considered a public community meeting. This meeting is an in-person meeting held at 870 Kfax here in Benton Harbor. In addition, a live stream of this meeting is available at the following link. Questions may be submitted beforehand to Natalie. Bhas.org
or presented in person during the public comment section as indicated in the agenda. Board members may be contacted through the emails listed below. Requests for special assistance, including for persons with disabilities, may be sent to Natalie.bhs.org. for I'll call this meeting to order
officially at 6:15 p.m. We'll begin by reciting 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. >> Secretary Sher, can you please follow the role? President Robinson >> present. Vice >> President Bowen. Secretary Triplet present. Treasure Gavin >> present. >> Trusty Rocket Martin.
>> Trustee Doyle >> present. >> Trusty Bradley >> present. >> Madam President has been established. >> All right. Next up we have approval of the agenda. I'd like to notate that we do not have um current minutes for April
16th, 2026. something occurred with the recording. So when those minutes are typed up, they'll simply be the votes taken per the ro sheet. Um and then 420 20226 also needs Oh, this is just review. I'm
sorry. We don't have them here to review. Um the only ones that we have for review currently is 3242026 for regular board meeting. We'll have the other minutes available for approval. So just ensure that you look over those over the next few weeks. So
at this time I'll ask is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> I make a motion to approve tonight's agenda. >> There a second or support. >> I support. >> Motion has been made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Secretary Triplet. Any
questions, comments, or concerns? Hearing none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. Yes. Treasure Gavin. >> Yes. Trustee Bradley, >> yes. >> Trusty Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carries.
>> Up next, we have the review of the board of education norms. They 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 and ending our meetings on time. Again, I apologize for the delay in today's meeting. We will
challenge ideas, not people. We will ask questions when in doubt. There will be no surprises at the board table. We will practice the seven norms of collaboration. Those are pausing, paraphrasing, posing questions, putting ideas on the table, providing data, paying attention to self and others, and
presuming positive intentions. Next up, we have public comment on agenda items. Is there anyone present that would like to make a comment on an agenda item? This is more so of awareness. This is more so of awareness. Um, my daughter Zoe Carter was getting bullied
from October 25. She still had little goins up until now. Um, they finally just expelled her bully um this month, which is crazy. Um, but I wanted to let you guys know the type of administration we're dealing with. Not only did I come
to all of these board members, um I went to the superintendent, the principal, I went to everybody about this situation. And when I asked to receive footage or I asked them to intervene with my daughter being bullied, the thing that they did
was they sent their attorney to tell me that I could no longer contact them. Not only I haven't been malicious, I ain't come to them sideways. I ain't do none of that. I just simply asked, "Can I get the footage, the statements, any evidence that you know that could help
me get these kids up out the building so my daughter cannot be bullied no more?" They sent an attorney to tell me I can no longer have contact with either of them. And I feel like it was because the superintendent overstepped and said some stuff that she was supposed to, but that's just my opinion. But that's just
more awareness of what we're dealing with far as Ben Harbor error skills and they wonder why our students transform um transfer from Ben Harbor to other districts. But thank you guys. >> Thank you. Anyone else for public comment on agenda items?
>> Hearing none. Um currently there's a review of the meeting minutes as stated previously. Today we have review work session 3242026. Prior to our regular board meeting, we will have available regular session 41626 will which will be votes at
minimum due to lack of a recording and then special session for 20226. Are there any current concerns regarding work session 324 2026? If none at this particular time, I would ask that uh the board review those once
received and ensure any needed corrections are sent to Miss Singer prior to our upcoming May board meeting. I would like to record to also reflect Trusty Rake's arrival as of 6:20 p.m.
Reminder protocol as of 9:13 2022, all comments will be limited to to two minutes per trustee per topic. The first item of business is the Cube 2026 annual conference um which is October 1st through the 3rd. I believe
that um Vice President Bradley, I'm sorry, Trusty Bradley sent that as a suggestion to the board. I'll give you a few minutes to kind of talk about um your interest in that training. Um and then if there's anyone that is interested in attending, I would like
for you to send an email to Miss Singer to let her know accordingly. you have with Florida Trusty Bradley. >> Um I just um wanted to forward that to everyone so we could put it out there. Um it's going to be in Chicago this year. Last year I think it was in LA and I think the year before that in San
Antonio. Um it's a very good conference. I've heard of a lot of our fellow board members from across the state um attend. I know Kazoo has attended and presented at the cube conference. If not the cube conference, the national conference if I'm not mistaken. Um I know uh that
previous conference they've went to like a school that was um performing well in one of those districts. Uh so this year like we said it's going to be in Chicago um in October. Um that's just a few weeks away from our state conference, but uh early registration is encouraged.
That'll help save us uh money as well. And it's going to be I think Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. In Chicago is not that far. So if we want to do maybe one day or the whole weekend, definitely get with Miss Singer. >> All right. So if you all are interested
in attending, please send her an email. Um early registration as uh Bradley indicated. Early bird savings in July 17th. So you do have a little bit of time. However, you know, the way these conferences
work, most of the time the um if you're planning to stay overnight there to host hotels, sometimes close up quickly. Um and we've been in situations where we've had to get hotels that are a few miles away from the actual conference location.
>> So, if you're interested, again, um let Miss Singer know. Um and then we'll move forward. Um up next, we have a close session. currently scheduled. Um, this is relating to the resolution of
non-renewal under human resources. The board of the board of education may hold a closed session to consider the dismissal, suspension, or disciplining of or to hear complaints and charges brought against or to consider a periodic personnel evaluation of a public officer, staff member, or
individual agent if the name person requests a closed hearing. Policy reference 0167.2A. uh the individual did request request a close session. So at this particular time um I'd ask well prior to that just
to explain to the public a close session is when we step away from the table um and go into our closed session room the conversation within that room is not privy to the public. So it will be the board of education um Dr. for Griffin,
HR, etc. We'll be in there uh for a brief window of time and then we'll return. If we're in there longer than you would like to stay here to wait for us to return to open session, you're more than welcome to leave if needed. We are online virtually via YouTube. You
can get that through our website if you'd like to um join us, but you're welcome to stay as well. So at this time I'll ask is there a motion to end open session and enter close session per policy 0167.2A. >> I make a motion that we go into close
session. >> Is there a second or support? Support. The motion has been made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Treasurer Gavin. Any questions, comments, or concerns? hearing. None. Secretary Triplet.
>> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. Yes. Treasurer Gavin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Bradley? >> Yes. >> Trusty Doyle? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right. So, we're going to end OP open session and enter close session as
of 6:24. Okay. So, we're Can I um get a motion to end close session and return to open session? A motion to end closed session and return to open session. >> Is there a second motion? >> The motion has been made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Trusty Racket
Martin. Any questions, comments, or concerns? >> President Robinson? >> Yes. >> I I have a question about the agenda itself. >> Uhhuh. >> Um, coming back from close session, should there be an area in this agenda where we get an update on the
partnership agreement being that that's a requirement of the partnership agreement? Um I think it's required for the um regular board meetings I think is how it's notated but I can um we can do it under old business. >> Okay.
>> Um any other questions, comments or concerns? Hearing none. Um in the absence of Secretary Triplet, Miss Singer, can you call the role? >> President Robinson? >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowens? >> Yes. >> Treasurer Gavins?
