three. I will be serving as the chair today. Can we please rise for the pledge of 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. >> Thank you, Madam Secretary. I'm going to ask that you call the role due to the absence of the secretary. >> President Robinson, >> Vice President Bowman, >> yes.
>> Secretary Triplet, >> Treasurer Bradley, Trustee Gavin, >> present. >> Trustee Rocket Martin, >> present. >> Trustee Doyle, >> present. >> Vice President, present.
>> Thank you. We are now at the approval of the agenda. I do need to note that we do have two closed sessions that we would not be able to go to. I don't know if we want to remove those off the agenda or keep them on. And when if we get another board member,
it's totally up to you, but I don't want to, you know, overstep. So, is there a motion to for approval of the agenda? >> So, move. A motion has been made by Trustee Doyle. >> Second. And it's been second by trustee
rocket. Madam Secretary, can I'm sorry. Is there any questions or concerns? Madam Secretary, can you please call the role? >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes. >> Trustee Gavin, >> yes. >> Trustee Rocket Martin,
>> yes. >> Trustee Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. We now come to the Bitten Harbor Board of Education norms. Our norms are 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 it 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 which are pausing,
paraphrasing, posing questions, putting ideas on the table, providing data, paying attention to self and others, and presuming positive intentions. We now come to public comment on agenda items. Is there anyone here for public
comment on the agenda items? I will read the comment um our public comment statement as you guys are making your way to the the Bitner Harour Area Schools Board of Education recognizes 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 of 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 the responses are appropriately and propos properly focused. For Bitten Hover Area School bylaw 016 0167.3 which governs board participation at
board meetings. We request that you preplace your comments with your name, address, and group affiliation when appropriate. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to a threeinut duration. And per our bylaws, no particip bylaws, no participant may speak more
than once on the same topic until any other person have had the opportunity to speak to speak on that topic. Participants may remove their mask while addressing the board. Participants should direct all comments to the board and not to staff or other participants. The board will
listen and take comments and questions under advisement and not respond at this time. I, as vice 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 any questions for
the board or executive team that require followup, please email those directly to natalie.serbhas.org. and trooper Burton, can you please come and tech, can you start the timer? Thank you. >> Good evening, board. I'm Maurice Burton,
uh, Ben Harbor Area Schools, residents of Benton Harour, Michigan, speaking uh, as far as as far as all the educational piece. Uh I was contacted last week by uh Benhart PD to speak on uh behalf of
incident that happened uh at the school and concerning uh uh Dr. Griffin and it was CPS Harour and I'm like CPS and so I'm letting the board know basically my statement that I made to the Benton
Harbor Police Department uh regarding CPS uh with Dr. Griffin. They asked me what happened on that date with Dr. Griffin. I informed them that I was working as security. Got a call from
one of my former security off where one of my security officers said they had a great student that was running out of classroom to make a fight. And I directed that security guard to bring that student down to the cafeteria where
Dr. Griffin was uh in the cafeteria at that particular time. uh acting as uh the interim uh at that particular time the principal ship and superintendent had at the same time. So they brought the student down and when the student
came down student had a high lip voice. She told the student to lower her voice. student uh still had a little high pitch and she told a lower voice again and why was she brought down and uh I gave her
the information that uh she was running out of the classroom uh attempting to fight a student and Dr. Griffin uh reminded her what did she talk about in the meeting in the assembly prior to that and she said there will be no
fighting. Isn't that what I told you? And the student said, "Yeah, but and Dr. Griffin told her to call her mother, you know, so that they can discuss what had happened and transpired." And so they
sit down and they begin to talk. And when I walked away from that incident to handle the other things within the cafeteria, uh, I noticed the uplifting of voice and I noticed Dr. Griffin moving up and Mr. McGrder, my other security guard had to
secure this other female student and I noticed the female student from past experience had always uh had indications of high temperament. So she was lunging and going toward Dr. Griffin. So myself
and Mr. McGrder were holding her back, telling her to quiet herself down while Dr. Griffin walked into the hallways. Dr. Griffin at that time the students tried to break away from me then Mr. McGrder and uh we was telling her to
focus on us and calm herself down and Dr. Griffin uh in the hallway glanced back and she had positioned herself in a defensive mode to protect herself. Miss McGrder and I finally got her come down and when she uh finally got calmed down
we l looked around. I didn't see Dr. Griffin at that time. uh she had walked a little ways down the hallway. So we released the girl to put her in a more secured place and uh unto our knowledge that Dr. Griffin had was walking toward
her office going out of the same way that the girl was exiting out of the door and she had to uh you know get in another defensive mode against the girl because she was threatening throwing threats at Dr. Griffin at that time. So, I want to set the record straight so
that I don't know what you may have heard over social media, but this is what happened and this is what I had to make my written statement to the U police department about. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you, >> M. Prof. Good evening, everyone.
Um and certainly I address you this evening with every bit of respect for the official elected Bitten Harbor area school board and I realize that you have been voted in by the people to represent
the people. I am Sharon Brown. I am the co-founder of the African-American History and Literature Gallery and one of the lead visionaries for the Benton Harour St. Joe MLK monuments.
But my most recent calling has come from my nephew Spencer Harris. You see, I am also the great aunt of the ex Benton Harbor High School students Somaya whose mother recently passed away and
not yet buried. I am the woman on Saturday morning of November 1st while making my way into the interest of the gallery to prepare for a two-day parent and community talk with a licensed therapist uh Sheila Mer
Matthews seeking healing for a traumatized community that still was dealing with the death of a 14year-old boy killed by a 19year-old young man. I was summoned uh to a car that had pulled over. It was a Bitten Harbor High School
classmate uh who needed to announce to me that the young girl victim uh here at the Bitten Harbor High School um where a recent dismissal of Bitten Harbor staff, she wanted me to know that Sharon that is my
family. Uh she is my great niece. We cried together and prayed about the trauma on top of trauma, not knowing that being the great aunt of Zomaya that it would pleasure me at this point
to be here today. I have been bewildered, angry, took time to process and choose my behavior this evening evening to according to your rules and civil disobedience.
My schoolmate and I have had to look back and wish for our old Bitten Harbor High School because the new Bitten Harbor High School seems to be a far cry
um from what we experienced and it seems as if it's been that way too long. I really don't speak don't want to speak or I don't speak a lot about uh Trump. I do that because I don't feel um that
he's really in control. I feel that the people uh voted him in and that they support what he's doing. I too have no grievance with the new uh superintendent, but I do address
my elected my official board. On the most part, I at least know you or I know of you, those who placed her in the superintendent position to rule over our school system. again, you were voted in by the people
to make decisions for the people even if they don't show up. And I'm just very very concerned about the latest activities that's escalated at the school and if this is actually representing
what the people whether they show up or not is expecting. Some would say whether I participated in the selection process. Um, but I know there was clear voices and I'm not ashamed to say that we felt
that because of the critical situation that uh is in our school system that we felt that a local person would have been more of a rescue aid. I was told by a a board member that you
weren't loud enough. You have to be loud when you want to be effective and you want to be heard and for change to happen. And I hope that tonight I'm loud enough. And yet there was a letter of recommendation that came from my husband
and who we felt would be the choice. So I have no self- agenda. The focus is still the same. The betterment of our people and our children. We were made that the fact that the superintendent uh position also wrote on a favorable
answer to a question of keeping uh the boarded up schools standing. And yes, we choose not chose not to attend the Q&A uh nor the meet and greet. Instead, we sent an email to the board sharing our deepest concerns that we believe an
error had been made in your final selection. So, I find no boast in this this evening. I ask that you be transparent and perhaps even consider reading the response out loud to my email. And if you cannot pull it up, I do have copies
available. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else on agenda items that would like to comment? Sorry. Hello board members. My name is Shenika Davis. I'm an employee
of Ben Harbor High School, also the middle school. I'm coming to speak on behalf of the district and everyone. Um I just have a question to the community. How long?
