submitted beforehand to Natalie. Singinger at bhas.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 and 900 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. >> In the absence of Secretary Triplet and Miss Singer, I will call the role if there's no objections.
Okay. President Robinson present. Vice President Bowens, >> Secretary Triplet, Treasurer Gavin, Trusty Wat Martin, >> Trusty Doyle,
>> Trusty Bradley. >> Okay, a quorum has been established. Next up, we have approval of the agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> I make a motion to approve tonight's agenda. >> Is there a second or support? support. >> The motion has been made by Trustee
Bradley and supported by Trustee Rocket Marley. Any questions, comments, or concerns? >> Robinson, >> you have the floor. >> Notice we don't have a closed session on here. I'm wondering
when we will get an opportunity to discuss. Can >> you speak up just a little bit? >> Can't hear me. >> Yeah, I can hear you. I was um notice we don't have a closed session on here. I'm wondering when we get an opportunity to discuss uh closed session.
>> Okay. So, I can follow up with council regarding the meeting if we're able to have one or if we have an update. I can possibly put it at the end prior to adjournment. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other questions from the board? All right. Hearing none, I'll call um
the role for approval of the agenda. President Robinson, yes. Vice President Bowens, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet is absent. Treasurer Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Wat Martin, >> yes.
>> Trusty Doyle is absent. Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> Motion passes. Okay, up up next is the approval of our board norms. You guys give me a moment. >> I got a board up. Let me read them.
>> You have Go ahead. You have a board. >> Our board of education norms are following. 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. There will be no surprises at the board table. We will practice the seven norms of collaboration. And the norms of collaboration are following. pausing, paraphrasing, posing questions, putting ideas on the table, providing data,
paying attention to yourself and others, and pursuing positive intentions. All right, up next is public comment on agenda items. Is there anyone present that would like to make a public comment on an agenda item at this time?
Are you familiar with the public comment statement or would you like it read? >> Okay. >> But you don't have to. I knew you were going to ask me that. You really don't have to, but I just, you know, for formality, I feel like you should. >> Okay. I can pull it up. One second.
The Benhab 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 all that responses are appropriate and properly focused. Perhap schools bylaw 0167.3 which governs board participation at board meetings. We request that you preface your comments with your name,
address, and group affiliation when appropriate. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to three minute duration and part of 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 for the board or executive team that require followup, please email those directly to Natalie.bhas.org. You have the floor. >> Thank you. I appreciate you. My name is Tiana Batis Fidel, a parent and child advocate from South Bin, Indiana. Um, I
just wanted to state for the record just for the community and for parents and children. I'm just wondering why there's a lack of formal updates on academics this evening. If you look at the agenda, nothing's on academics. Um, this is an institution of education um whose focus
is to increase enrollment. Um, so just wondering why that's not on the agenda for this night. So hoping we can get some um academic updates. There were go those growths last year. Um I know that Fairpoint East, I see Mrs. Terrell in the room. Congratulations to them. Just
wanting to know if we're still um in that trajectory of academics. Uh we don't want the state to take over anything like that to take place. Um, and then just out of respect, um, just wondering just, you know, with the superintendent, just the morality, um,
you know, as a parent, a child advocate, I have clients in this district, um, and respect seems to be, uh, lacking and it needs to be upheld. Um, there seems to be a misunderstanding of who we are here to serve, um, the community and the children. Um, so I'm hoping that those
things can be taken into consideration. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to make a public comment on the agenda? There are two opportunities to speak public comment on agenda items and then at the end of the meeting we have
general public comment. All right. Hearing none, we'll proceed. And I do ask for the uh public and the board's patience as I am managing two roles um due to the absence of our executive administrative assistant to
the superintendent as well as our secretary triplet. Up next we have approval of meeting minutes. The minutes for approval this evening are regular session December 9th, 2025 and work session December 16th, 2025.
Is there a motion to approve the minutes as noted? >> Um, I make a motion to approve the minutes. >> There are second or second. >> The motion has been made by Bradley and supported by Trustee Rocket Martin. Any questions, comments, concerns? >> Uh, Madam President, I do have a
concern. >> You have the floor. >> Uh, the minutes from 129, the uh, regular session uh, under section five, human resources. Um the votes there it has me as a yes vote and um another trustee as a uh yes vote when it should
be that two uh voted no and one distain. Okay, Bradley, does anyone have any objections to us removing those minutes so that we can review those and make the needed corrections? Okay. So Bradley, if you could shoot me a quick email so I don't forget those
corrections, send them to Miss Single. She can review the tape. >> Okay. >> Um, so at this time, I'll just be asking for a vote for work session 1216 2025. Uh, given the needed amendments to regular section 129, 2022. Badly, will you still proceed with the motion to
approve 121625? >> I do. >> Trusty Wat Martin, do you still support? >> Okay. Any other questions, comments, concerns regarding work session 1216 2025? All right, hearing none, I'll call the role for approval of the minutes. Um,
President Robinson, yes. Vice President Bowens, >> you stepped out. >> Stepped out. Okay. Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Bradley.
>> Yes. >> All right. minutes approved. >> That would be so helpful. Okay. Okay. So, motion passes with the approval of the one, two, three, four, four that are present. Okay. We'll proceed. So, I will pass the
floor over to Dr. Griffin at this time. She has a uh first reminder protocol. As of 9:13 2022, all comments will be limited to two minutes per trustee per topic. We're going to pass the floor over to Dr. Griffin. She has a few updates for us. Um first, we'll be
beginning with the food service recognition. Thank you, Madam President. At this time, Benton Harbor Area Schools proudly recognizes our food service team. They are truly unsung heroes. 17 dedicated
employees have together given us more than, wait for it, 394 years of service. They have served an astonishing 8,499,600 meals to our students and staff. Their
daily commitment to nourishing our community with care, consistency, and heart makes a profound difference in the lives of our children. Please join us in thanking these hardworking professionals for their service, compassion, and
unwavering support to our schools. We celebrate and appreciate you. Please come up as we call your name and recognize your years of service. When we come up, when you come up, please form a line across the front of the room for a picture with the superintendent and
board of education. famous. Linda Faker, six years. Brenita Butler, 33 years. Secretary Jamaica Coleman one year. Margaret Githright, 18 years of service.
>> Robin Hamilton, 36 years of service. Cher Nichols Hester, 11 years of service. Sharon Smith Jones, 10 years of service. Evelyn Wilson, five years of service.
Robbie Cummings. 58 years, >> Oliver. 30 years of service. Deborah Davis, 40 years of service. Rosemary Reese. She has 35 years of service.
>> All right. >> Teresa Holloway, >> 32 years of service. Felicia Bowley, 10 years of service. Mark Brown here. Alicia Lee. 12 years of service.