>> Yes. Trustee Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> Motion carry. >> All right, so we're returning to open session as of 8:27 p.m. All right, so moving along. Um, I want to thank the public for your patience
for those that did stay and wait with us. Um, we value you more than you know. Um, we're going to proceed with our agenda. Um, this is a work session, so the only items that I have reflected currently for vote are staff reports S1
and S2 concerning the um, FPE field trip approval and the Ben Harbor High School field trip approval. And Dr. Griffin, can you uh, please present those or I can while she's You got it. Okay. Mhm. Request for out of state field trip for
Fairplane East FPE. Date, April 28, 2026. Reason for board approval. The board shall approve field trips and other district sponsored trips that are planned to keep students out of the district overnight or longer longer and or out of the state. Facts and analysis. Paraplane East Elementary is requesting
approval for a fourth and fifth grade educational field trip to the South Bend Cubs education day at Four Winds Field, 501 West South Street, South Bend, Indiana, scheduled for May 6, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m. The trip will include 110 students and 11
chaperons traveling by two buses. The purpose of the trip is to provide a real world learning experience that reinforces teamwork, communication, and social emotional skills while connecting classroom instruction to live gameplay. The experience aligns with the Michigan physical education standards and includes crosscurricular connections to
math, English language arts, and social studies. The total cost is $2,457.90, which includes $1,865 for admission and food for an additional $592.90 for busing. Policy reference 2340 field
and other district sponsored strip trips. General fund is the funding source. Strategic plan goal reference academics. Ben Harbor area schools will increase student achie student achievement as measured on local, state, and national assessments. Learning environment Ben Harbor area schools will develop, maintain, and implement with
fidelity a multi-ter system of support that enhances the culture and learning environment. Recommended action that the Benson Harbor area schools board of education approve the fair plan East fourth and fifth grade field trip to the south bin club's education day at Fort Wville, South Bin, Indiana scheduled for
May 6, 2026 as presented. Is there a motion to approve staff report S1? >> I make a motion to approve staff reports S1 support. >> The motion has been made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Treasurer Gavin. Any questions, comments, or concerns?
>> I have a question. >> You have the floor. Um, Dr. Griffin, is this the only um field trip request from Fairplane East for the rest of the year? >> I don't know that. I would have to double check. It's the only one that we have so far
that I know of. >> Okay. So, this is the only request that they have thus far. >> I would have to double check. >> Dr. Foster, do you know if there's any other >> Thank you.
>> um field trips from the schools. Okay. >> Is how do we find out like who would know? Um, we have everybody here. So, it would be my pleasure to fill out that field
trip request uh sample that you provided. I can get that to you so that you can know what field trips are in the pipeline for approval. >> Would would the director of finance know? I'm assuming that after it's approved by the principal, it goes
somewhere. >> After the principal approves it, who's the next person to receive those? >> We have an electronic approval process through our um system called informed K12 where most of our forms that need approval go through the approval
process. And um I'm just going to pick one just so I can let you know the u approval route. It does go to let the record show secretary triplet has returned as of 8:31.
>> It goes to the principal then to the superintendent and then to the business office. >> Thank you so much for that clarity. And so it's safe to assume, correct me if I'm wrong, that once it's approved from the principal that the
superintendent has the request for field trip approvals. That's correct. Um so what is it a matter of looking in the portal? Like what's the next? >> Yes. And I we can also download um a list from the portal. Um, Miss Wilson,
our CTE director, is our field trip kind of coordinator. She kind of coordinates transportation, the forms, and making sure that everything's in place for uh before it gets to the business office. So, uh, she's actually the owner of the
form and keeps track of everything, but we can generate a report from the system that shows all of the entries. >> Thank you so much. I asked because it's April 28th and we're going to be out of here pretty soon. So, I just want to make sure that we don't have to do any special
meetings. Um, now we have a heads up on that. So, Dr. Griffin, is it something that you can look at? >> Yes, of course. >> Hey, I'll wait. >> Oh, in the moment?
>> Yes, I did request this prior to this meeting. >> It's not ready yet. I can certainly make sure that you get it though. Secretary, financial secretary. Yeah. >> How long does it take? >> I'm not searching. >> I'll wait. >> Okay. So, while we're waiting, does anyone else have any questions about
this particular field trip staff for S1? Okay. Um, Secretary Triplet, if there's no other questions regarding this particular field trip staff report S1, can you call the vote? We can keep the business moving. >> President Robinson,
>> yes. >> Vice President Bowen, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, >> yes. Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> Trusty Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carried.
>> Okay. So, to allow Dr. Griffin to kind of access the system to see if she has anything else pending. I'll present staff report S2. Um, so subject request for out of state field trip for Ben Harbor High School date April 28th, 2026. Reason for board
approval, the board shall approve field trips and other district sponsor trips that are planned to keep students out of the district overnight or longer andor out of the state. Facts and analysis. Benton Harbor High School is requesting approval for the class of 2026 senior trip to Chicago, Illinois, which
includes a Chicago signature dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. The trip is scheduled for May 23rd, 2026 with departure from Benton Harbor High School at approximately 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and return around 12 to 12:30 a.m. Students will arrive at Navy
Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, and participate in a dinner cruise from approximately 6:30 p.m. to 9:30. The trip includes approximately 38 students and designated chaperons with transportation provided by charter bus. The total transportation cost
uh the total estimated cost, my apologies, is approximately 4,739.38 for the cruise experience plus $23541 for transportation totaling approximately 7,447,44.79. This experience provides students with a
celebratory end of the year opportunity that promotes social engagement, positive behavior, and real world experiences in a structured and supervised environment. Policy reference policy 2340 field and other district
sponsored trips funding source Bon Harbor Education Foundation strategic plan goal reference learning environment. Benton Harour Area Schools will develop, maintain, and implement with fidelity a multi-ter system of support that enhances the culture and learning environment. Recommended action
at the Benton Harour Area Schools Board of Education approved the Benton Harour High School class of 2026 senior trip to Chicago, Illinois, including the dinner cruise on Lake Michigan scheduled for May 23rd, 2026 as presented. This has been approved for presentation to the
board of education by Dr. Griffin. Is there a motion to approve staff report S2? I make a motion to support staff report S2 >> to approve it. >> Approve it. >> Support. >> Okay. The motion has been made by Trusty
Bradley and supported by Treasure Gavin. Um any questions pertaining to this particular field trip? >> Yes, Madam President. >> You have the floor. >> I'm actually very disappointed that this is the only trip that our seniors will have this year um and celebrating their
accomplishments. Um, I am grateful that they are doing something, but I am disappointed that this is all that they're getting. >> Secretary Triplet, >> I'm I um am concerned about First of all, I guess I have questions. Who's
paying for this trip? Are the students paying for this? May >> I'm excited to announce that the Ben Harbor Education Foundation has decided to pay and sponsor the trip on our behalf. So although it's being presented
for your approval because it's overnight, that's why our guests are here this evening as representatives from the Ben Harbor Education Foundation because I asked them to provide sponsorship and they have agreed to sponsor 35 members and even more if necessary of students who want to attend
this senior trip. So it's been funded by the Ben Harbor Education Foundation and I want to publicly thank them for this wonderful opportunity just like I did at their board meeting the other night. Thank you again for all that you're doing for the students that we serve each day.