How long is we going to slander Dr. Griffin about this mistake? I feel like she took accountability. What more? And I let me get something straight. Her public statement was about Shmaya. The both of the girls are
Shmaya. Shamaya and Shmaya. So y'all read it wrong. She probably didn't talk to the other Shemaya parents, but Shamaya Davis mother was spoken to. But we have bigger issues in this district
that's going on like the scores. We just going we just going to look over the scores and we just going to continue to slander our new superintendent. And only reason why I think she's getting the slander is because she's not from around here. We know how Ben Harvey is. I've been here
all my life. She don't have no favorite parent. She don't have no favorite employee. She is working. She came here blind. So a blind person is going to come with defense anyway it go. That's
just like when I was in high school. I left and went to South Bin. When I came there, I had to be the toughest person walking this school because I didn't want nobody to feel like they can run over me because our last superintendent clearly wasn't doing right because they
not here. So, how about the community step back and get off this lady back and let her do her job as a superintendent? And I'm standing here and I stand with Dr. Griffin because she's an awesome lady. She's an awesome leader and we not going
to take that from her because of a mistake. I work in this high school every day. These kids go crazy. Check yourself before you check anybody else. Check your kid. It start at home. If the kid was if the kid was taught not to cuss at
an adult or do anything disrespecting the adult, we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place. I'm frankly tired of it on Facebook. And the only reason why I haven't said nothing, everybody know me on this board. I always speak up. This is not the first meeting that I have spoke up.
But I'm tired. I'm tired of seeing the slander. I'm tired of the situations. Let it go. Ain't nobody said nothing on Facebook about these scores that everybody received in their emails.
Ain't nobody said nothing about that. But it's, oh, Dr. Griffin this, Dr. Griffin. What about parent teacher conference when a parent came up and said only one parent came and seen her? One parent out of all these parents in the high school, one parent. Enough is
enough. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there any additional comments? Therefore, being no additional comments, we would go to the rest of our agenda. That leads to section F and that is the
approval of meeting minutes. We will be approving work session from October 28th, 2025 and November 11th of 2025. Is there a motion to approve both work sessions? Both meeting new limits. Sorry.
>> So moved. >> It's been moved by SE trustee Rakette. Is there a second? >> Second. >> And it's been seconded by trustee Gavin. Is there any questions or comments? Therefore being none, Madam Secretary,
can you please call the vote for me? >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes. >> Trustee Gavin, >> yes. >> Trustee Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trustee Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Okay. Thank you. We now need to a
motion. May I have a motion on the floor to amend the agenda with board business or you want to keep point of clarity? >> So are we moving it down? Do we have
>> we can move it down? >> Do we have >> Let's move it down. >> Can we move it down? So do we need to change our agenda? I'll I'll make the motion to be on the safe side
>> to move it underneath um new business at the bottom. >> Let's just Okay, I just noticed how they put board business is section A for the audit. We don't need to make a vote for that. Correct. We can continue to go with the audit report and then we can
come back for section C. >> Okay. I mean B and C. Did that. >> So just hold off on that. >> Yeah, let's hold off on that. I just realized it was section A. Sorry. We have our presentation by Gabbridge and Company. >> I apologize about that.
>> Good evening. >> Good evening. Welcome to Bon Harbor Area Schools. My name is uh Joe Berlin and I'm with Gabri Company and I thank the board for the opportunity to to be here tonight and first I'll say it was a
pleasure working with Angela and Brian and they provided us a set of financial statements at the beginning of the the audit process and uh throughout the audit process they provided us with all the audit documentation supporting documents and schedules and we work with uh uh department of education and
various financial inst institutions to confirm and verify the numbers. Um, and what matters more than anything else um in this report can be found in the second paragraph on page one. And this is where we provide the opinion on on your financial statements. Uh, we wrote
in our opinion the financial statements present fairly. I'm sorry. If you go to it' be uh page three of the PDF right there. second paragraph if you want to zoom in to to make a little bit easier to read. So that is the uh the opinion paragraph
and and that's where we wrote in our opinion the financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the school district as of June 30, 2025. Um, I made the mistake one time. I referred to it as an unmodified opinion to one of my clients and they became upset and
started uh they wanted to know what they needed to do to to make sure they didn't never receive another unmodified opinion again. But that's actually the highest level of an opinion that we can provide on your financial statement. So, it's a clean opinion and uh it means that uh your controls are suitably designed.
they're effectively operating to ensure that the school is receiving accurate, timely, and verifiable financial statements. Um, should always be the school's goal to to get to the point where you have a clean opinion on your financial state. >> Can you repeat that louder? That the part that you just said a few minutes ago.
>> Yeah, sure. >> It should always be the school's goal to have a clean opinion on your financial statements. >> And we have a clean opinion, correct? >> Yes. This is the the highest level of an opinion that we can provide. Thank you. >> Sure. Uh it it should always be the
school's goal to get to that point, but it certainly means something to achieve it. We've had larger organizations with either qualified or adverse opinions because they weren't able to stand behind the numbers that were provided to us during the audit process. Uh so kudos to the staff for getting to that point.