>> Marty Moss. She has 46 years of service. Sharon Turner. >> Sharon has 40 years of service. >> OC Williams. >> He has 43 years of service. And last but not least, Lorraine
Woodward. She has 41 years of service. >> Members, if you will come around. Come around. Let's make sure. Let's give them another round of applause for all of their service. Can you guys hear me? Don't worry, I'll
use my ticket. Oh, better. All right. If they shake their hands, this information came to me as superintendent probably a few weeks or so ago. where these wonderful pioneers and educators. Let's be clear, these are educators. They are boots on
the ground with our kids every single day. Some of them, come on somebody, more than many of us have been alive. We could not have let many more days go by without acknowledging your hard work, your dedication, and loyalty to our
students and our community. Please give it up for them one more time. Let's take a photo. Great. complained about people being treated well street >> is it?
>> Oh, you said >> okay. And then once um Dr. Griffin gets back to the table and settled, you can continue with the B the B Award is outstanding student recognition.
>> Thank you, Madam President. >> Hey y'all. >> This evening, we also recognize our students as we do every month who shine by getting the behavior, attendance, and grades that we ask of them. These students are selected by their schools and represented well-rounded individuals
who reflect the values we strive to instill in all of our students. We are proud to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements. As I call your name, please come up and get your certificate. Oh, and I think we got a little cash for you, too. Little gift card. I don't see
Kiara. Kiara Lewis is one of our recipients. Ki Lewis, please give her a hand clap in her absence. Alena Mendoza Dea Jones, Charlotte Valentine, and then Anthony Jones.
Thank you so much. We'll make sure that these students get their gift cards and their certificates as we honor their hard work each and every day in our schools and classrooms. >> All right, up next we have the class of 1974 LA Legacy 5K scholarship.
They bring it up. I want to thank the board for giving me a few minutes. My name is Jim Fellow. I'm from the Benton Harvard High School class of 1974. >> I'm here representing the legacy 5K. Um this is a race the
class of 74 instituted two years ago and uh the purpose of the race was to earn scholarship money for Benton Harbor High School graduates. Uh we had a race in August and we
collected funds through corporate donations and mostly through small dollar donations. Most donations were the average was $66 and yet we raised almost $10,000.
>> Whoa. >> Those came in from alumni from all over the country. New York, Seattle, San Francisco. We got a lot of donations. Anyway, so what I'm here to announce is that we have three scholarships available for
2026. We'll be giving $2,000 to any Benton Harbor student who has maintained a 2.5 GPA and is enrolled at a community college, a state college, or at a trade
school. And I have applications here with a QR code, which our first recipient said, "Don't give us paper. We want a QR code." So, we're doing our best. Anyway, um I also want to say a couple other
things. We are doing another race with the help of the school board and the school on August 15, 2026. And uh we hope to continue this but we are also all in our 70s. So if we can
get some younger graduates to start joining us younger alumni um we would be happy to have that too. So thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. Up next, I hope everyone
heard that call for younger alumni and it did not fall on death ears. Steve. Okay. >> Okay. All right. Up next is the Michigan Association of School Boards 2026 election. So, you all have the uh board
of directors elections packet in your um electronic agenda. Um, just so you all are aware, um, each district was emailed the the packet or the information by Friday, January 23rd, 2026. The ballots cannot
be forwarded to anyone else. Once our board makes a decision on which candidate it wishes to vote for, please convey this information to our superintendent secretary. Completed ballots must be cast and confirmed by the superintendent secretary by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026. We do
have a meeting the day before, which is March 10th. So, I do plan to have this item for discussion on the 24th, and then we'll cast our vote on March 10th, so she can send it in by that 100 p.m. deadline. And so they do have listed um
for your particular region. Regions one person is noted um region five as well. If I'm not mistaken, we're region six, aren't we? >> Yeah, >> we're region six. Um, so the candidates that we'll be considering are Charlie Fulbright,
um, from Battle Creek Public Schools, Calhoun County, Tiana Harrison, Calamazoo Public Schools, Cal, uh, Calamazoo County, and then also Elizabeth Odell, St. Joseph County, ISD, St. Joseph County. So, take a look at
their bios. Um, each candidate normally there is an election statement as well. that I've noticed that the candidates also send out correspondents to individual board members. So, this is just an FYI that this is an upcoming vote that we have and we'll discuss
further in our upcoming work session. There's no questions or comments at this particular time. We'll proceed to the MASB winter institute update. Trusty Bradley wanted to uh give an update to the board on the winter institute and
what he actually attended. Oh, I'm just going to be real brief. Um, I think it was a few of us who took classes. I know myself, I think Trusty Rocket Martin, and I think, um, Miss Singer took a couple classes as well. Um, I did a CBA 263, collecting
feedback. Um, CBA 264, shaping public opinion. Um, and CBA 308, understanding the legislature. Um all three classes were led by um well they were different instructors but uh 308 was led by Jan Smith who is um the governmental
relations director for MASB and U 264 was led by Kelly um I think last name is Ernel um and uh Christy Khan led 263 all um excellent instructors and have a lot of information in their respective uh fields. Um 263 uh will basically discuss
how to collect feedback. Um you know making sure that we have the proper body language when we listen to constituent concerns and um being careful of the language that we use in surveys and questionnaires and um the pros and cons and bases
of feedback. Uh CBA 264 discussed the five-step opinion process and u being consistent in messaging and district branding. Um 308 was building upon the lesson of CBA 108 which is um you know the entry level to um legislative things
and we discuss how the uh state legislative committee process works and how to lobby our state lawmakers and discussing education issues. Um if you would like a copy of the presentations don't hesitate to reach out um I have them if you want me to email them to you. Um also take note that uh MSB does
have a few events coming up. um springtime uh institute is going to be at MASB headquarters on May 1st and 2nd. Um and then they have a lunchtime learning series. Um you can check your individual emails. They do reach out and send out emails about that and they have
some good topics. And uh remember um most classes if you do take classes um they have a list of classes that are reimburseable to the district. So um if you sign up I think the district gets like $100 back for um when you sign up. So that's all for that. If you have any
questions, uh, just let me know. >> All right. Any questions from the board for Trusty Valley? All right. That's all that we have currently for board business. Board business. Up next, we have our business and finance department. I'll pass the floor to
uh, director Carter for the November monthly financial reports and the December monthly financial report. Thank you, Madame President. Uh, we re reviewed the monthly finan the November financial reports at
the special session last month. Um, so I believe everyone has an has had an opportunity to review those. So for the November monthly financial reports, we'll go directly to staff report F1. Reason for board consideration. A set of
financial reports is provided to the board of education each month. Facts and analysis. This evening, it is recommended that the November 2025 payments be approved for all districts funds. Policy reference 6470.