>> Thank you very much. >> Um I would like to add that I saw them at Applebee's um as well when they were raising funds for Harbor area schools and I just came in with my son to get him something to eat and we were there um in honor of us.
So I ensured I gave um the ticket information to the waitress. So that was a beautiful thing that God brought me there um in that moment. Secretary Tripler. >> Yeah, that that was my next question. I'm glad to hear I I do want to say
thank you so very very much. Um the number of student they're doing this sponsoring is only 35 students in our senior class. They're going to participate. How did they come up with the 35 students? Is there room for the
rest of the class to go in its entirety? And if not, you know, how how are you going to identify for the all those students in the senior class who want to go? >> It's my understanding that it was offered to all of the seniors and those are the only ones that signed up, but I
have circled back uh to Mr. Sanders to ensure that the ones that want to go are given the opportunity to do so. So, I will have that conversation with him because the board when I met with them uh last night at their board me meeting uh one of the members did inquire to see
if there were more seniors that wanted to participate. Thus far, I was it was shared with me that these are the only ones that signed up. So, I'm excited about going back to u the principal to see if more want to uh engage in the field trip uh because we may get additional sponsorship for those for
those students. Secretary Tripley, did you were you done with your statement or comment? >> Yes, at this particular time I'm done. >> Okay. Any other questions related to this particular field trip? >> President Robinson, >> you have the floor. I want to thank uh
Ben Harbor Education Foundation. Thank you for investing in our children, giving them this opportunity. For some, this may be their first time on this type of trip. Uh so, thank you for that. I'm also hoping that um we'll see some other trips like usually there's a I
don't know black college tour something going on. Um so I am still waiting but I guess we can address those when we get to teaching and learning. I'll turn it over to you um President Robinson. >> Okay. Uh Trusty Raquel Martin you have
Go ahead. I also would like to thank the Benton Harour Foundation and also um even though it's local kind of local it's still a different experience. How many kids get to go on a cruise uh and eat dinner
you know many adults have not even done that so it is something different it's something unique and it's something that I believe that they the kids will look forward to. So, I wouldn't count it as minimum or is this all they got? But I I would think
of it as a new experience, something they get a chance to um experience that they may not may never ever again or you know have not done before. Maybe next time you can send them on a yacht cruise.
You never know. >> Okay. Any other comments from the board? Um, so my question, I was trying to find it in our policy. How do you do you know Dr. Griffin right off or any of the directors how many chaperons we're required to have to the
ratio of students? >> Is it one chaperon per 10 students? >> Every 10 students. >> Okay. Um so we are right now the report that we have as standing um notates
approximately 38 students and designated chaperones. I'm wondering if if the board would be against amending um the facts and analysis slightly to indicate that the bo that the board approves understanding that there may be more students
um approved to attend an additional chaperones. Do you all have any objections with that? Okay, Miss Singer, can you make that adjustment? analysis.
>> Um, yes, because it says as presented and we've been informed that it may have an adjustment. So simply that the board understands there may be an increase in participation or something to that extent
um which may result in an increase in chaperones as well. And then um before we take the vote Dr. Griffin if there is an increase in students and chaper loans um is it your understanding the Ben Harvard Educational Foundation is still going to
cover the field trip or >> I won't I won't say that. I won't say I'm but I will go back to them to see if they're willing to uh to to fund it and if not then we would be funding it. Okay. Okay. Does the board have any objections
to that? We vote with the understanding that funding may come from an alternative source if the Ben Harbor Educational Foundation does not approve. Okay. If there's no other, can you add that in there as well, Miss Singer? Okay. I think everybody is understood of what
we are voting on at this particular time. Um I if this is the cruise that I'm thinking of um because I researched things to do for my daughter in Chicago for her birthday. It's a it's a beautiful cruise ship. Um it's not really something I would want her to do,
but I actually was looking at it for a potential date night myself. So, it appears to be a wonderful um experience and I think it would be a good way to kind of welcome them into adulthood because it does appear to be extremely classy. If this is the one I'm
thinking of, it's a beautiful um cruise ship. Something that I I aspire to go to one day. >> Madam President, just wanted to say real quick. Yes, sir. Um, for the class of 2005 reunion, we did do um a similar cruise and it was very, very nice.
>> Okay. All righty. If there's no objections, um, Secretary Triple King, please call the vote for staff report S2. >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes.
>> Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. Trusty Bradley. >> Yes. >> Trusty Doyle. >> Yes. Motion carried. >> All right. Dr. Griffin, were you able to get um the anything pulled about the
status of other field trips? >> Yes, Madam President. >> Okay. You have the floor. >> I have in my email. I did a search on informed king 12. That is the system that Miss Bark Carter mentioned where all of the field trip requests are placed. And as of today at um this time
at there are 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 uh eight field trip requests. I will share uh they came all today. They started at 8:54. One came in for deck for shed aquarium 8:54 a.m. and through
the CT director Miss Wilson as stated earlier. Uh the next one, Fairplane Middle School, 67, 7th, and 8. Art Water Street Glass Worth that came this morning, 8:56. There's one from for Fairplane Middle
School to go to Navy Pier uh 8:55 came in. Then there's one CT director, uh again, Fairplay Middle School, 6 to8 music trip, uh I think it's with the high school, 854. The next one, 854. CT
director uh deck preschool in GSRP part. The next one uh 10:49 a.m. submitted Ben Harbor High School. This is the one to the Navy Pier and shut a permanent that you voted on tonight. Uh there's one 8:54 p.m. today. Bon Harbor High School
9th and 10th. Barry and Rhysa want to go to students are going for mock interviews time 854 today. >> Okay. Do you know um
just right off if those are those field trips requiring approval before our next meeting? Uh the little shed aquarium is in Chicago. So that >> you know the date though. >> Uh
May 22. >> Okay. So it looks like we'll have um time. So, I would ask if you and I I believe I can't remember if the request was initiated by Doyle or Gavin. Um I think Doyle may have made the request
initially, but if I'm misspeaking, my apologies. If you could take a look at your field trips um and ensure that there there are no outofstate or overnight field trips that require approval prior to our next board meeting, which is May the 12th, you can
let us know. um they were attempting to get all of all of those that were needed for approval on today's agenda. If they had not been received, that's understandable, but we just want to make sure that we don't have any emergency meetings um or any required special
meetings if unnecessary um to make sure that the kids can go to where um they're to determined to go. Also, if you could maybe send out cuz you may have everything from all of your building principles, but maybe send out
an email for us. Just asking them if there's any additional field trips to be requested through the end of the year that require board approval, if they can have those submitted so we can do the remainder of those at the next meeting. >> President Robinson. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Quick question. >> Uhhuh. >> And forgive me because sometimes my years run together. Has there been an HB.CU see you trip already. >> When you were thinking that, I was trying to remember, but I I thought that we approved something already. Did they already go on the HBCU?