If you want to navigate a little bit further down this page, we'll see a an emphasis of matter paragraph. And all this paragraph is doing is pointing out to the readers of the financial statements that the school district implemented governmental accounting standard board statement number 101 and
that's the the compensated absence standard. U many school districts implemented it and it had a significant impact on their financial position. Um it didn't really have any impact on uh on Benton Harbor's uh financial position but it was implemented during the course
of of the year. Um, next, if you go to page, it' be page uh nine of of the PDF, page six of the the bound copy of the report. Scroll up a little bit further. Uh, if you go back a couple more pages,
I think one more page right there, the financial highlights. So, this section of the audit report is management's discussion and analysis. And I I find this to be useful. I always take readers through it because it's essentially the cliffnotee version of the entire audit report. Um, here you
get uh the financial highlights. They hit on some of the some of the more significant numbers within your financial statements. It also provides uh two-year comparative data to get an idea for some of the trends that your finances are showing. And then there's narrative explaining reasons behind
significant changes in your revenues and expenses during the past two years. U so first that uh the first bullet point shows that if the school were to take all of its assets which includes long-term assets, buildings and um receivables and if they were to sell
them all and pay all of your liabilities, it's it's very much a hypothetical number. Uh the difference would be about $29 million left over. Um, now that includes non-spendable items and restricted items, things of of that nature. But the difference is net position. In the corporate world, we
would call that equity. Um, and if we back off the non-spendable items and the restricted amounts, uh, we get to the unrestricted net position, which is a deficit net position of 2,176,235. Uh, virtually every school district in the state of Michigan has a deficit, unrestricted net position. The biggest
reason being the net pension liability that is getting reported on on your statement of net position. So, it's a long-term liability. The school gets an annual uh required contribution that you guys make a payment into every month to keep chipping away at that net pension liability over the course of the next 15
years. That number will fully become fully funded. Um, but you currently have a deficit unrestricted net position as of June 30, 2025. second bullet point down and I I mentioned that first bullet point is really kind of a hypothetical number. The second bullet point answers the
question is a school better off financially at June 30, 2025 compared to June 30, 2024 and during the course of fiscal 25 total revenues across all funds of the school came in just around $39 million and that exceeded your expenses of roughly $34 million during
the course of the year leading to an increase in your net position. My eyesight's not as good as it used to be. It's uh $5,240,18. Um in the corporate world, we would call that net income. A lot of that had to do with some kind of external factors that
went in the school's favor. For example, your net OPED asset and your net pension liability both showed significant improvements during the course of the year because that your pension and retirey healthcare assets earned about 15 and a half% interest on on on those
assets during the the course of the year. That certainly helped the school, but at the end of the day, you had a $5.2 million increase in your net position. Um, so if the reader asked, are is the school better off? The answer is yes by about $5.2 million. Third bullet point. First two two bullet
points are very much on the long-term very long-term outlook. Uh, third bullet point. Now we're looking at what are the school's immediate resources compared to your immediate obligations. Uh, the difference represents fund balance. Uh during the course of the year across all funds of the school, total fund balances
decreased by approximately $4.85 million leading to an ending fund balance across all of your funds of about $31 million. So on the long-term basis of accounting, your net position improved even though your fund balances decreased. The biggest reason for that being much of
your fund balances were used on long-term fixed assets. So on the short-term basis of accounting, we're we're reporting that as a decrease in your fund balance. On the long-term basis of accounting, we're including that as a long-term fixed asset and depreciating those assets over their
their useful lives. Thus, the slightly different or the significantly different um uh change in fund balance compared to the increase in in your total net position. Fourth bullet point, now we're talking about the most important fund of the school year, general fund. Total
fund balance came in at 16.6 6 million which is about 46.5% of your annual general fund expenditures. Not too much, not too little. Very healthy financial position as of June 30, 2025. But continuing on through that bullet point, you can see that the total fund balance
in your general fund did decrease by $768,232 during the course of the year. So, you're in a healthy spot. It did go backwards during the course of the year. Um certainly something to to be mindful of, but as of June 30, 2025, you're in a
healthy financial position. If you go down to page nine of the the printed copy, which is two more pages from here, we're going to look at the comparative assets and liabilities of the school for the past two years. Um just a few rows that I
wanted to point out. The very top row, it's always nice to know how your cash and investments are doing. And you can see total cash at June 30, 2025, very top row on the left column, $34 million compared to about 32.3 million as of June 30, 2024. Uh so it's nice to see an
increase in your total cash during the course of the year. If you look half dozen rows down from there, your net OPED asset increased. Um you had an OPED asset at June 30, 2024, 560,000. That compares to an asset of about 4.4 4
million at June 30, 2025. And again, that's due to a 15.5% return on um your retirey healthcare assets during the course of the year. So, strong returns increased your OPED asset, which is certainly a good thing. If you look
about threequarters of the way down this page in the non-current liability section, we will see the net pension liability, and that number improved. It's still a liability, but it improved. Uh June 30, 2024, you had a liability of 30.3
million compared to a liability of 24.1 million as of June 30, 2025. So about a $6 million improvement, which is uh substantial during the course of of the year. And then lastly, if you look at the very bottom row, your total net position um improved. It was 24.2
million as of June 30, 2024, and it increased up to 29.4 4 million as of June 30, 2025. Now, you might note the row directly above that, your unrestricted net position actually declined uh from a deficit of 1.5 million to a deficit of 2.2 million. A
lot of that has to do with a decrease in your general fund fund balance. Um is primarily the uh the biggest impact on on your unrestricted net position. You go one more page to page 10. We got to look at the comparative revenues and
expenses of the school for the uh each of the last two years. Uh what I did want to point out here, the second row down from the top in 2024, the school had roughly $32 million of operating grants and contributions. That number dipped to about 23.3 million for the 12
months ended June 30, 2025. The biggest reason being the decrease uh roughly nine10 million dollars of of of ESSER funding during fiscal 25 simply because the the ESRE funding stopped at September 30, 2024. Um in addition to
that, if you look at uh another half dozen rose down from there, the gain on loan forgiveness, uh the school recognized a one-time gain of of 9 almost $10 million in fiscal 24. That number decreased to zero. Uh no such loans were forgiven. In fact, the school
paid off its its loan remaining long-term debt during the course of fiscal 25. Um, so altogether total revenues were 57.4 million compared to 39.1 million in fiscal 25. But really, it's the uh that loan forgiveness and the er funding that um is driving the
total decrease in your total revenues. Uh, and then three rows up in the bottom, you can see that the change in net position. The far right column showed a $23.9 million increase in your total net position certainly benefited by the uh
the two one-time uh items of of Esser funding and loan forgiveness. Um, but again, you did have an increase in your net position in fiscal 25 of 5.24 million. Next, if you go to page 19, the last
page that I wanted to point out. This shows the funds of the school and this is on the modified approval basis of accounting or I would think of this as being checkbook accounting. You know, how much cash went into the school during the course of the year? Um, that amount gets reflected as revenues and
how much cash went out. Uh those are your expenditures. In the very um four rows up from the bottom, three rows up from the bottom, you can see that your general fund had a decrease in fund balance $768,000. If you want to scroll just a little bit further down this this page, uh right
there, $768,000 decrease leading to an ending fund balance of $24,97,515 in your general fund. The next column over your your syncing fund had a $3.4 4 million decrease due to um building
improvement projects throughout the course of the year of approximately $6.1 million. That led to a fund balance of $6.87 million. And then the third column shows all the other funds of the school get they get aggregated together. Um
primarily your your food service fund is what's driving down or showing the uh the biggest piece of of that decrease in in fund balance of 668 or 688,000. Many of our schools are showing the same thing simply because they've got excess fund balance in that food service fund
and they need to be used on on various um capital projects capital outlay items to to spend down fund balance because of surplus fund balances during the the past couple of years. Um so altogether total change in fund balance was the
decrease of $4.85 million uh three rows up from the bottom in the very last uh column on on the right side of the page. Um so those are the the financial highlights. There is uh kind of a unique delay this year uh with regard to your
financial reporting. Um the office of management and budget has yet to pass the 2025 compliance supplement which they normally pass in May of each year. And for that reason that is the document that auditors use in order to be able to plan and perform your your federal
single audit. They haven't even published it yet, which made things a little bit more challenging this year with regard to the audit timing. Um, so we don't know when the Office of Management and Budget is going to actually pass the compliance supplement. The Michigan Department of
Education is aware of of this issue. So your federal single report is not due until 30 days after whatever day office of management budget uh releases the compliance supplement. Um, so there will be another small or another piece of of the audit, but what I can say is that we
intended to issue an unmodified opinion on your federal on your internal control over compliance over over your federal awards as well. Um, I just don't we're not able to discuss it until uh we're able to to publish it. So um anyway, those are the highlights that I've got
and I'm certainly more than happy to take any further questions the board might have. >> Is there I can do questions. We don't have a quum right now, but we can still do. >> No. >> So, go >> in layman's terms. >> Yeah. Go ahead.
>> Uh, what would you say are um the state of our budget is in? >> Well, um, in layman's terms, I would say that you guys are are ahead of the Michigan Department of Education's benchmark with regard to your your financial position. Um, so you should
have a minimum of 10% of unassigned fund balance in your general fund. So you're you're beating that benchmark. I do think it's a good idea to continue to monitor your general fund and try to make sure that balance stays budget so that you stay and and remain at that healthy financial position. Um so I'm
not sure if that answers the question, but yeah, >> I guess Trusty Gavin, do you have any questions or comments? >> I'm just wondering, do we need to >> We can still go through because we're not going to vote on this. So, we can
still talk, but then after that, I'm gonna call for Well, no. >> Okay. >> Well, okay. I'd like to wait until just to be on the safe side. >> Just wait till Secretary Tripley takes >> We're going to ask him to expedite his
walk. >> Please. >> First of all, I want to say, is he is he officially here? Is it good? Can we please note that we have Secretary Triplet in at 6:39?