Payment of claims strategic go plan goal reference facility/operations. Benton Harbor area schools will develop, implement, evaluate a physically responsible plan that will ensure physical and psychological safety.
Recommended action that the board of education approve the November 1st through November 30th, 2025 payments for the following funds. General fund 957,958.90. Food service fund $148,488.17. Syncing fund $148,968.98.
Student activity fund $1,228.50 or a total of 1,256,64455. Is there a motion to approve staff report F1? I so move >> support. >> The motion has been made by Secretary Triplet and supported by Trustee Bradley. Any questions, comments, or concerns?
>> Madam President, >> you have the floor. >> A few weeks um a few months ago, Trustee Doyle requested a list um or a sheet that we can see when staff are requesting supplies and stuff to be ordered. Do you have any status on that
form? >> Yeah, I think you're asking me that question, but that probably is a question to listening from to the chair so you can ask the staff or the superintendent. >> They can hear you. I'm just making sure cuz she was looking at me. I'm like I don't I can follow up on that for you
with uh in conjunction with Miss Brock Crowder. >> Thank you. >> Because I'm sure we have it. I do recall that. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions from the board? >> All right. Hearing none, Secretary Tripley, can you call the the vote? >> President Robinson. Yes,
>> Vice President Bowen. >> Yes, >> Secretary Triplet. Yes, Treasure Bradley. >> I mean, this is a old I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Make the adjustment.
>> Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Bradley, >> yes. Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trustees Doyle. >> Motion carried.
>> All right. You have the floor for the December monthly financial reports. December monthly financial reports. There's a set of reports provided for December 2025. A statement of the district's finances through December
2025. The financial summary, general fund revenues and expenses were 53%. Well, we're at 53% of the year and no, sorry, general fund revenues were 53%.
Expenses are 38% of the fiscal year. One would expect for us to be at 50% if we spreaded those expenses throughout the year. I always like to note that state aid is provided from October 2025 through August 2026 for the 2526 school
year. We will view the vendor payment report that is a summary of all payments for the month of December. Year-to- date revenues were lower compared to last year in December due to the decrease in
federal funds and no longer receiving ESSER funds. The year-to-ate expenses were also lower come lower as of December 2025 due to no longer making purchases with federal funds. Some of the large
payments for December 2025 were to First Student, Mesa, TA, Blue Care Network, and Savas. Are there any questions on the financial report? So can you um um give that in layman's
term when you talk about no longer having the er funds and you hearing things are lower and what have you can you explain that more clear? >> Sure. Um in December of 2024 we were still um able to draw down those funds
for expenses that were in the budget. So from July 1st, 2024 through December 2024, we had those federal funds included in our revenue that we were able to draw down from ESSER funds. July
1st, 2025 through December 2025, we don't have that revenue anymore. So therefore, our revenue is less mostly in the federal line item. Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Any
other questions or concerns concerning the financial reports for December 2025? Okay. So, I have just a general question um really quick and this is on the budget to actual detail version
of the general fund December 31st, 2025. So, I just want to make sure I'm reading this correctly. Um it it gives us the I think this is the item number the category is that the original amount for the budget that was given to that particular item.
>> Yes. And it's actually the function code. >> Okay. Is the first number and then the next column is a description of what that function code is. And then the first column of numbers is the budget that we budgeted at the beginning of the
school year for each individual line item. >> Okay. The next column shows what has actually been spent from the beginning of the school year up until December 31st, 2025. And then the next column shows what
percent of the budget have we used so far. >> Okay. So, what percentage of what was budgeted has been utilized so far? >> Yes. And then the next column shows where we are in the fiscal year completed. So, you know, in December,
that's 6 months into the year. Well, I'm not sure about six. That's halfway through the school year. So, that's 50% of the year completed. Okay. Now, thank you for that because I'm looking on my cell phone and everything is a little bit smaller.
I just want to make sure I'm reading it correctly before I actually take a vote. I've never Okay. And then, thank you so much. Welcome. Okay. Okay. So then for this particular what can you give me an example what
would be I think you said function code 232 executive administration >> that would be the superintendent office. >> Okay. And so then we've paid we've spent 63.27%
of what's been budgeted. >> Yes. So far, well, as of December 2025, we have compared to what we budgeted for the year. And the budget is normally based on the previous year's spending. Okay. And then there's a couple others.
Um, I'll ask for clarification on that, but I've noticed like there's a couple others that are higher than like a 50% level. And so I would like maybe some kind of clarification. Um, for example, pupil activities. It looks like we've spent 91.23% 2 3% of what was budgeted.
>> Yes. And um that is for uh things that don't fall into other like teaching like 111 is elementary that is mostly teaching things like the teachers the teaching supplies you know 291 pupil activities
is things we put in there are like national honor society um you know extra things that don't fall into any of the other categories and that particular line item Um, you our superintendent wanted some
things for our students that they had asked for her specifically for. Um, so there was a little bit of extra spending at the beginning of the school year in that category because she wanted to make sure that they had everything that they
requested. Okay. So, when we get how do we then balance when we get to a place where we've spent a little bit more than projected? Is that when you do an amendment to your budget? >> Yes. And as long as we don't go over the total expenses at the bottom is our like
guide. You know, if we move funds within function codes, we don't have to do an amendment. It's that if our expenses get so high that we think we're going to go over that 31 million at the bottom. That's when it's really time to do a budget amendment. Moving funds
throughout function codes does not require a budget amendment. Okay? And if we spend less than what's budgeted, do we then make an adjustment for that as well in the middle? We may move it to another function code that may have some higher that may have a higher percentage. If
something is lower or we don't plan on doing it this year, we can move it to another function code to kind of help that one come down some. >> Okay. And then my last question back to 232. What what are things that would go under executive administration? uh anything that the superintendent
requests, you know, her salary goes there. Any consultants that she brings in um any professional development that she does that's specifically for the superintendent superintendent's office. Um you know,
office furniture, furnishings, you know, anything that she may need um for her off office is also put into that. >> Okay. >> Function code. >> All right. Thank you. You're welcome. >> Thank you.
>> Any other questions from the board? Trusty Bradley, >> when you um I know you were explaining that what um area would the um like if the board of education had something uh what what area would that be under? >> Board of Education.