>> Vice President B. >> Yeah, it was earlier because I was questioning the timing of it. It was like in December if I'm correct. >> Did you go as a as an attendee, Rocket Martin? You didn't go this time. Okay.
different. >> I thought I remember something coming before the tables. >> Okay, >> Secretary Tripleas, >> you know, it it it it saddens me once again,
you know, at this table when it comes to things for children. Everybody's confused. Is the money available? Do we have this? Do we have to go outside for vendors? We get millions of dollars off the back of
these kids. Um, yeah. And I'm not sure why it is not a common practice and I've said this for since I've been on the board of education because every year we find ourselves in the same position
approving field trips in the 11th hour having to call special meetings and what have you when at the beginning of the school year administrators and teams are coming together um um and putting their their school improvement teams that their trips are
not plan from the beginning of the school year and those events, those things need to be done at the beginning. Everybody should know, every principal should know grade level, end of the year, field trips. There are always exception of things that come along that
um um require our attention. So again, I as I sit here and I I guess I'm in this frame of mind, everything that I'm hearing, everything that I'm seeing, everything that I'm saying, everything
that people bring before me, the question is how does it what does it have to do with kids? How does this get down to kids? And again, the end of the school year, some of our kids have done an amazing job.
absolutely amazing job this school year and I think our children deserve to be celebrated. I know all of the parameters put around um specific funding and what have you. Um but all of these trips are educational and can be written in that
in that way especially you know we can't pick and choose. we want to when we want to identify, you know, we want to use to push the button that if this is a poor community and these poor kids, we can't we can't pick and choose. So, I I just want to put that on the record
that again since I've been on this board. It's so difficult to do things for our kids and it's very disturbing and we have acts
administration after administration after administration to make sure that we have these type of things that we won't be sitting up here scuffling and scurrying and really trying not to be identified as the bad guys if the board does not approve it. Thank you, Madam President.
>> Thank you. All right. So, we're going to um keep it moving. Up next, we have uh teaching and um so again, thank you to the Benton Harour Educational Foundation for sponsoring the field trip. >> Um I don't want anything said today to
make you think that we don't appreciate that. We do. We we honor um your support of our district in this moment and in all moments. And thank you as well, Dr. Griffin for collaborating with them to um support our students in taking that field trip as well. So, thank you for your leadership in that.
>> All right, so we're going to move forward. Um teaching and learning, I don't see that we have anything linked. I'm not sure if we'll get an update uh general update from Chair Gavin or from uh Director Foster, but I'll just give you all a window of opportunity or time
to give us any pertinent updates you think if if needed. >> Yeah. Thank you so much, uh, President Robinson. What I will say is there usually is a there usually is a committee agenda linked.
I'm um wondering if it's possible to have that linked, but I will I will say that we did have a committee meeting regarding the partnership agreement. I think that this actually will be a great opportunity to give updates about the
partnership agreement. the last time we met there were some very important changes and I'm hoping that um Dr. Foster or Dr. Griffin can go over uh some of the main changes to the
partnership agreement um because it was signed is that is that correct President Robinson? >> Yes. So I um I signed if you would like to give updates. >> Yeah. So on the committee, >> I spent a couple hours um Dr. Griffin
was gracious. She was on a meeting, but I was in there like a school student in her office um going over the partnership agreement and aligning things um as communicated by the um the board at our meeting as well
as uh the curriculum committee and some of those areas that you discussed as well. Um so the general updates were in each of those areas the percentages are reflect 1% increase in the 18month and then the
total 3% increase in a 36 month. Dr. Griffin did send that out um to the board via email. I can't I know that it was received. I received it when we got it um but I can't find it currently. However, um they also sent me
so I s we signed a hard copy, sent it over to MDE. Um and so everyone has that in their emails. However, um where we are now, it was sent April 27th to the board. Um
oh, here's a hard copy. So, um, some of the areas I think from the original draft that was sent out that were a point of concern were, um, believe it was like line items 10
through 14, etc. Some of those. So, for example, in um, most of them say it'll it'll increase at least one percentage point for the 18 month and then 36 months says 3%age for that full three-year window. in areas such as um
line item nine for the NWA. The baseline value was 24. Um so for example during the 26 27 school year at least 25% of full academic year students will meet their growth target and then ultimately in that 36 month it reflects
the 27% which is a 3% um increase. So we were pretty consistent across the board with that. Um, another one of the changes that were made um as recommended by the a after discussions with the committee um was
the 18-month benchmark for the board um during the 202627 school year. The governance team including all Ben Harbor area schools board members and superintendent will participate in at least one scheduled workshop facilitated by MASB on roles responsibilities governance and communication except when
the board members are incapacitated because that was a limitation previously and then that 36 month is now reduced to two scheduled workshops. So we were able to make updates align with um the board's discussion at our previous
meeting. However, there is a a snafu. Um, we sent the uh Dr. Griffin scanned over the final draft that we both signed together. However, when MDE sent me an electronic copy of the
partnership agreement for electronic signature, I'm glad I looked at it because it was not that copy. So, normally you just assume that the copy is what you're signing and I looked at it and realized it wasn't. So, um, Dr. Griffin has emailed our contact to
determine what occurred and she thinks that, um, she responded indicating that she thinks it might have been an earlier draft that's in the portal, but it's not the draft that was finalized. So, I have yet to sign and I will not be signing
until it's the actual draft. >> I want to thank you for catching. >> This is not >> This is not it. >> This is very important. And so right now we're just waiting there waiting on them to make the update. Yeah. The last response that we received um
she said um she said the information in the portal so there is a when they sent it to me electronically it's it's like an they want an electronic signature. >> So Dr. Griffin emailed and said I hope
this email finds you well. I'm reaching out to uh elevate a concern from our president regarding the difference between the document that was sent to us to sign versus what I sent to you in the partnership agreement. That said, please call me um to discuss when you have a moment. And she said, "Hello, I will
look into it. My secretary may have foiled an earlier draft. This will be corrected." Dr. Griffin said, "Thank you very much." And then um Miss Dixon said, "You are welcome." So, one of the examples that I saw
something was like an increase by 10%. And I knew that nothing we had on there reflected that much of an increase. So, I kind of looked through it and saw that was not that was not um anything that I
was about to sign. So, we haven't yet to receive an update. I have yet to receive an update on them updating um whatever system the hard draft should have been imported to has an earlier draft in it and not the finalized draft.
>> President Robinson, do you know if um Mrs. if Mrs. Dixon approved um or sign had to sign off on what we submitted to her? >> Dr. Griffin, >> to my understanding um and you can elaborate, Dr. Griffin indicated that
she was comfortable with the discussion that the board had and what the district determined that it wanted to do with the partnership agreement. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. That's great to hear. That's great. >> But we're just waiting on them to to fix it. >> Yeah. Well, >> you have before.
>> I did talk with her and she did watch our board meeting and so she gave me a call and she indicated that whatever you all decide as a board to recommend to Madame President, she will approve. >> Hey, that's great to hear. Hey. Well, I want to thank uh the entire board. Um
thank uh Dr. Griffin for accepting our uh pretty assertive requests to make sure that the partnership agreement is um you know is is fairer um than it much
fairer than it was before. Um I do hope that you know during the teaching and learning space we are able to get updates just in terms of um and this can be at the next time but I really wanted it during this one updates in regards to
um path to graduation um where we stand with the um learning platforms contracts um and then any updates on Zello Uh, and I would also say uh where we stand with
driver's education. Um, we voted that there should be a half credit given for those students that completed uh driver's education. >> All righty. So, just wondering if I just want to know if those updates can be given at
the next meeting since they're not available here today. >> Absolutely. I I I don't know if that was a question for me. >> No, if it's a yes for you, then I I believe it's yes. >> Absolutely. Okay, good deal. Turn it over. Oh, I'm in the on the next one, too.