Thank you. We now have a quorum. Sir, >> thank you. First of all, thank you. Uh, feels good to know that we're looking good financially. I think that a lot of people always wonder about that piece. Um my question
and I I'm really happy of course to hear that the debt forgiveness has contributed to that as well. The there's always a question in the community about long-term debt. So our that big debt was forgiven, but it looks
like we have a little bit of long-term debt. And in the document, it indicates that it's just kind of related to long-term obligations for accumulated sick and vacation leave. >> Yes. >> Is that this $165,352?
Is that related to that as well? It's on page 14. >> Yep. >> And I asked because people ask me that. I'm like, we don't have, you know, we're we're out of debt in that way, but I want to make sure I'm being honest in my response. And I see that there's a
smaller much smaller amount here. >> Yes, you are correct in saying that. I'm trying to find the footnote schedule that gives a little bit more detail. Um, it might make it a little bit easier to uh to understand what makes up.
If you go to uh page 38 of of the audit report, that gets us into the footnote section of the audit >> and that shows the change in the school's long-term obligations. >> Okay. 38.
You see note 8. >> Is there is it a heading for it? >> Yep. It's a note 8 which says long-term obligations. >> Oh, I think it's I think it's page 30 30 page 40 on my >> Oh, sure. >> Got you. Okay. >> Sure. Yep. >> So, no notate the long-term obligations.
It shows the the balances at the beginning of the year. Um, so there was that supplemental payout payable to the state of Michigan, uh, $126,712, which was paid down during fiscal 25. So that is entirely satisfied. Um, and there is a 2024 lease obligation for
some office equipment for various copers and whatnot throughout the the district. Um, that's the sole remaining uh item. So the bonds payable, the amounts payable to the state of Michigan, all of that has been paid off and and has zero balance. So that supplemental payout
that was before we got noticed that the debt was forgiven. Maybe >> was that like our last payment? Maybe >> that was a second secondary loan and that's going to paid off in full. >> Gotcha. Okay. And I I had that other question and I don't know if it makes
more sense to ask that during finance committee or is it Okay. I have another question but I'll ask at another time. >> Sure. >> Thank you so much. It feels good to know that we're in good standing, >> good fund balance. >> Great. Thank you so much. >> Sure.
>> Yes. I want to comment to Well, Secretary Tripley, do you have any comments? We just got our audit. We have a clean audit. >> Okay. I just want to say job well done um to Director Brock Carter. I know we ask questions and I was going through
numbers and everything and you know I'm going through everything asking what is going on. So I just want to say job well done and thank you so much if there's been none thank you. >> Right. Thank you very much. >> Do you have any comments you would like
to say trustee um sorry director block >> just you know thank you to Joe and his team for helping us get our audit done timely. you know, it's always a bit of a crunch time for us to get everything in and done in time, but him and his team always accommodates us and make sure
that our audit is done on time, submitted, and uploaded to our transparency report um timely. So, I just want to say thank you, Joe, to you and your team, and thank you to the board for allowing me the opportunity to be the director of finance here at
Benton Harbor Area Schools. I I definitely um enjoy it and it's something that you know this last year it wasn't my work during the audit so this year it was actually my work so I'm glad to know that I'm doing well. Thank you.
>> Thank you. So what I'm wait what I'm going to go ahead and do now board is I'm going to call for us a recess. We'll be back in 6:55 and I'm gonna call for recess. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. We are now at the section section of our agenda for a close session. Um the board of education may hold a close session to consider the dismissal, suspension or discipline 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 questions request a closed hearing reference policy 0167.2, two, a majority vote is required. Um, we
also will be going to close session for two items. Is there a motion on the floor to go in close session? In open session and to go into close session, I'm sorry. >> So move. >> It's been supported by trustee Doyle. Is
there a second? >> Second. >> And second by trustee Gavin. Is there any questions or concerns? Therefore, being nonman, Secretary Triplet, are you ready to call for the role? >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes.
>> Secretary Triplet, yes. Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Trusty Gavin, >> yes. >> Trustee Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Thank you. We'll be going into close session at 658. For those of you that are in the audience, we will be
going into close session to handle some um information. We hope to be back shortly. Close session and come into open session. >> Recommend that we
close session. >> Can you talk to your mic, please? >> I make a motion that we come out of close session and go into open session. >> Miss Trusty Rakette has made a motion that we end close session and come back into regular session. Is there a second?
>> I support. >> It's been second by Secretary Triplet. Is there any questions or comments? Therefore, being none, can you please call the role? Secretary Triplet. >> Vice President Bowens. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. >> Yes.
>> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trustee Gavin. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Okay. We are now at the section of our agenda for policy and discipline committee. This is the second reading. Trustee Gavin, would you like to read
the policy 3130, assignment and transfer of professional staff? >> Yes. >> And I can barely hear you. I don't know if those in Zoom land can too.
>> I need a second to get into my email into my >> Oh, sorry. staff report B1. Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yes. Resolution to enhance transfer and reassignment policy.
Reason for board approval. The board of education shall adopt bylaws and policies for the organization and operation of this board and the district and shall be bound to follow such bylaws and policies.
Facts and analysis. Bylaws and policies shall be adopted, amended, repealed, or suspended by a majority v vote of the board. The board may adopt, amend, or repeal rules of order for its own operation by simple resolution of the board passed by a majority of those
present and voting. The adoption, modification, repeal or suspension of a board bylaw or policy shall be recorded in the minutes of the board. All bylaws and policies shall be printed in the board policy manual. Policy reference 0122 board
powers bylaws and policies creating a new position. Strategic plan reference facilities and operation. Benharia schools will develop, implement and evaluate a fiscally responsible plan
that will ensure physical and psychological safety. Recommended action that the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education votes to excuse me votes to approve the revision of the Benton Harour Area Schools revise
and reissue NEOLAL bylaws policy 3130 and 4130 to add the language. The board shall approve the transfer and reassignment of all professional staff and support staff in the district and edges staff upon review of a transfer
and reassignment plan that includes the following rationale and benefits of the proposed change. Onboarding transition plan for new assignment impact statement from the proposed staff detailing the pros, cons, and recommendations to
consider. explicit indicators as to whether the reassignment transfer is voluntary or involuntary in nature, accompanying documentation to support the change. Approved for presentation to the board of education.