I believe it's the board of education is in function code 231. Thank you. >> You're welcome. And there's a there's the Michigan appendix. If you Google appendix NDE,
you can get the function codes and what mean? What goes into each category? What can you put in? Cuz some, you know, certain stuff you can't put in. You know, it gives a very good detailed explanation on every function code. Thank you. I have forgot all about that
because they did talk about that in one of the CBA. Thank you. >> Yes. Yes. I keep it up at all times. Any other questions? All right. Hearing none, you can proceed with your staff report. Okay. I'll proceed with the staff report for the
monthly financial reports for December 2025. A reason for board consideration. A set of financial reports is provided to the board of education each month. Facts and analysis. This evening, it is recommended that the December 2020 2025
payments be accused or all of the district's funds policy reference 6470 payment of claims. Strategic goal reference facilities/operations. Benton Harbor area schools will develop,
implement, and evaluate a physically responsible plan will ensure physical and psychological safety. It is recommended. The recommended action is that the board of education approve the December 1st
through December 31st, 2025 payments for the following funds. General fund $759,37110. Food service fund $128,26.81. Syncing fund $3,875. Student activity fund $1,910
for a total of $893,182.91. Was there a motion to approve staff report F2? >> I so move support. The motion has been made by Secretary Triplet and supported by Trusty Bradley. Any questions, comments, or concerns?
>> Hearing none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Barnes. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. Yes. >> Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rock Martin, >> Trusty Doyle, I'm sorry, Trusty Bradley.
>> Yes. >> Motion carried. All right, up next we'll proceed to human resources. Uh we have staff separations for staff report H1. Good evening. >> Good evening. Staff report one,
separation of employment. 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. It is recommended that the board of education vote to accept the separation of
employment of the following staff. is policy reference number 3140 and 4140 termination and resignation of professional or support staff. The strategic goal reference personnel
leadership Ben Harbor area schools will recruit, hire, develop and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. We have Nishay Sutton, teacher and training termination effective 1219 2025
from Fairplane East of hire August 5th, 2022. It was not an exit interview. Amy Gable, district nurse resignation effective January 30th, 2026. Central office date of hire November
2nd, 2020. We did her exit interview in person. Emily Harrington, teacher resignation February 6, 2026. She was from Bris Harour High School. Her date of hire was
August 19th, 2024 and her exit interview was done in person. It is recommended that the Bris Harour Area Schools 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? >> I make a motion to approve staff report H1. >> Is there a second in support? >> I support. >> The motion has been made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Trustee Rocket Martin. Any questions, comments, or concerns?
>> Yes. Uh, Madame President, I'm looking here. I'm um a little bit concerned about um the teacher in training nay sutton
um the timelines the no exit interview why how I do have some concerns concern about that. And so collectively
for me I um cannot support this report. Um, and I I I would I don't know what would have happened to to
Yeah, that's that that's very concerning to me and um would need some more clarification on that and I know we can't do that at this particular time for >> so the clarification that I would ask um to our d uh director of HR was she given
an opportunity to was she notified ified that she'd be presented before the board today and given an opportunity to speak with us. >> She was notified that it would be two weeks ago and the meeting was cancelled. So, I didn't call her again.
>> So, she was she she was not given an opportunity to come before this board of education. Is that is that an option that any of these people have? Especially when I look at termination versus resignation.
Um there's no exit interview, nothing on here, nothing completed and I I just don't feel comfortable with it that particular item myself personally. >> So we do we do have I don't know if it's a bylaw or a legal obl uh policy or
legal obligation. We do have an obligation to give them an opportunity to come before the board and give them so much notice. Is it two weeks notice prior to the meeting or so much notice prior to the meeting? we supposed to let them know. >> So, she had two weeks notice originally. I didn't call her for this meeting,
>> but she did know two weeks before the last meeting that was canceled >> and that meeting was cancelled and so she was not given an additional notice that she would be presented today. >> I did not call her again. >> Okay. So, Secretary Triple and and I will be transparent with the board that this individual did reach out to me um
privately, but I did not get an opportunity to actually follow up and this was in the last months um when I was dealing with health matters. So, Secretary Tripley, you made the initial motion. Um would you like to my ask of you as president if it's something that you're comfortable with is that you uh
make the motion that we that you amend this particular that your motion include tableabling of this particular staff meeting so that we can ensure that she gets appropriate notice. She's being presented before the board for an actual meeting and she wasn't given that
opportunity for this meeting. >> That's exactly what I would like to do. I would like to make a motion that this particular um employee name is removed from this particular report and um be afforded an opportunity
to be contacted and to come before the board of education to um present or if if if she is interested but at this particular time I don't feel comfortable voting on her with in this way but my motion is
that be removed from this report. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Bradley made the motion. I'm sorry. Bradley made the motion that Rocket Martin supported it. Do you all support Secretary Triplets ask of taking out one of the names? >> Taking out Sutton. >> Yes. Approving staff report one with the
removal. >> Nay Sutton. >> That's fine. >> Okay. So, the motion the motion that was on the floor and they're approving it with the noted amendment was made by Valley and supported by Rockat Martin. and we've had our discussions about it. Any other comments? Um,
>> we'll go to uh Bowens and then we'll go to Gavin. >> So, I understand what the my colleagues are wanting to do and I just got a question on legality with us. The resignation is on that date. Does that mean she's still an employee of the district if we're
tableabling this and we need to go back and pay her and still pay her as a current employee? So, she hasn't been employed since she didn't come back in August. And I want to get really into her medical situation, but she has not been
in school this year at all. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Um, Trusty Galler, I >> guess we still needing clarity on that question because yeah, the question was if she's not
I guess who decides her termination. That might not have been the question, but we didn't vote on it. And it says here 1219 2025. And so the question was, is it possible
for her to get back pay while we figure this out because she hasn't gotten an opportunity to talk to us. This situation was brought before the HR committee um several months in a row and I really can't talk about that in open meeting, but I can share with you in a
closed session if you'd like about her um her human resource situation. So we wouldn't be able to enter a closed session unless it's personal person personally requested by that person um and she's not present. So what my ask
would be and if we could get you could provide us those clarifications at that time but it's it's it's important that given the uh type of separation that it is that she is given the opportunity to come before the board which was done previously but due to weather the last
meeting was canceled. we have an obligation to notify her that she will be brought about for this meeting. I can understand um that that wasn't done. So, we would I would recommend that the board take the take
the vote on those two that are listed and then you give us the clarification on the questions asked about the back pay and things of that nature. Um and we can give her an opportunity to to come speak with the board if she would like. There, I can do that. >> Okay.
>> I still have um you have the floor. >> Thank you so much, President Robinson. >> Is my mic working? Can you >> Okay. Is there a way to turn it up? Thank you.
>> Testing. Is that better? No. Is this better? test testing. >> Okay, the exit interview. So, this column here with the date exit interview
sent is requesting a date. And I'm wondering if it's possible for these uh staff reports to indicate the date that the exit interview was sent. Was it ju was it not sent to her at all?