>> Yeah. And just to kind of while we're on the subject of the um the agenda, I do um ask for the the board's grace um in there not being the committee report attached. A lot of times when I get the
agenda draft, it has the outline of what will be discussed, but the links aren't there. Um, and so I do give the grace to allow the directors to get their information uploaded. And um, I thought that maybe prior to us getting here today, we would have this one. Um, but
I'll ensure that uh, there is a link for discussion in the next meeting as well as any other um, items for discuss for for required vote. >> You have the floor. I want to offer my sincere apologies for not having those items, but I'm glad that she mentioned
them. I'll make sure that we have those in preparation for the next meeting. >> You can continue with business and finance. >> Okay. Thank you. I will turn it over to um our esteemed director finance, uh director Black Carter.
Thank you, Treasurer Gavin. We will start with the financial summary for March 2026. The general fund revenues and expenses were 71% and 68.73%
of the physical year. One would expect it to be 75% if expenses were spread evenly throughout the year. I always put a reminder about state aid and the vendor payment report. Just uh a quick
Summary of the year-to-ate revenues and expenses. The year-to- date revenues are lower compared to last year in March due to decreased federal revenues and no longer receiving ESSER funds. The year-to-ate expenses are lower compared
to last year in March due to no longer purchasing making purchases with ESSER funds. Our large payments for the month of March were to Kexus Andy Egan tear Lakeland tours for our
Fairplane Middle School DC trip stepping stones Mesa first student and blue care network. Our budget to actual summary just shows where we are as far as each line item for the year
and our budget to actual details shows the details behind those numbers. Um just showing how much we are by function code for the year. Any questions on either of those reports before I move to the vendor payment
report? >> Yes, I do have a question. The uh the trip for uh the students at Fairplane Middle School, how is that trip funded? >> That trip is funded with title one. >> So, are they the only school that can
use title one funds for field trips? >> No. Uh I asked for prior approval. prior approval from MDE for that trip. Um, so we got that approval I think back in October of last year and
recently we have had communications with MDE stating that uh field trips I want to put it in a way that it doesn't sound like it's impossible but they would like us to decrease the
number of field trips that we ask for with title one funds. Um the intent and purpose of title one funds is to bring our students up to the grade level. Um so I can add Go ahead Dr. Griffin.
>> You have the floor. >> I want to add Thank you. Uh Miss Brock Carter. I did have a conversation uh with someone uh Andrea. >> Yeah, Andrea Robert Rogers, our MDE consultant, grant consultant. I had a
conversation with her and her concern is there is a trend of a lack of connection and alignment with the field trips in the past being connected to educational activities to help move the district toward proficiency at every grade level. >> Bearing that in mind, I have asked her
to come out. She is scheduled to come next week to sit with me and show me and possibly Miss Park Crowder if she's available. how we can make sure that we adhere to what those state expectations are when we seek approval for field trip
uh requests in the in the future because uh she has some major concerns about previous field trip quest field trip requests uh being used for those uh those funds being used for them without the alignment necessary to really to
standards and skills that would help move the district toward being uh proficient in a grade level, but I look forward to the my time with her next week where she will unpack for me what what is allowable, what is unallowable so that we can be in compliance and
still have our students be able to take advantage of these great opportunities outside of the district. >> So, this department, the Michigan Department of Education, I just, you know, why are we asking them about trips or is this is this just a title one component of Michigan Department of Education?
>> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. and they have they have um a portion of the H.B.CU college trip that was in the fall, a portion of that was with Title One. Um and we have had quite a few field trips
be approved through Title One funds, but moving forward, they would like for us to reduce the number of trips that we are asking for unless they align with um the intent and purpose of Title One.
Um, I'm thinking, you know, I think it would be great for people like that to come talk to the entire community. Um, sometimes there is a blind spot when it comes to um, field trips, what our kids
deserve, what our kids have been through, what our school district has been through. Um, and that's why I wanted it added in the partnership agreement that NDE does research on the impact of the emergency manager laws on the district because what we can't do is
blame the test scores on the field trips because field trips actually enhance empathy. They actually enhance uh social emotional learning. They enhance a student's context and their world view. and it increases their ability um to be
able to understand some of the context of the words and the vocabulary in the in the uh test. And so I think it's important for people, especially outside of this community, when they make those type of decisions about our field trips, to say it to the entire community
because sometimes what happens is they say it to the business office, they say to the superintendent's office and then everybody gets upset with the business office and the superintendent because that decision was made behind closed doors instead of in front of the people that are most impacted by their
decision. So I appreciate you uh Secretary Triplet for asking that question. And I think there was a hand. Is that uh Vice President uh Bowen? >> Just can I make a comment please? Uh and then even with those stipulations, it's not going to stop me from requesting
the funds from Title One. You know, I I understand the guidelines. I understand the implications, but if it's needed, I'm going to ask. You know, if I if if I'm told no, that's it is what it is. But that's not going to stop me from
asking um our grant consulting for funds for field trips for our students. I just want to make that clear. >> I appreciate that. >> Dr. Griffin was trying to speak. Uh >> oh, okay. I just saw I think that was Vice President Bowen's hand up there, but um you have the floor, Dr. Griffin.
Thank you. I want to say I agree with you 100%. It is very important that we notate that outsiders are making decisions about what happens in the district. In this situation in particular, I saw with the documents and I thank uh Miss Brock Carter cuz she
helped me look through the unallowable uh expenses uh the unallowable field trips. You are absolutely right. We have to be careful with allowing somebody else to tell us what is educational in our district. And so you have my full support in that ideology and that's why
she is coming here to meet with us with meet with me in particular because what is in uh the concern in particular is the lack of the field trips being aligned to standards and that is one of the things that I'm pretty good at. So I can help make certain that when we
submit the field trip request for the title one funds, they fall within the compliance uh guidelines accordingly so that they are able to be funded through that title. The bottom line is you're absolutely right. We have to make sure that we're not allowing other uh
entities the state of Barry Reese or whomever to gatekeep what our children deserve. So you have my full agreement and there there in lies where I reached out to her personally sending her my concerns regarding the unallowable expenses but regarding the field trips.
And so what we're going to do is we're going to sit down and go through what is allowable, what is not allowable so that I can then turn around and coach my principles as well as our CTE director around the alignment. This is standardsbased instruction and many of the things that they're doing they're
asking to do are well accur well within the standards in terms of skills and application. In fact, they're ganing away from just worksheets to be able to participate in project-based learning which is well documented in the research. And so what I believe is
really happening is uh my uh lack of knowledge around how we word and align these activities for the field trips to the standards and I look forward to doing that going forward. Thank you for your time. >> I appreciate that Dr. Griffin. Uh they
also need some adjustment in ter in terms of uh racial bias. Um, sometimes people think that our kids don't deserve things even though it's the tax money that comes from their lives that we have the things. So, it's I think it's both
both of those things are happening. Um, I see uh Vice President Bowen's hand. I did I don't know if he's still >> Yes, sir. got a question. This is different on Kexus. How long is that agreement that we have with Kexus and
have we seen a success? How many people have we paid to get their GEDs? You know, >> it's not on, but I can hear you, sir. >> Okay. I can Yes, I can request. We have reports that they share with us normally
annually uh towards the end of the after the GED graduation but I can request the documents from Kexus any time to show um how many students we have enrolled how many are set on track for graduation. I don't know how many years back you
want to know how many graduates that we've had but we can we can get the data from them at any time. >> Okay. And chair um the food service company. Sorry if I'm correct. We never voted
to renew their contract. It was just asis. Correct. You mean for 25 26? >> Yes. >> Uh I'm not sure. I I would have to go back and that was something that was handled by Dr. Butts at the time. So I can't say for sure.