Thank you. And that is our second reading. And do you want to read policy? I'm sorry. Is there any questions or concerns on this policy? >> Is this the first reading? >> This is the second. We seen this last was it last week or the week before last
>> week we >> that's how it works >> is that a question >> as support staff I do think that um when we're talking about or what our policy specifically states about the recreation of new positions
Oh, and I may have looked at the wrong one because I do think that we need to get some something in place as it relates to our EDG staff employees. Um is is is to any employees that come
through. We don't know people are working in this district through quote unquote edge of staff. As a board, we don't always know. And so I think it is our uh responsibility, trust me Gavin,
to um definitely take this in consideration and to um plug it out. I I I am I am for that. >> Okay, thank you. >> No, we are in the work session. So this
is our second reading. >> Do you have any questions? trustee. Okay, I'm just taking the mic now. >> I have some concerns. I am against this because it takes the power away from those from the superintendent and not
necessarily being the superintendent we have. Now, I'm saying from the position and if the superintendent is in the position to run the district, whoever it may be, they should have that power. And it should be the superintendent who decides
who needs to move when it we are not in the day-to-day operations. If we have to vote on who needs to move and who doesn't need to move, how do we know? We would be we're in the weeds. You're in the weeds. How would we know? Because they know what has to be done in the
dayto-day building operations and in the district. They need to know when this person need to move, who needs to be this, who who needs to be that. As a building administrator, we always had the autonomy to move our teachers from
one grade to another as we saw fit. We discussed it. We didn't just arbitrarily do it. We discussed it with the teachers. We had them to understand that we don't have as many kids now in this grade. We need you to transition to another grade. But we had that that
authority in our buildings to run our buildings that way. And so to take this the authority away from the superintendent to move um the people as needed is is a a grossly
it's it would just be terrible. Um I think when we took away the power of the superintendent in the first place, we never should have messed with that position. it and had been in position from years down thous organization who has taken power away
from their CEO or their top official and say you can't do anything. So I I am extremely totally against this policy. I think we should leave our policy as is and that it stand
as is and we'll make other adjustments if there's a problem with anything. There is an evaluation process that the state has given us to use. We should use our evaluation process that we need to use to take care of what we need to take
care of and let the person that's in charge of this district run the district. So I am against this policy. >> Thank you Trusty Gavin. Trusty Doyle. >> That was not by any stretch of the
>> I apologize. Trusty Ruckett, Trustee Doyle, >> I'm in agreement with these policies. Um, I think we need to have something in place to help make sure things are getting moved
along and assigned and transferred in a such way that that there is a followup and just like she has here rationale those things like that onboarding plans
just to make sure our people are getting to the right places and able to do the things that they need to do. So, I'm in total agreement. This is our second read. We got one more read and then it's a policy.
>> Thank you, Trustee Secretary Triplet. >> Yeah, I you know, when I look at it and I I that's why I said I need more time. I do not um want to interfere and get involved in the day-to-day
operations. Um the superintendent has that power. That's the role. We hire these individuals to do their job. This is not our job. And uh so again, like I said, I need a little bit more time to
flush it out because it it it appears that we just recently restore the power to the superintendent. Are we rescending is this is this rescending that uh
that power and if so, why? Um so again as trustee Rocket Martin said and and as uh a former administrator um they the the the principles had that
power to make the decisions that's best for their building. The superintendent has the power to make the decision what he or she think is best for the district. Um, we do have protocols in place that I
think that we need to discuss and flush out that we will make sure that everything is done um decently and in order. And so, yeah, I I I'm glad to be able to
read this again. And uh I would like to just you know run it by to hear these different opinions tonight is good for me. >> Thank you so much. And this will be the last comment on this because we have
another policy to read. Trustee Gavin. >> Um thank you Vice President Barnes. >> I want to make sure that I want to make sure that we're clear on the narratives. No one is interested in taking the superintendent's power
away. What this is is an enhanced resolution that empowers the district to make sure that the proper information is provided before
these types of decisions are made. In the past, we have had a lot of musical chairs happening. And I'm not talking about Dr. Griffin. I'm talking about Ben Harbor area schools. People have been moved around
and when they get have gotten moved. There were some serious repercussions that happened when those people got moved and then they were moved into a this new position without a transition plan in place. And when that
happens, the board is called, the board is blamed, and the board is held responsible for those decisions. And so what this is saying is if you are going to make a transition, if you're going to
move someone, let's make sure that we are clear the pros and cons of that move. It's important for us to know what can happen, good or bad, if this happens. It's important to have a safe space for that staff person who is being
moved to be able to share, hey, if you move me, then this is the danger. this is something that can happen when I move to this position. There are some things that they're blind spots. If we don't have that information before we make
these decisions, then that's where we end up having problems that we didn't foresee. So, what this is saying is we need to make wise decisions and put those structures in place so that when the move does happen, we're
clear that that is in the best interest of the district and the superintendent is making that recommendation and the board can wisely say yes, no rather than looking at a name on a piece of paper and like, oh yeah, that's that's not
wise to just say yes. We need to know what we're saying yes or no to. And it's just saying putting put those systems in place. And this is I', you know, I've shared this this resolution to all of the board prior to today. And so I
understand that there's, you know, you need time. Just understand that this is an enhanced opportunity for people who are impacted to be able to share their input before we make certain
decisions that could impact other people. Maybe they're connected to certain children that if you move them, you know, this child was in a dangerous situation and that was the person they trusted, whatever. And even if we make the decision to move them, it's
important to know so that we can put the proper supports in place for that classroom or whoever is now going to walk into it. So I think if we can move away from pro superintendent against the superintendent and just look at what can we do to improve the way that we're
doing um we're making changes and how can we make sure that the people who are impacted have a voice without feeling like they have to go behind people's backs or anything like that. We're doing it in a professional way. Those are my thoughts. Thank you. >> Thank you. Trusty Gavin, would you like
to go to policy 4130? So, it's the same thing. You want me to just read the same thing? Assignment and transfer. The board of education believes that the careful placement of support staff within the district is vital to the
utilization of qualified and competent support staff for the successful functioning of the district. The board shall approve the transfer of reassignment of all support staff in the district and edges staff upon review of a comprehensive transfer and reassignment plan that includes the
following rationale and benefits of the proposed change. Onboarding transition plan for new assignment. Impact statement from the proposed staff detailing the pros, cons, and recommendations to consider. Explicit indicators as to whether the
reassignment or transfer is voluntary or involuntary in nature in nature. Accompanying documentation to support the change. Responsibility for recommending assignment and transfer of support staff members shall be vested in the superintendent.
The Thank you. Is there any questions or comments on this policy trusty racket? >> My objection is the fact that you cross out superintendent the boards. That is not our job. It's
not our job. It is the superintendent's job. Put the put the >> talk mic please. put the um the links in place for the superintendent. So that could be one of her goals that all of
that is taken care of before you transfer a person, not the board. It's not our job to find out about all those things. Our job is board policy. So if we want to make that a goal for for a superintendent before you move this
person, these things have to be in place, then you do it. But to say the board has to be the one to approve it and and do all that, I disagree. I disagree. I think the superintendent should have that authority. Uh just for
the fact, not the superintendent person, whatever, but the office itself should have that authority. We may not even sit on this board in a few years. You may get somebody totally on this board that doesn't understand any of these things.
So, I think our forefathers, I'll say it like that, put in place in policy those things that ruled our district and they ruled our district well. They did. I've been in the district 40some years and
those policies did work. So I think um to mess with that without seeing the outcome of what your decision will make is deadly and it's irresponsible. We can change things but you don't know how those changes affect down the way.
>> So >> thank you trusty. >> I still disagree. >> Thank you trusty wet. >> I'm done. >> Do you have a comment? >> Yes I do. I I too, you know, when you look at it, but I also uh you know, just like like I said, we hire a
superintendent to do his or her job. I appreciate what Trustee Gavin said too. It it is not about um any particular person. It's when we say the superintendent, whoever's in that role. And often times people make these
things personal and it's not. you we you know if we place a person in a position we should be able to expect them to do their job. And so I again I will I will I will take some more discourse and conversation
um regarding these policies. Um this policy was last updated um through NEOLA in 2018 and they are aligned with state and national standards. So, I'm I'm willing
for more conversation, but I too um have some other have some thoughts cuz I had to pause um with so much that's been going happen happening in our district. I just had to pause for a moment and I just need that that think time. Okay. And I hope you
all support me in um being able to say that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Secretary Triplet. May ask for a question. >> Yes. Sec. Um, Trustee Kevin. >> Okay. So,
this is this is exactly why I shared this with the board prior to this meeting, right? So that we could flesh that out prior to being at the table. And I don't have a problem with
changing the resolution to say that the board shall approve, I'm sorry, the superintendent shall approve these things. I just want us to be clear on making sure that there are checks and
balances that those things are done. >> Okay? So, I don't have a problem with that. That's why I try to share things early on and you know I'd be hap more than happy to make that adjustment if that's the will of the board but I do
think that to not have these things is a mistake. >> Yeah. >> Um and and it sounds like Dr. Griffin actually have wanted these types of things in place or at least some if not all of those things in place. um
prior to I can't speak for Dr. Griffin though and so it be great to hear from Dr. Griffin on this issue >> if she if speaking to it. >> I don't I don't have a comment at this time. >> Okay.