Um yeah, her case is really unique and it wasn't sent to her. The letter that will be sent out would have the link for the exit interview or the request to do it in person. That's how we've done it previously. So the ter the
resignation termination letter, it has that link in there and then the date would be placed there. Do we have any type of um what's the word protocol for how soon after we send the exit interview like
when we send the exit interview in relation to the a person's resignation or termination? >> This case is very unique and I think it went before HR committee several months in a row.
So generally it is when they as soon as they resign or terminated it goes immediately. This was a little unique. This was very different from any other case I've ever dealt with. >> This is so we're two months in and she hasn't received the opportunity to
complete the exit interview. And then also um just wondering the dates of the other candidates uh when the exit interview was sent to them or provided to them.
And then this other column is uh clear. It's empty. The column that asks was it okay to share it with the board. We don't have any information in that column that indicates whether or not the um employee wanted us to see the
information. And so I'm wondering, do you have that information? Did they indicate whether or not it was okay to share their exit interview with the board? >> I know that Amy Gamble and Limit Harrison, both Harrington both said yes, it can be shared with the board. >> Yeah, I apologize for the check marks
not being there. >> Okay, thank you. And I think I did see the I think I do remember seeing one of them. Um, and the last question is, did Mrs. Sutton request Is that tabled? It's
not tabled. Did Mrs. Sutton request to uh speak to the board? >> She did. >> Okay. And then what is the process? What are the next steps after that? If if she asked to speak to the board, then what's
the next step in the process so that we are notified and we can plan our agenda accordingly so that we are doing it doing it the right way? >> I can answer that question. I I don't know the answer to the process
here. >> What would you recommend the process be as the director of human resources? >> Anyone can come to the board and speak as a public meeting. anyone can do that. If there's a closed meeting requested, then it would go through the process to request that. I know that she had a meeting scheduled with the superintendent and I thought it would be
resolved at that stage and it would go from there. So, it sounds like we we did our we did our due diligence with the information regarding the last meeting that was scheduled for her to attend that particular meeting, but then when this
one was scheduled, we didn't update her accordingly. >> Again, that is correct. Okay. Okay. So, um, so we'll make sure we get something scheduled. Um, I don't think that we should go
until the next work section um, for that particular matter. Um, and then once we once we get that date confirmed, if we could do you know by chance what our standard is for how many days notice she's required to be
given for a meeting? >> I'll look at the policy and look it up. Make sure I comply with >> Can you send me an email once you once you have that? Even if it's um it could be this evening and then that way I know what my time frame is to schedule so you have enough notice to do. So, >> sounds good. Thank you.
>> Okay. So if there's no other questions, I would ask that Secretary Tripley please call the vote for SA before H1 with the removal of Miss Sutton. >> Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes.
>> Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasurer Gavin, >> yes. >> Trustee Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trustee Bradley, >> yes. >> Motion carry. >> All right. And then Bill, my apologies. I just noticed cuz I got confused at facilities and thought I had to give a
update. For some reason, my name is listed here for every section and it should be the um the director's name. So, if you guys could excuse us for that, I will not be giving any updates on any of these items.
Um up next, we have staff report H2 regarding third party new hires. You have the floor. >> Thank you. So, appointment of staff uh date February 10th to approve the employment of staff in accordance with the revised school code and other general laws of
Michigan under section 1120 of title one part A requires a participating local educational agency to provide eligible children attending private elementary and secondary schools, their teachers and their families with title one services or
other benefits that were equitable to those provided to eligible public school children, their teachers and their families. The policy reference is 2261 title one services. Also 3120 and 4120 employment of professional support
staff. The strategic plan goal reference is personnel leadership. Vincent Harbor area schools will recruit, hire, develop, and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. Alyssa Conill has been hired as an academic
interventionist, Our Lady of the Lake. The funding source is title one effective February 11th, 2026. Is recommended that the board vote to approve the employment of the affformentioned staff. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve
staff report H2? >> Madam President, I make a motion to approve staff report H2. Support. Okay. Is there Okay. So, the motion has been made by Bows and supported by Bradley. Any questions, comments, or concerns?
>> Hearing none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowen, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasurer Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> Motion carries. All right. Up next, new
hires. I'm sorry. S report H3 employment of staff date is February 10, 2026. We're submitting for board consideration to approve the employment of staff in accordance with the revised school code and other general laws of Michigan.
Facts and analysis. Is recommended that the board approve the superintendent's recommendation for the hire of the following personnel. Policy reference 3120 and 4120. Employment of professional support staff. Strategic plan goal reference.
Personnel leadership. Vision Harbor area schools will recruit, hire, develop, and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. Shay Briggs Sternan, certified teacher, Vision Harbor High School. The funding source is general funds 86% and title
one 14%. Effective date is February 11th, 2026. Second is Robert Kuba III, behavior interventionist, Fairplane Middle School. Funding sources 31A,
effective date February 11th, 2026. is recommended that the Benson Harbor Area Schools Board of Education vote to approve the employment of the affformentioned staff. >> Madam >> All right. Is there a motion to approve staff H3?
>> Madam President >> support. >> Okay. So the motion has been made by Triplet and supported by Bradley. Any questions, comments or concerns? >> Yes, Madam President. On Shane Bruce, gentlemen, it says the title certified teacher. What subject is she teaching or
>> that would be social studies >> or English? >> She's an English teacher. >> Oh, >> okay. You have trusty. >> Thank you. I I requested the resumes be
unlocked with her being the English teacher. I'm just curious why in this case are the funds is it is it normal for the funds to be separated between general entitle or a certified English teacher.
>> The difference is tiger time is paid for with title one funds. >> Thank you. Um just a comment I just want to say that I am elated to see um Mrs. is Briggs Sternan on this
list. She is I don't know how but somehow she bleeds orange and black and um so it's just really good to have her back. She loves our children. I've worked with her before. They loved her as well. She's very passionate and knowledgeable
um about her subjects and um it's just really good to have her back and I'm glad that u glad she's here and also glad that we have uh behavior intervention is always a blessing to have support staff. So I'm really
excited about supporting this report. you have before. >> Um I would also like to say that about uh Shay um Miss Shay Briggs Sternan. I remember when she came up to the high school and she was Shay Briggs um that she was my social study teachers in
ninth grade. So she was a very um excellent social studies teacher and her classroom was matter of fact right up on this other end and that wing next right next door to uh the late Mr. Davenport's classroom. So all that was my favorite subject. So right there in that corner
on second floor. I was glad to see her back. >> Secretary Trooper. >> Madame President and to our director of human resources, I am so happy um that Miss uh Brick Sternman
is back with Benton Harbor. Um, I had the opportunity to serve uh as her principal and she was a feisty, fiery,
strong teacher. But the thing that I um admire most is that our kids loved her. many of them loved her and she gave it her all. And so I'm excited
for Benon Harour High School. I'm excited for Tiger Nation. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank our superintendent and our uh human resource division. I want to tell you all thank you. Good
catch. Do not shame me. Miss Briggs tournament. All right. Any other comments from the board or any questions? Hearing none. Secretary Tripley, can you please call the vote for staff report H3?
>> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Braden, >> yes. >> Motion carries.
All right, up next we have facilities. Uh, director Burox, you can proceed with the Vakata security update for Cape Staff report FAC1. >> Good evening everybody. Subject purchase for access controls and
video surveillance system Cape Center admin move date February 10th, 2026. Reason for board consideration purchases over $31,321 needed. Board approval according to the most recent state of Michigan State of
Michigan Department of Education threshold facts and analysis. The attached proposal for CDW for the Blton Harbor Cape Center admin move include access controls for nine single
doors and one double door as well as four fixed indoor video surveillance cameras. The proposed turnkey installation also include professional services, cabling, configuration, testing and commissioning of the system.
These improvements are intended to enhance security coverage in offices, hallways, and common areas and support a safer environment for staff and visitors following the administrative relocation.
The total project cost is $64,364.94 which includes $14,252.94 for parcada hardware and software and $50,112 for installation and professional services. The project scope is based on a facility
layout dated January 19, 2026. Policy reference 6320 purchasing funding source seeking funds strategic plan reference facilities operations written harbor area school
will develop implement and evaluate a physically responsible plan that will ensure physical and psychological safety. recommended action that the Benton Harvard Area School Board of Education vote to approve the
purchase and turn key installation for the Vicota access control and video surveillance system for the Cape Center admin move in the total amount of $64,364.94 as presented. >> Is there a motion to approve FAC1?
>> I make a motion to approve staff report FAC1. Is there a second or support? >> I support. >> The motion has been made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Secretary Triplet. Any questions, comments, or concerns?
Uh, Treasurer Gin. >> Thank you. I know that we spent a beautiful penny on security and I was under the impression that that penny stretched to
every building. I remember them coming here doing a presentation and they said that we would get all the bells and whistles for every building that was open. And I don't I don't think we got a
guarantee for the closed buildings. I can't remember that. I'd have to go back. But did Verata service Kate is my first question?
>> Some of the doors were not all of them. >> Is there is there a reason why they didn't service all the doors? I can't really answer that because it was before my time, but just looking at it, it was because I'm assuming that um
it wasn't really kids inside the building, so they really didn't need much security. >> Is case still the is is still the alternative school, right? >> As of now, yes, we share we share it
with Central. >> Okay. And so it's still Kate? Yes. >> I I guess what I'm wondering is if there was a and you may have done it and
so if there was a review of all of the things that they said they would give us cuz you know sometime especially with the change in leadership >> that's that's happened over time. I'm wondering if we close that gap of receiving all the things that they said
that they would give to us because like even at um oh MLK I've seen some equipment at MLK that I should see at all the buildings but I'm not seeing it. So I'm really wondering
if they BATA has really fulfilled the obligations that we paid for. they have fulfilled their obligation as far as what we had needed at that particular time by we moving central office over there. We have um very important files
and everything else. So we need cameras in those areas. So that's why the updates is so we they'll be able to five in and we will know who's going into which um of the doors. >> Okay. I'll turn it over to uh you please.
>> Yeah, I I I too have the same concern, not any questions about um if it's necessary, but we we have for me I've sat at this board and we
approve and some of us approve some of this stuff with hesitation. AI and pop this and pop that and and then when we ask questions, people were not here. People don't know. Um I guess
my question is who's inspecting? Because my next call at this very next meeting will be all of these things that we have voted millions of dollars for. millions of dollars for the people came
here before us and promised who were brought before this board of education and I don't care we have 50 switches in administration. I do not care. We need to make sure that this stuff is done and that it is done
properly because I am fed up with people coming in here making money off this district and we do not get what we paid for. It's not right. And so if if Cape was one of those schools, regardless to whether or not
central administration moved over there or not, that building, they told us that all of our buildings would be secure. I don't know how you're going to secure a building and leave certain doors open or or or not covered. So maybe we need to
get some more clarification on that. So now that you're here, we can follow up in our facilities committee meeting and get more clarification. But I do understand exactly what um Treasurer Gavin is saying because we
voted for a lot of money to go to this space and to this place to this company. >> Okay. direct director likes my question is um probably one that you I don't know you may have more information than we than
we do. I know that the looks like majority of this is cameras and and door controllers and things of that nature. So I can see the 14,000 2524 in cost. I'm just kind of curious what the extra 50,000 of installation
is. There's no scope of service for that. Um, they're charging us $50,000 to install $14,000 worth of product, >> but we don't necessarily have any clarification as to what the scope of
service is or the scope of work for that 50,000. And there's only one, two, three, four, five items to install at a $50,000 charge. I need to do that. >> Wrong profession.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> I would like to table this until we've had cuz I'm looking at a old report for an additional $70,000
uh June of 2025 for these buildings in addition to the money we already paid. So, I would I would like to table this until we've had an assessment of the initial proposal, the $70,000 change order that we approved in June
the same almost to the date June 10th, 2025. And now to make sure that we've gotten everything that we were promised in the beginning and that we are not being charged extra for installation that they should have completed based on the word
they gave us in the first place. >> All right. So there's a table by Gavin. Is there support? >> Support. >> Okay. There's no conversation um during a table. So Secretary Tripley, can you please call the vote for the tableing of FAC1?
>> President Robinson. Yes. >> Vice President Bowens. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. Yes. >> Treasurer Gavin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Bradley. >> Yes. >> Motion carried.
>> All right. Did Director Blocks, did you get a chance to notate the clarifications needed? Okay. So, it's the initial proposal and I can't remember exactly what date we would have voted that on, but I'm pretty sure Miss Singer can assist you with. Um, Trusty Gavin notated a July 2025
>> June 10th >> June 10th >> 2025 for $7,000 of additional expenses. And then I'm specifically wanting to know what the 50,000 plus scope of work includes. >> Is there a possibility that we could get
a representative from that company to come in and speak to us to clarify some of these things? Yes, I'll call them tomorrow. >> And I think all of us have agreed at some point in this conversation, we may be in the wrong way.
>> Okay. If there's no objections from the board, um, anyone okay with taking a brief recess? >> You want to just go through Okay. Anyone have any old business? Okay. Any any new business? >> President Robinson. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> I'm wondering if we can add to the agenda, the next agenda. Uh, attorney at the table. >> Yeah. Okay. And and just so you guys are aware, is that old? Well, that's
>> okay. >> And it's old. And then we um just so there's no confusion from the board, we will have a quick follow-up meeting um because we have that last HR standing issue that we need to take vote on, but I do want to
make sure that we give enough varies notice. Um and so depending on what that requirement is, it may be something in the next week. Um if depending on how many days notice is required to be given um and then we'll we'll have the
attorney piece as well. And then depending on um hopefully um director Bullock can get that clarification on the VRATA security update. Um and then director Billocks if you could give me an update on where we
stand with the mass facilities plan. I know that we have previously put out a RFP for services we had already contracted. Um and you don't have to necessarily if you have it right now you can. If not, you can plan to do so in the next meeting that's scheduled.