>> At the board it was a discussion. Does any of my colleagues remember? I recall the conversation because I know I mentioned that I think it's just a the presentation of the food is what may be slightly offputting to some of the kids to adjust. So I do remember that
conversation. What I don't recall is whether or not we proceeded with the vote on the contract or not. I think is your question. Yeah, because I thought they were just going to do their contract had stipulations that they would be automatically renewed
knowing that we can still be looking for a different food vendor. >> I don't recall, but I can ask that uh direct uh director Carter by Carter, can you take a look at the just give us a followup on when um when the contract
turns? >> Okay. I'm sorry. Um I know you know we we have we normally it is to June 30th of every year just like our u normal uh year it
well I know it wasn't vote to find I can remember sitting here and we all voted um and it is up for renewal again >> just like every year around this time.
And I have reached out to um Clark Hill. Uh I can't think of his name that does the RFPs at Clark Hill. Yes, I have reached out to him concerning um us doing an RFP for a food service. Um it's
quite a lengthy process. Um it's my advice from him was that it's something that we could probably do for 27 28. But for um 2627,
we would have to ask special um approval from MDE to do an RFP and all the data and everything that goes into a food service RFP takes about 6 months to even get all of the information together. So, um the advice from the attorney was that
we renew for 2627 and if we would like to do an RFP for the 2728 school year that we move forward with it at that time. Hey, thank you. So, I do have to chime back. Sorry. >> Hold on one second. So, I want to make
sure we're consistent with the with the time for with keeping track of not you. >> I'll hold my >> No, no, no, no. I don't want you to miss. Let me finish. I'm not saying that you're over talking. I just want us to be consistent with the timer because I know the timer went off on Secretary Triplet,
but I had I don't know if it's been running for other people and I want to make sure we're being equitable to all. Continue. >> I reserve my comment. Thank you. >> Okay. I wasn't telling you to wrap up. >> I I I I took what you stated. >> No, I wasn't saying that.
>> I was saying he shouldn't be the only one to have a time. >> We're discussing my concerns after the meeting. I I did get it that information in an email and it was shared with Dr. Griffin if if she would like to share it with you all. That would be her preference. But we do have everything in
writing from the attorney concerning the food service RFP. >> Pull them up. >> You keep a man up. >> Okay. you can continue with any um anything pertinent to review. I do see that we I know you have your staff report we'll vote on in the next
meeting, but I >> Yes. And then I just wanted to mention that we did get an approval for the 61E 61 VCT. I have looked at the amount. Can you please for the record communicate the amount of the grant because I deserve
it? >> Excited. Thank you to Arlene Wilson, our CTE director. She and I worked together in order to submit this grant application and we were approved for $322,500 >> to expand our CTE program and we will be
offering a cyber security drone program for the next school year. So, I am very excited for the high school to have that program. And we are also speaking with the middle school to see if we can apply for additional funding to have a CTE
program at the middle school that Miss Wilson and I are working on. So, I am very excited about that. She did a survey to the students and the students um requested that this is the program that we apply for. So I am very excited that we were approved and we can expand
it and we have enough funding for the future supplies everything to get the program up and running. So we cannot wait to have our first group of drone cyber security certified students from Ben Harbor High School.
>> You have a floor. Um, Miss Brock Carter at this time, can we also open it up to the other school districts >> or is it just for Bitten Harbor? >> No, you know, our su we are in a consortium with all our CTE programs. So, our CTE programs are always open for
other students to come to our district. I know we do have some students in our construction program that come in from another um district and I believe our computer information program as well, but don't quote me on that. Miss Arley, Miss Wilson can be
more concise on that, but we already do have students coming into our district for our CTE program. >> Does the state provide additional funding for those kids or that grant will just cover just >> that grant will cover everything associated with getting this program off
the ground? Quick question in regards to when students do come over in the consortium, does the school have to pay us uh for this? >> Yes, we we do send a bill at the end of the school year to the other district to
compensate us for those students and vice versa. Our students that go to other districts, those districts bill us for those students as well. >> That's what I was saying. Additional funding. >> Okay. Uh anything else? Uh, director B Carter
>> probably uh >> I wanted to know that that was my question. Do we have are our students going to other schools? >> Yes. >> And what have you >> and participating? >> And we have some students going to Lakeshore for the um CNA program. We
have some students going to Berian Springs for the law uh program. Uh those are the only two that I can think of off top of my head, but yes, we have students going to other districts for CTE programs and I believe our students that are in the C CNA program at
Lakesure are doing excellent. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, if there's no other um discussions concerning facilities uh I'm sorry, the finance piece,
was there um any needed updates for facilities at this time, but was it mostly finance? >> Um Dr. Bulock, we did have a meeting, Madame President, >> and so Dr. Bullock uh reported some
things out to us. At this time, I'd like to turn it over to him. >> All righty. >> Just a report out. Um, airplane east roof. So, the roof is pretty much completed. They just have to do the metal around the edging to keep
the roof intact. Uh, that should be done um by early next week. uh the middle school, you know, we had some issues with uh one of the water fountains. Um so the carpet and uh has
been cleaned, the ceiling tiles has been replaced and um the teachers are moved back into their classrooms. >> Fair plane east sewer line. Um, we had a backup in Fairplane East. And so when we
had a contractor come out and um, dig it up, we found out that AT&T had bored um, their lines through our sewer system. And so we um, with the help of uh, Brett
Carter and I, we are working with AT&T to try to recoup those funds for that issue. And so we did take pictures and send them to them as well. Um bar school demo all necessary permits has been pulled and fence has been in
place. So a best removal should be starting shortly. >> Okay. If it's okay with the chair, can I ask a question? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. I know that there were um the demolition bid that we awarded. Can you remind me of which particular schools
those were for? Do you know off top? >> Yes. Martinale and Bar School Elementary. >> Okay. And Martinddale is the one that's Benton Heights area, >> correct? >> Okay. So, I know that there were there was a particular school that um Benton
Township was working on a park upgrade and they were wanting something to be done with that. Was that Martinale? >> It's Martinale. >> Okay. Okay. Awesome. Um, have you been in communication with um, Chief Casmiric regarding the status of
Bard? >> That's Township. >> Oh, Bard is Township as well. >> Bar former Township, correct? >> Morton Hill was the I'm sorry. Morton Hill is in the city. Have you been in communication with him recently about progress on on um Morton Hill?