So we're now into curriculum and student support services. Trustee Gavin. So, in the interest of time, um I guess what I'm wondering is
would the does the board want us to go through all of these presentations? Do you want >> Well, you know, >> I think quick summary, but >> Nichols tonight. >> Yeah. Miss Nichols said it was short.
Do you think we can utilize the KISS method? Keep it short and simple. Elevator speech. I'm on the elevator and you're trying to sell me a car. Can you do that? >> Does that >> Okay, perfect. So, I'll turn it over to in Dr. Foster's absence, Dr. Griffin.
>> Oh, sorry. >> Who should I turn it over to to >> I I'll read it for >> Okay. I will turn it over to Dr. Griffin to facilitate this. >> It's okay. I have her uh presentation
here if we could. That's of course the um cover slide that we always have where she wants to make sure that we're making those strides in curriculum and instruction. Uh if you could uh review that really quickly. We have that every every meeting. And then go to the next one. Of course, this is where she lands
in the miracles framework. And then awesome. Next slide. These are the goals. You'll see these every uh meeting just as a reminder to just kind of set the stage. And then next slide. Awesome. Uh and
this is teaching and learning recognition principal Jordan Wright at Fairplane Elementary. Strengthening instructional routines, building staff confidence, modeling responsive student leadership. This month, we are proud to recognize principal Jordan Wright for her steady leadership, her commitment to
impro instructional growth and her willingness to take feedback and turn it into action. Under her leadership, Fairplane Elementary is strengthening its instructional routines, building a positive culture for staff and students,
and moving forward with greater confidence and consistency. Next slide. teaching and learning recognition teacher Carrie Nelson from Fairplane Elementary. She has launched the flexible seating innovation uh strategy.
We're also excited to celebrate her her innovative use of flexible seating has transformed her classroom into a student centered highly engaging learning environment. Her willingness to redesign her space based on the students needs
has increased focus, comfort, and participation, showing what it looks like when a teacher creates a room where every student feels ready to learn. Awesome, Miss Nelson. Another Wait, we did one parent. Okay,
>> Mr. Oetell. >> Uh, yes. Teaching and learning recognition for another teacher, Helen >> Oatella. >> Ostatello. Ostatello. She's at Martin Luther King Elementary. Uh, Martin Luther King Jr.
Elementary first grade teacher. We are proud to recognize her for her exceptional growth in instructional practice and her commitment to continuous improvement. Over the past month, she has successfully strengthened her pacing, sharpened her lesson delivery, and increased student
engagement through consistent use of high quality anchor charts. Her willingness to take feedback, apply it immediately, and elevate the learning experience for her first grader demonstrates the heart of an effective, reflective practitioner.
Curriculum updates. This is Zello. Uh Zello has this has K2 students have begun career exploration and using Zello. If you recall, we talked about this a few months ago when we first uh launched Zello. Uh well, it's always been in place, but we're taking it all. Remember, I said I wanted
us to take it all the way down to kindergarten. We're here. This graph shows the profiles of our students have already com uh completed. So, if you'll take a look there, uh you'll have a closer look on your uh documents uh board members as to how our K through2
students are doing. You see them uh farm, park, art gallery. These are some of their uh aspirations and things that they're interested in. Construction, pet grooming, hospital. So, you'll see the uh yellow line is kindergarten, blue
line first grader, and then the green line is our second graders. So, wanted to share that. We're super proud of those kiddos doing what they're doing. And if you'll take go to the next slide, the grades three through the grades
three through five graph shows that completion percentage percentages steadily increase by grade level with grade five outperforming both grades three and four across every task. Overall, grade three students have completed almost none of the tasks while
fourth and fifth show moderate to strong completion indicating a need for targeted support in the grade three engagement. so we can get those numbers up. >> And then the Zello updates. This graph shows overall completion percentages for required Zello test across grades 6
through 12 with the highest completion in the matchmaker quiz 85% and personality quiz 80% and the lowest ed in education experience 49%. But overall, students complete quizzes and interestbased tasks at much higher rates
than experience-based tasks, indicating a need for increased support and monitoring in those low performing areas. our 21st century program update November 6th and 7th. They visited uh Ben Harbor with the principles and I met with them as well and we have PD uh professional
development training for everybody on December 10th. So, we're excited about that opportunity as well. Next slide. Upcoming professional development, as you can see, continuous in school improvement November 19th, MASAS Midwinter Conference. I'm looking
forward to attending that in January. and then Michigan schools testing conference in Ann Arbor. Then of course, next slide, districtwide PD right here in Ben Harbor. This month's PD theme is from promise to practice. Strengthening instructional
impact focuses on turning our commitments to students into consistent highquality instruction across every classroom. Together, we will deepen our instructional practices, strengthen alignment, and ensure every learner experiences rigorous, engaging, and
meaningful learning every day. And that concludes her presentation. >> Thank you. Is there any questions or comments? >> Just want to thank I just want to uh thank you, Dr. Griffin, for stepping in and uh Dr.
Foster's absence. really excited about this great news and of course we set a goal for Zello and to see this being launched you know kindergarten and above and to see I think it's like 80 to 85% of our
students taking the personality test learning more about themselves and then that um that application is going to match them to get them more information about the the career opportunities that are connected to who they are and I think that's going to be great for them
and their relationship with their parents and family and friends knowing who they are. So, I'm really excited about uh all of this information and the strides that you made in such a short time. You weren't sure how long it would take, but you got, you know, your team got on top of this real quickly. So,
just want to thank you uh thank you for this. And >> my pleasure. >> Um was there anyone else? Um DP boys, >> you know, it was a pleasure to report to work on Monday and they said the district, the final district in the
county has completed the creme training and all I could do is go screaming. So I just want to say thank you guys for that. So maybe I'm switching things but on that professional development. >> Trusty Gavin, is there any more? >> Uh there is a student support that was
curriculum instruction, right? their student and support services and I'll turn it over to you Mrs. N director Nichols. >> Yes, thank you. Um good evening student support services department update. So first slide is of course our alignment
with our strategic plan and the miracles alignment which is the learning environment that supports um student success. The next slide is our um department goals. if you recall is our chronic absenteeism, increasing our parental engagement and our student
wellness. And moving on to um my last slide, which is awesome information, our progress. Just want everyone to know that we have been recognized all of our schools um recognized for the MTSS recognition, the my MTSS, which is the
Michigan multi-tier system of supports. If you know that in our district we have did a lot of efforts to really push our positive behavior intervention supports, our social emotional behavioral health um in our buildings and we was
recognized for the high school um Discovery Richmond Center um our Fairplane East Elementary, Fairplane Middle School and Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary. So, I want to say congratulations to our our schools for
really putting in that that work and effort to implement MTSS in the district in the buildings. Next is um we have again our social emotional behavior. We did have our professional development training at our
last um uh PD district uh PD and also the CRAM that was mentioned that we were able to complete and was wonderful. Um our staff said it was awesome and it was great. Um one thing they will be coming back because we still need to do
secondary. So um just letting you know that. And last is just so you all know um soon you will see our website. um will have um mental health resources that can really support not just our students and our staff but our families
as well. And that concludes um student support service updates. >> Well, thank you so much um Director Nichols and congratulations to the MTSS team for your award.