>> Okay. >> Oh, go ahead. >> Sorry. One more new business. I want to make sure it's okay um through Dr. Griffin uh about the I was wondering I didn't see it on the agenda, but I was wondering if there was any updates about
the first student bus app. I'm sorry I don't have an update on that >> on an app. Okay. With the first student, I can certainly uh reach out to Miss Cook and follow up with you through through the facil through uh Dr. Bulock's meeting.
>> Yes, of course. >> Was that something mentioned in the previous meeting? >> It was um it it was mentioned in a in a meeting with um Dr. Griffin. Okay. thought it was ready. Okay. Um, anyone,
if there's no other new business, anyone present for open public comment, we have the floor. I am seven green and I believe that my just I just want to start and say this isn't directed to y'all. This is
directed to more the state and Michigan and Washington lawmakers. >> Okay. Thank you for that clarification. >> I'd like to start and say that my name is Southern Green and I believe that my school and its district like many others
is suffering from lack of funding. Funding schools is extremely important for a handful of reasons. Because of lack of funding, teachers haven't been able to do as many interactive lessons. And some people can only learn from
hands-on lessons or at least have a harder time learning from different learning or different teaching styles. The solution is put more money into the schools. The state has more money to
has enough money to do so if we tax the rich. If stop putting funding into building prisons and put it into our tax and put our tax dollars back into the community and schools. If the state put their money into things
that we need to be supported, not things like horse racing, or if the money was put into schools by the state, that would be a great help. Things like artistic special classes, band, drama, choir,
that would also be a great help. Even funding the core classes would help, specifically science lab tools. Funding science classes would make experiments much better and more informational than they already are right now. Funding gym
class would be helpful. More items for more lessons, better air conditioning, and miscellaneous things like higher quality balls and air pumps. Funding for bowling class would make the band teacher's life easier. Usually,
she's given a $1,500 budget per semester. However, instruments are expensive and just as expensive to s to fix. For example, a saxophone costed $300 to fix. So, a bigger budget would be helpful to
her and the class. Things like read, snares, sticks, and bass drum mallets, short and shorter straps, etc. Okay. But conclusion, Michigan and Washington lawmakers should fund the schools. It will be it will
better everyone's lives and you can help by going to invest in mic.org to go support the ballot. >> Thank you. Anyone else for open public comment
hearing? None. We'll go to superintendent announcements and comments. Good evening board members, colleagues, and community members. As we observe Black History Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on why this recognition matters deeply to our district and the students we serve.
Black History Month is not simply remembering our past. It's about understanding how that shape that past shapes our present and illuminates our future. When our students learn about the brilliance of Katherine Johnson, calculating Nassau's trajectories, the
courage of Ruby Bridges walking into that schoolhouse, or the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. calling us toward justice. They're not just learning history. They're learning what's possible. This month, I challenge us to move beyond celebration alone and toward
action. Are we creating classrooms where every student sees themselves reflected in the curriculum? Are we building pipelines that ensure black educators and leaders have pathways to leadership in our schools? Are we examining our policies through the lens of equity? Asking hard questions about who thrives
in our system and who faces barriers? The truth is that black history is American history. It's the story of resilience in the face of unspeakable adversity. Innovation born from necessity and the ongoing fight to make our democracy's promises real for
everyone. From the scientists and mathematicians whose names we're now only learning to the artists who gave voice to the human experience to the activists who expanded the circle of opportunity. These contributions have shaped every aspect of our nation. To
our black students and families, you are seen. You are valued. And you belong here. Your stories matter. Your potential is limitless. And we are committed to creating schools where you can thrive. Let us use this month not as
an endpoint but as a launching pad recommitting ourselves to the hard necessary work of creating truly equitable schools where every child's history is honored and every child's future is bright. Thank you.
>> All right. Awesome. Thank you. >> World member announcements and comments. We'll start with Trusty Bradley. >> Um I want to say good evening. Um, thank everyone for coming out. Uh, awesome job, young man, um, for coming up and saying public comment. Um, I just want
to congratulate um, a few of my fellow board members. You probably got an email from um, the executive director of MASB. So, I would like to congratulate um, Trusty Rocket Martin, Secretary Triplet, and myself. we all received the uh level four master board member award
and um also um trusty rocket Martin got the uh community relations specialty and I received the leadership certification on on with that. So congratulations on that. Um I know they probably got some stuff coming up coming for us but um if
you probably should check your email uh Dan Wuba the executive director MSB sent an email congratulating me. I don't know if y'all got y'alls yet. So, but um and then the other thing is um thank this I want to thank our finance department and
our school district for allowing us the opportunity to do professional development. And like I heard um Trusty Rocket Martin say one day, if you're going to be doing something, you want to do it do it well. And I thank you for that and allowing us to go through the conferences and u meet the different board members. And then you it helps you
to get out of out of that bubble of oh we're the only one going through that and you find out it's a district that you know would think that you would think has all going on and they have worse problems. You're sitting there like oh. So yeah. So thank you. >> All right. Trustee Martin
>> ask us to just pause for a minute or so to honor uh Mr. Brandon Del Brandon. He was a teacher in our district for many years and after he retired he became a sub in our district for very taught fifth grade I believe at her whole
school. So, um, if we could just have a moment of silence in respect to him. Thank you. Also, um just this is information. I know they're having a sneakers ball at MAK on Thursday. So,
put your sneakers on and come on come on out. All right. It going to be a first for me. I plan to go. Other than that, I thank everybody for a nice meeting, a good meeting, one that we were able to get through our agenda,
get things done. Um, and for our hardworking team over there. Um, and that being said, that's all I have to say. >> Thank you, Secretary Trooper. I'm >> sorry, Treasure Gavin. I'm sorry. Thank
you, President Robinson. I am so godly proud of uh seven green. >> Not good. Yes. >> He has been advocating for his teachers
and his school district for several years now. He's gone to Lancing. He's talked to Republicans and Democrats alike fighting for his schools. And when I was in Kansas City last week uh doing
a training um to organizers around uh the nation dealing with the things that we're dealing with. He was at the Michigan Black Summit writing that piece that you all just heard and he brought it home to me
and he shared that with me and I was just I wasn't shocked. I know what he's capable of. I know what he cares about. Uh, but I'm just happy that we have a student from Fairplane Middle, um, who's done his years at Ben Harbor Area
Schools and his he has a great mind. He's not the only student at Ben Harberry schools with a great mind, but he's definitely my favorite. I'm biased. Um, I also want to just let folks know that there is a uh community event on
Thursday, February 19th here at the high school. It'll be a community roundt. We're going to be looking at creative ways to um think about how we deliver uh
discipline, respect, how we can possibly infuse some mental uh wellness um in the experience of students who may be um excused from school for various reasons. I already know that Dr. Griffin has
already been working on that. I already know that teachers and staff and parents have been begging for that. And so we just want to invite everybody out to have a round table discussion about, you know, how can we work together um to deliver uh education in a way that
promotes respect and love and um mental well-being at the same time. It's going to be uh from 11 to 1:30 February 19th uh right here in the boardroom in the library boardroom.