>> Yes, we have talked and everything like that. So, what we really need to do is um assess the building and see because the whole building don't have to be tore down, you know, it's just that back area where the roof collapse at. So, um after these get going, we'll be able to just
assess um that school right there and then we'll go from there. >> Okay. >> But I have been in communication with them. I know he reached out um to me in a point of concern because we took action once the once township had
expressed concerns and he had he has um expressed concerns about the status of Morton Hill um the school on you know that Morton school for quite some time. So I just want to make sure we're in regular
communication with him as needed because he can be a thorn. um if you're if that communication isn't there, not to say it disrespectfully because I tell them that often, but um I just want to make sure that we are communicating. And then the follow the
last question I have, I have 25 seconds. Um we looking into any upgrades at um MLK for the roof. Any upgrades there? >> We do have one. Um, I'm waiting on this
company to come out and they going bore holes in different areas of the roof and they'll let us know the age of the roof um and um what need to be changed. So, we were just waiting on the weather to kind of act, you know, get right with
that. So, MLK roof in there gym does have a leaky and that's the one that we are attacking next. >> Okay. Thank you. And just for another clarification that our school doesn't run through Benton Township or B city of
Benton Harbor. All of them run through state. So all permits have to be pulled through state and state inspection uh inspectors come out and handle that. Okay. And then in my last uh 11 seconds, you can push the timer. I just want to
urge um the director of facilities, the superintendent and the facilities committee to um get the master's facilities plan back going um cuz it kind of gets lost in the sauce every 3 or 4 months and so thank you. That's all
I have. >> Do anyone else have any questions as it relates to facilities? >> Uh Secretary Triplet? >> Yes. >> Thank you. Um Dr. Bullocks. I recall I don't know
maybe a couple months ago we had a really great opportunity with birth student um as it relates to an app. I had received um inbox from a parent who was
looking for their child who had not come home from the bus. And I began inquiring about an app that would allow parents to know when their um you know if their child if the bus was
on its way, if their child was on the bus, a safety app and we were able to um I guess get this app for free. Um, and I appreciate your uh working on that. And
I'm wondering where are we in that process? Like what all has been accomplished and where are we in terms of the phases of that rolling out? >> So I was on the project, I was leaving the project. So things was pretty much
moving. Um, we met and they was rolling the app out and then I got removed off the project. So, I don't know exactly where it's at or anything like that. >> Okay. >> Go ahead.
>> Uh we did we did uh roll it out. We are uh we we were doing it in phases. Um and right now we are testing everything with MLK. Uh Bud Dash, our IT director, has kind
of taken the lead on the project and uh so Bud's not here tonight, but if you want any more information on it, we can definitely get it from Bud. But we had got through the initial phase, the initial roll out phase, and we were um
testing it with uh I don't know if it was all of MLK or a small group of students and parents at MLK just to see how it works, get out the kinks before we roll it out districtwide. Um Okay. So, is was that their
recommendation that we only do it with one school? >> I'm not sure. I would have to follow up with Bud to know exactly what was the recommendation from first student, but u I know we wanted to definitely
kind of get our feet wet and learn our way around the system before we introduced it out to the entire district. But again, uh Mr. Dash could probably give you more details. >> Okay. Um yeah, I'll be looking forward
to getting um the information on that, what the recommendation is from first student. Um and then also it's a very positive thing that other schools had we didn't and it will give us an opportunity to promote um something that
we're doing and to reassure parents that we are making that experience safer for them. And I definitely think I'm hoping that we can get this rolled out for, you know, all of the parents of bus riders
as soon as possible. Thank you so much. >> All right. I just have a quick point of clarification. Miss Singer, did you notate what time we returned from close session? >> 8:27. >> Okay.
So, it is about 9:30. Um, want to make sure we get wrapped up by 10 at the latest, but I do understand that we had a 2hour close session. So, when it comes to the business at hand, um, outside of that, we've done pretty well. Um, so
we're going to try to keep it moving. Up next, we have um, there's no other questions regarding facilities or operations. No, I'm just trying to keep us move. Go ahead. Did you have it? What What would you like to do or say?
>> First of all, I'd like to be respected. I think >> Oh, sorry. >> I have I I have really really tried my very best to maintain professionalism, deference to positions and not people. I
think it's very very critical. I want to thank u Dr. Bullock for um that presenting that information. Um, and with that I'll pass. >> Thank you so much, >> the president. >> I did not mean to disrespect you. In
closing, >> I want to tell you as I tell the student, you can never disrespect me because I don't give permission to disrespect. Okay. >> Disrespected. Thank you. >> All right. You throw a little shade there. >> Yeah. Thank >> Okay. So, we're going to keep it moving. Human resources um resolution of
non-renewal. I'm not sure if that was going to be uh presented by Bowens, but I'll pass you the floor for your section. >> No, I'm not going to present that. I'll let HR present that. Um, but I'm going to give it to Director Dorsy.
>> All righty. Thank you. Ben Harbor Area Schools resolution at a regular meeting on April 28th, 2026 held in the Ben Harbor High School Library, 870 KFax Avenue, B Harbor, Michigan at 6 p.m. It was moved and
supported that the following resolution be adopted. Whereas notice of the board's consideration of non-renewal of the administrative contract of the employee was available to Joseph Bulocks on March 30th, 2026 and said notice described the reasons
for the consideration of non-renewal and whereas the affected employee was provided an opportunity to meet with not less than a majority of the board to discuss the reasons for the consideration of contract non-renewal. And whereas the board has considered the
reasons for contract non-renewal and the information presented to it by the superintendent and Joseph Bulocks and whereas the board finds that the reasons for contract non-renewal are not arbitrary or capriccious. Now therefore, it is resolved that the
administrative contract between Ben Harbor Area Schools and Joseph Bullocks shall not be renewed when it expires on the stated termination date of June 30th, 2026. The reasons for contract non-renewal are stated in the board's resolution of
March 24th, 2026. The superintendent or her designate shall provide written notice of this resolution to the affected employee no later than April 30th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve
the resolution for motion to approve the resolution as >> staff report >> the resolution of non-renewal? >> Yes, non renew. >> Okay. Is there a second or support? >> Support. >> The motion has been made by Vice
President Bowens and supported by Rocket Martin. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Madam President. >> Yeah. Before >> I just would like to um have it on record that I did not support any of the
non-renewals on March 24th and I'm not supporting this one. >> Any other comments from the board? >> All right. >> President Robins, >> you have the floor. Um, I want to uh put on record that I want
to thank um Dr. Bulock for your service. I want to thank you for your expertise. I want to thank you for all the money you have saved this district by stepping in on so many occasions and I want to thank you for your
dedication. I don't support any of the nine renewals of this cabinet and I definitely do not support this one either. >> Thank you. Any other comments from the board? >> Madame President, >> you have the floor.
>> I would like to put this on the record as well and so that people will understand uh my position. I feel that it is important that we allow people to do their jobs
from the superintendent and each individual person. That is not our business to run that portion of the school district. for me. Um, just for clarification purposes, I feel that
it it was imperative that each one of the cabinet members who were brought up for um nonrenewal should have had an opportunity to represent themselves and to speak in the board of education should have an
opportunity to hear all sides, not just one side. because that's important for us to be able to make informed decisions. Um, I'm glad that um, Dr. Bullock was afforded an
opportunity to present his position. I also want to thank Dr. Griffin for presenting her position as well. So, I just wanted to put that on the record. Thank you. >> Thank you. If there's no other questions or comments, Secretary Tripley King,
please call a vote. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowen, >> can you come back to me? >> Met Martin couldn't hear you. She said, "What did you say?" >> He said, "Come back to him, please." >> Oh, okay.