And also we'll go on to what's next is the public comments. Right before that is I just want to make an announcement that in the future our committee will uh Dr. Griffin indicated that that committee
will include um safety. So our director of safety will be joining that committee real soon. So I'm very excited about that. And we do have a few minutes if there is someone who from the public who wanted to speak on this particular
committee. >> Wait. >> If not, I will go ahead and turn it over to you. Uh Dr. Griffin, if you had anything you wanted to add or to the board if there were any questions. >> Yes, she's still on. >> Yes. Okay. Uh yes. So, I'm just very
excited about the growth and development and hard work uh for those uh people that have been recognized. Our goal is to make sure that any little growth, any effort that's being put forward, we highlight that. So, I've charged our cabinet members to make sure that
they're catching people doing the good stuff so that we can highlight them and publicize the great work that's already being done. And even when people are getting constructive feedback, these people said, you know what, this is okay. I want to get better. They received the constructive feedback and
they got better in their practice. They didn't get angry. They didn't push back. And and as a consequence, we could see the growth in the students, the classroom environment. And was just like Miss uh Jordan right as a principal, you can see the building is going to benefit from that. So uh for me, it's I'm just
super excited to see the work already being done to those that are open to growing as practitioners in this work. >> Thank you so much. Congratulations to Principal Wright and congratulations to Mrs. Nelson as well. And uh thank you
Dr. Griffin for making this contagious. We want to catch people doing good as often as possible. And uh I'll turn it over to you boys. >> Thank you. We now go to Secretary Triplet on facilities and operations.
>> Thank you uh Mr. Vice President. Everybody will pull up the report. Our director of facilities uh Dr. Bullock if you um just when you go through we just we want you to make sure that you
look at the note that's in the actual report for facilities and our next step as uh it relates to things that are happening. So, we've already, you know, received information on the painting in
our gymnasium. It's coming up in um as we get ready to approach our winter sports and what have you. Um I'll let um Dr. Bullock go through and report out to
the the board and to the public, please. Thank you. >> Good afternoon. I'll be very brief. So painting will start in the gym this Thursday and RFPs has gone out and we shall receive numbers back for the demo of
Bard and Martindale by Friday. The PAC and Ben roof area will start getting replaced on this Thursday as well. And the roofing company gave us an additional 5-year warranty. So it's a total of 25 year warranty.
and boilers are on at every school and we are still looking at phase two with replacing the pipings and controls. So, >> thank you so much uh Dr. Bullock. Um again, as a trustee, our vice president was sitting here. He said it's hot in
here, you know. So, I would like to thank uh our director Bullock and uh our superintendent Dr. Griffin for being up on top of these uh very very very important issues to our students and to
our community. Thank you so very much. >> Is you have questions? >> Any question? >> Just a quick question. Are there any rooms that need attending to? Are all the rooms warm? Is the full building warm?
We have a few that we got to replace motors, but they're still >> But we still coming off from steam. So, they all right right now. By the time we get in that cold weather, they'll be replaced. We just waiting on some come back in order. >> This is a win for everybody. So, yeah,
let's 70 years. So, just happy to hear that. Thank you so much for the great news. >> Are you done? >> I'm done. Thank you. We now lead to our finance committee who are accepted. Um,
Trustee Gavin, I'm gonna give it to you because you're the co-chair. >> Yeah. I'm going to go ahead and turn it over to our esteemed director, Brock Carter. >> We got that three minute elevator speech. No,
>> I got it. I got it. >> Thank you. Uh, Trusty Gavin, I just want to touch base uh just on the financial summary. I will give you all an opportunity to review the remaining reports and if you have any questions or concerns before we take a vote on the
staff reports at the next board meeting, we can go over them. Um, then uh but I am going to re review the financial summary so that we can summarize the finances up through October 31st, 2025.
The general fund revenues and expenses are at 22% of the physical year. One would expect it would be 33% if the expenses were spre spread out evenly throughout the year. I always make a note of when the state aid is received.
Our first state aid payment was received October 20th. And you'll be able to see in our revenues that um we are in a good place. The vendor payment report is available if you'd like to um take a look at that
and have any questions. Our year-to-ate revenues are higher compared to last year in October due due to an increased local funds from property taxes. Our year to date expenses are lower compared to last year due to no longer making
purchases with ESER funds. Our large payments for the month of October are listed also on the financial summary. all of a sudden my my committee agenda just changed. So, just a second, please. And I'm going straight to staff report
F1. A set of financial reports is provided to the board of ed education each month. This evening is it is recommended that the October 2025 payments be approved for all of the district funds. Policy reference 6470 payment of claims.
Strategic plan go reference facility/operations. Ben Harbor area schools will develop, implement, and evaluate a physically responsible plan that will ensure physical and psychological safety. The board of education
recommended action. The board of education approved. The October 1st through October 31st payments for the following funds. General fund $730,38767. Boo service fund $172,6267
student activity fund $282,930.95 for a total of 1,185,92129 and the board will be taking the vote at the next meeting on December 9th. Staff report F2 is in reference to our audit. So at next the next board meeting we
will be voting on the audit presentation. Reason for board consideration. Board policy requires that after the close of the fiscal year, an audit of all accounts of the district be made annually by an independent
certified public accountant. Facts and analysis. Auditors from Gabbridge and Company recently committed the external external financial audit of the district's 2024 2025 financial records.
This evening, representatives from Gabe Brbridge and Company are here to present a summary of the of this year's audit report policy reference 6830 audit. Strategic plan goal reference
facilities/operations Britain Harbor area schools will develop, implement, and evaluate a physically responsible plan that will ensure physical and psychological safety.
Recommended action is that the board of education votes to accept the 2025 audit report from Gabbridge and Company. And again, that will be voted on at the next meeting. Um I also want to mention uh if you all
get a chance to look at the um 31A board resolution 31A is um a grant that is offered by the state for safety and mental health.
There has been some new parameters added to this grant uh that it was recommended by our attorney our our attorneys that we not opt in to this grant. Uh some other districts in the state are doing a
board resolution so that it is on record that the board also agrees with districts either opting in or opting out. It is all has been recommended by our attorneys that we opt out.
So I would like for a full resolution to be made for this decision and you all take a look at 31A and its parameters so that we can make that resolution at the next board meeting. And also I just want to add to um the
comments and u the policy and the policy and discipline committee um items that are on the agenda. I saw that in that that we mentioned EDGU staff and I just want you all to be aware that if
we take edust staff employees to the board they are considered dual employees and there are some serious considerations to doing this. So, I want you to guys to keep that in mind when you are um adding these new policies and
changing the verbiage to include edu staff employees because we may be setting us up for some legal ramifications that go along with that. I just wanted to make that reference to the board. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Um, Director Carter, is there any I'm sorry, Director Yeah, Brock Carter, sorry. Is there any questions or concerns? >> Yes. >> I mean comments, sorry, >> I guess. And it may be in here. I may just not see it. The legal opinion on
this is that in there and is that link embedded in the documents as well on the 31A grant? >> Yes. The legal opinion that's telling us to turn down the funds. >> Um, no, but I can add it. I do have the email from Trum.