>> All right, Secretary Triplet. >> Madame President, thank you. I too appreciate um us being able to move through um this meeting. Um, I I I I must say for me, I had um the honor of
attending the um fourth annual Michigan Black Summit and many people looked at the the social part, the the gayla part, the gala part
of the Black Summit, but the Black Summit was So power the actual summit itself. People came from all over the state of Michigan,
state representative, the lieutenant governor, um, superintendent and our superintendent had the honor of, um, facilitating the section where the educators
um, superintendents from across the state, the president of the Michigan State Board of Education, Dr. Pamela Pew addressed uh the the body. Um
and but when I saw those kids pull up in that bus and I saw them sitting at that table and I saw them
taking their notes and writing and sharing and I saw them. They knew why they were there because they had done exceptionally well on their NWA and had made great growth and so and then to see
them um at lunch and you could not you know you're not going to be anywhere around them and they don't have a Tik Tok session >> going on. So they had their lunch. The tick tockers were over to the side. I'm talking about
it was absolutely amazing. And I do want to say to the founder of the black of the black summit, the Michigan Black Summit who happens to be a part of our board of education and also to um our president and to that
committee. Job well done. Um in closing, I do want to also say this. There is a fierce urgency and it's in this district
and I want to say this publicly. I see you. I see it. I don't have any connections to anybody personally,
but our kids deserve the best, the very best. And so I I've stated, you know, and I've I worked on it myself, my own facial um expressions.
Um be mindful of what you're doing because this is not a joke and it's not a game, especially when it come to our kids. Okay. So again, thank you um Dr. Griffin
and your team um for um your support and I'm looking forward to I do hear great things is going on in our school and so I'm looking forward to um the story to continue to grow in a good and
positive way. Thank you. >> Thank you, Vice President Barnes. >> Uh fair surge of that's what it looked like at the Michigan Black Summit. You know, when I seen the kids from Jackson public schools coming >> Yeah.
>> I was feeling some type of way. >> And then when they came and got me, they said, "It's a busload of kids coming. It's a busload of kids." I said, "Those are my babies." >> Yeah. >> And they were like, "Oh, let's give them the ground." I said, "You don't get got to give them the ground rules. Those are tigers. We know how to act and everything." And they made us proud. And
I just want to say, um, it was a honor to see them. They got to meet Attorney General um, Keith Ellison. I don't know if they realized the historic part of that. Um, so seeing Britain Harvard Area Schools show up strong meant everything to me. It was powerful when I asked one
of the kids at the middle school, "Do you guys what what did you learn?" And they said, "I'm taking notes. You read about it later." And I said, "Okay, well, let me stop asking questions." It felt good to see them along people. And it was also impressed when they one
of the ladies came up and said, "Y'all superintendent is bad." So, job well done, Dr. Griffin. It was also interesting and great that we had a CTE component here at Benton Harbor High School. We made a connection with Dr. Ayanna Reading who will be
doing CNA workshops and getting our kids into a CNA school that she runs in Buchanan. So, we're pretty excited about that. I want to say thank you to the staff, educators, chaperons, and fellow board members and school leaderships who made sure our students were safe,
supported, and able to witness that moment. You just didn't bring them to to an event. You brought them into possibility. Um, a special thanks to Mr. Triplet and Dashana. Although you go on Facebook, you see him telling me off a little bit,
but thank you for your leadership, protection, and commitment to our young people and the Michigan Black Summit. Um, watching our youth meet, Attorney General, um, General Keith Ellison and the Lieutenant Governor, those moments matter. They plant seeds. They let our
kids see themselves reflected in leadership. And let me say this plainly. Be careful how hard you search for something that isn't there. When you go looking for smoke with no fire, it starts to look less like accountability and more like a witch hunt. The truth always shows
itself and so do your intentions. What I saw was integrity. What I felt was pride. What I know is this. Our students are watching and we owe them any and everything. So this is what it is when we gather. This is what we This is why we lean. This is a fierce urgency of now
and it's nothing wrong investing and giving our kids the opportunity to experience something of that magnitude. Thank you. >> Thank you, Vice President Bones. I will attempt to keep this very short and sweet. I will just like to say that um I appreciate everyone being present this
evening, how quickly we were able to get business conducted. I was very proud as well of our students being present um for the sum the Michigan Black Summit and I was honored to be a part of that process. I think it went absolutely phenomenal and I think it's a strong
representation of Benton Harbor. Um I just want to ensure that everyone is clear that Benton Harbor area schools is a system that is composed of many layers of individuals. So you have staff that often cannot do things without the
principal. You have the principal that cannot move without the director of academics, the director of academics. And those directors cannot move without the superintendent. Superintendent cannot move without the board. And even though there's multiple positions in the board, even myself as president, I can't
get anything accomplished at this board table without a majority with me. So there are very various levels to this puzzle that are required in order to ensure that Ben Harbor Area Schools is at its most
outstanding level of efficiency. And so I just want to make sure it is clear that the community has voted this board of education to ensure that we are um inspecting what we expect and we're
governing accordingly. It's like there may be times where we have questions so that we can feel comfortable and competent in our decisions to proceed with the vote and it's not ever meant to discredit um any work or research that's been done that we value our vote our our
votes and when we take action at this table if we are misinformed or misled or even if we are perfectly okay and people disagree we hear about it in social media and in various ways. So some of our votes we cannot take light. It is
not a discount to the staff or the teachers or any committees that may have worked on what's been presented to us. And so I want to make sure that everyone has a full understanding of that so that we can um prevent there being a shift in the energy when certain questions are
asked at the table because it's quite uncomfortable and very noticeable. So with that I will ask is there a motion to adjurnn? >> I so move support. >> All right. The motion has been moved by Secretary Triplin and supported by Trusty Baldley. 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. Trusty Bradley, uh, yes. Motion carried.
>> All right. This meeting is adjourned as of 7:49 p.m. You all have an amazing evening.