>> Okay. Yeah, that would be very helpful for us to know to know that >> link it in. >> And then, you know, any type of legal information regarding a staff. I think that would be good for us to have that. >> Also, I just want to just make a quick
note. I think it's important for folks to know this. Um, Trustee Doyle asked the finance team to work on a report that would allow the
board to know what the purchase requests are and what the status of those requests are. And so we are we're not there yet in terms of having that report done, but I have been talking with um
director Brock Carter about you know ways that we can possibly do you want to speak to that a little bit about what might be possible? Sure. Um our next there's nothing the report that um
Miss Doyle requested is not something that's readily available in our system at this time but we do have the uh ability to request custom forms from our software provider. So I that's what I will be moving forward with to request a
custom form to see if it's possible to get all of the elements that M. Doyle is requesting all on one form cuz at this point I will have to go into each individual purchase order and download the information and add it to a spreadsheet and it it it will be a very
lengthy process. So um I spoke with um Miss Gavin and we are I am going to reach out to Skyward our um financial software company and see if we can ask them to generate a custom report for our board.
>> Hey, thank you so much for that. And one more quick question in terms of our status uh financial status when you look at the fund balance our fund balance there is a require like the state has a
recommended percentage of of dollars that we have in our fund balance based on our expenses and things of that nature. Can you share with the board and the community what is the recommended baseline percentage?
Um and then what is our percentage? >> Sure. Uh the state of Michigan repres re recommends a 15 to 20% fund balance and what that is is that is your fund balance divided by your anticipated
annual expenses. Um so the state recommends about 15 to 20%. We are at 75% right now. So we are well ahead of what is recommended by the state that we have
in our fund balance. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Feels good to hear that. And that's it for me. I will turn it over to Dr. Griffin to see if there's anything you wanted to add or any board members with any questions. >> Yes. Thank you. I'm just really grateful
and honored to have somebody so qualified on my team. Uh she had been mentioning and keeping me updated on the process of the audit, but even she was pleasantly surprised around how well it went and the kind of grades we and feedback we received. So, this one's not
on me. I just really want to celebrate Miss Black Carter and the hard work she continues to put in every day and telling everybody up to me no on everything all the time. No. And it's paying off because we're 75%. >> She says no to everybody
>> all the time. So we know that. >> So no, I'm just kidding. But she's an amazing um finance here in our district and this is simply a confirmation of what I've already known about her being a member of my team. So thank you. >> Good deal. Thank you so much. and I'm
hoping we can find a way to stay in good standing and also move some some more dollars into the classroom. I think there'll be like a happy medium there. And I'll turn it over to you, BB Barn. >> You know, you know, I was this morning um I was on Facebook and then one of my
um friends, she's a Pontiac school board member and um she was talking about the 31A. I said, "Well, it hasn't came across Bitten Harbor area schools and I got to call her tell her." Well, I had my board meeting and it came across. So, yeah. Um, so thank you. Our next
discussion is old business. Is there any old business? Okay. Is there any new business? There being no any new business, we are now here for open public comment. Is there anyone that would like to do public comment? Therefore, being no one that would like
to do public comment, we are now to superintendent. I love you all. We're to superintendent announcements. >> I'll be brief. Uh I do have a few announcement very quickly. I'm super excited to mention that we have closed in on the first marking period and so uh
I have charged Dr. uh Foster with ensuring that principles lead the data sessions with students uh that take place with the teachers and and set goals. Uh students should students and parents should be aware of how students
landed, what their outcomes were on MSTEP, MAP, NWA MAP as well as SAT. So they should not only be informed on those outcomes according to the standards, but they should also be given the opportunity to complete a template that Dr. Foster and I worked on and she
approve I approved for the kids to set goals based upon their data. Uh, and then I've also Oh, and they have to make sure parents have received all of the student assessment outcomes. So, if a parent is a has a 11th grader, they
should make sure that they have their SAT and MAP scores. Second is a DNF intervention plan. I noticed that this last marking period there were way more D's and Fs than I was comfortable with. And so, I have charged the principles to ensure teachers in uh institute
intervention plans for those D's and Fs. They have to at the very minimum uh create an intervention plan and communicate with the parent so the parent is aware that the child is getting close to failure and the intervention plan must must be specific
to the areas of concern for that student and help that student reach the uh passing uh level. If those measures are not in place, then they won't be able to give a student a failure for a course because we want to make sure that we are partnering with parents around a student's uh academic success and
informing them at the very least that something is gone arry in their educational process so that they can help work with the teacher and their child to get their grades and scores up so that they don't fail. Lastly, schoolwide data walls and classroom data walls. Now that the marking period is
up, we have data from the state assessments, our interim benchmark assessment map, as well as grades. And so I want that information shared out. So I've also charged the principles with sharing out a place in in spirit of transparency, a school-wide data wall of where kids fell. And then in the
classrooms, there should be data walls too that is ever changing just like we just took MAP. Those scores should be up as well. and then they should be changed out in January when we get ready to take the next interim benchmark assessment so kids can see their growth over time. That concludes my announcements.
>> Thank you. >> I know the next is board member announcements and comments. We'll start off with Trusty Wet. >> Just wanted to um say hats off to MLK uh Junior Elementary School for their STEM
fair. their STEM parent night. It was um very well done, very nice. Parents attended, the kids had a good time uh promoting science and math and engineering and technology. It was um it
was well done very well. I did take a few pictures. I'll send them to um Solar Dad in case she wants to put them on the website. But it was um it's like trusty white Tinton and I both
um >> vice president. >> So it was trusty bullet and I >> So it was it was a very good um opportunity for children and parents. >> Thank you Trustee Doyle.
I would just like to thank everyone for coming out, everyone that watched um and just give a little explanation for my in and out. My daughter had her um banquet today as well. So that was my reason for in and out. I hope you all have a wonderful wonderful rest of your evening
on purpose. >> Thank you. Trustee Gavin, >> no comment. >> Trust Secretary Triplet, >> no comment. >> Okay, so it's moving. Um
about 5:30 I got a phone call that I had to chair this meeting. I said, "Well, I'm calling it sick cuz I didn't know what to expect." And I got to say, all I can say is thank God for grace and courage. But you know, I want to talk about the fierce urgency
of now. Dr. King spoke of the fierce urgency of now and that message couldn't be more relevant for us today. Our students can't wait. Our teachers can't wait. Our community can't wait. If we are going to advocate, then let's advocate for what matters. Test scores, certified
teachers, equity, opportunity, and resources. Not just controversy, not just when it's drama, not just headlines that outsiders create. Because while some are focusing on broadcasting negativity, there's another story unfolding. A story of tiger pride that
is rising again. We brought programs back. We've increased supports and we finally restored driver's ed for our young people, giving them safety, independence, and access. Is there work to do? Absolutely. But progress is happening and it deserves to be acknowledged just as loudly as
criticism is. This moment calls for unity, not division. Action not excuses. Courage and not drama. Our children are not prep are not preparing for the future. They are living a future right now. So let's show up. Let's speak up
and let's fight not against each other but for them because if there was ever a moment that demanded leadership, belief and bold action, it is now. It is the fierce urgency of now. Thank you. Good night. And can I have a motion to adjourn?
>> I so move. >> It's been the motion has been moved by Secretary Triplet supported by Trustee Doyle. Any questions or comments? Therefore, being Secretary Triple, can you call the vote? >> Vice President Bowens, you did a great
job tonight and thank you for stepping in. >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Doyle, >> the Vice President. Motion carried.
Meeting dismissed at 10 o'clock.