>> Treasurer Gavin. >> No. Trusty record Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Bradley. >> Yes. >> Trusty Doyle. >> No.
>> Vice President Bowen. >> Yes. Of course. Secretary Triplet. Yes. >> All right. Resolution for non-renewal passes. We'll proceed. I'm sorry. It's your section. Go ahead. B.
>> Next. We got some good news on certified teachers. Director Dorsy, can you go into that or Dr. Pri? >> I'll yield to Miss Dorson. Thank you. Before I read this, I'd like to say that we're working really hard to have certified teachers here in Ben Harour Area
Schools. And you'll see in every board meeting going forward more and more certified teachers being recommended to be hired. Staff report Ben Harvard area schools subject employment of staff May 12th, 2026
submitted 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 and support staff. Sorry. Strategic plan goal reference personnel leadership. Ben Harvard area schools will recruit, hire, develop and
retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. New hires Michael Johnson. He helps from Detroit, Michigan, Henry Ford High School. Certified science teacher. He'll be teaching biology at Ben Harbor High School. general funds effective
July 17th and Marian Timble if you recall we talked about um International Alliance Group being someone we're working with and I think you approved that back in October. This is hiring season for international teachers. Maryanne Timble is from the
Philippines and she will be coming to us to be a certified math teacher at Vincent Harbor High School. General funds again in 71726 recommended action that the Ben Harbor Area Schools Board of Education vote to approve the employment of the
affformentioned staff. >> So that's what we'll be voting on. >> Okay. Is there a motion to approve staff on it this week? >> Oh, is this was for next time? Okay. Awesome. >> So, Miss Director Dorsy, do you know how
many certified teachers we have now? a number wise. >> I don't want to guess. Can I have that sent by Dr. Griffin tomorrow? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And one thing we did discuss in our HR
meeting, HR committee meeting is level setting the district. Um and director Dorsy would have to work with Clark Hill um developing a professional memo of expectations.
Um so often you hear the chatter, you hear the gossip, you hear the noise and everything. And with this professional level, everyone will have to sign it. It's like a onboarding agreement, memorandum of understanding.
um studying stuff like Facebook. You shouldn't be able to criticize um your employer while you're working at your employer on Facebook. Just setting stuff, but also protecting people freedom of speech and doing all of that. So, that's one of the things that we
discussed in our HR committee meeting is developing uh um professional level of expectations. Once that's developed, I will forward it to the rest of the board members for their input and everything
else. We'll make sure it's done by legal and it will be like a administrative guideline or something that the superintendent can have all employees sign. >> Okay. Are you done? >> Oh, go ahead. Uh, >> thank you, Vice President Bowens. Do we
have a turnover rate this year? >> We do. And again, I can get that to you. I don't have it, Andy, right now. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam President. It's >> okay. So, um, old business, I just wanted to um Did we Oh, we're not voting
now. Sorry. Yep. That's for the work session. Um we just did the non-renewal due to um time requirements. Um so as uh as it relates to old business, I know that we earlier discussed the partnership agreement. That was a question that was
asked and I answered off memory, but I just wanted to make sure that um the board is clear on the question regarding the partnership agreement being addressed at meetings. So just a reminder to the board of education uh
there are assurance of actions um that we're required um the first was support the superintendent when operating in the best interest of the district. Two was ensure that the school district community is meaningfully engaged in the implementation of the partnership agreement. Um so that's
something that we'll have to have discussions on as a board as to what uh we would like that meaningful engagement to look like. um as relates to the implementation of the partnership agreement because the partnership agreement is a set of goals and
expectations and metrics so to speak. Um there are some assurances that the district um notated it will do but what that looks like as it relates to operationalizing and implementing the partnership agreement is something that would still be um fleshed out
internally. However, our job is to ensure that the school um district community is meaningfully engaged in the implementation of the partnership agreement. And then to speak to Gavin's earlier question, we are to review progress on the partnership agreement at regular board of education meetings. So
that would be the second meeting of the month, the second Tuesday, including but not limited to financial reports, aggregated student data, challenges, various andor celebrations. Um so that what I would ask um Dr. Griffin and Miss Singer and uh
director of academics to do is work on a template update um that can be provided as standard for our board meetings and we'll have that um listed either under curriculum or Dr. Griffin. Where exactly is listed is up
to you. Um but we want to make sure that we're touching on each of those key points as it relates to the partnership agreement on the second Tuesday of the month. Um, so that's all I have for old business. Um, Trusty Gavin,
>> I know that um, thank you, President Robinson. I know that Trusty Doyle asked if we could like have in this old business section have any old business that wasn't addressed. Um, so I just want to lift that up. And then also, I
know we talked about the superintendence evaluation. We're at April 28th and according to contract, we have to do that before June 1st. So, I know that we only have
um what two meetings prior to that. We agreed on a a date, didn't we? Um >> um we agreed on April I'm sorry, May 26. Yeah. As the tenative date,
>> we agreed on May 26th. Okay. And then if that's the case, um what preliminary information do we need to provide to Dr. Griffin um as it relates to the evaluation
timeline um in order for this to be fair, a fair process to her? So, I would think that we need to um Bradley did respond, I think, an email to me to confirm that he's actually received the training. So, I think all of the board has received the training.
Dr. Griffin hasn't. Um, we'll need to check uh the MASB website to see if there is a training scheduled prior. It is okay. um ensure she is set up for that training so that she kind of understands what her artifacts and evidence and
things of that nature look like, how it's rated and and things like that. I think that's the first primary step. Um and then I'll follow up with um Riley remind me of that gentleman's name. um >> Mark.
>> Okay. Um for his availability for that particular date because he is standard um facilitates for us. So we'll have to get her in the training as soon as possible. >> There is a training prior to that. >> Um Bradley indicated he believes it is. Even if it isn't, I'll see if we can pay
for them to do a one-on-one. See if that's something they're willing to do. >> They need to do more. I can always do a refresher course. >> Right. What about goals? Um, so Gardner suggested that
we have uh the board of education uh submit uh areas of needed. Uh I guess areas that we think should be goals or areas of concerns that we think should be goals. Um and then allow Dr.
Griffin to kind of go off of what's submitted to determine her what she thinks should be primary goals for the district. >> So according to Truman, we can all just submit separate goals. He indicated,
but I can forward it to the board. Is it possible for us to give ourselves a deadline so that we are in alignment? Um, I would say today being the 28th of April, we can give everybody through
I would say May 8th or Yeah, maybe May 7th. Thursday, May 7th. And I'll forward the email to the board
so the board is clear exactly on um gardener's insight. >> Thank you. >> Um one second. Um as it relates to Trusty Doyle's I think your Sheila, she's there, right? Okay. I can't see
it. Your recommendation was like outstanding action items, right? >> Yes. I can't remember the exact terminology you use. >> Just old business cuz a lot of stuff we forget about the the U master facility plan. They get lost in the sauce. I
mean, it's just a lot of stuff that we come to this table and we may table it or might not get back to it. Like the superintendent stuff, the um what Miss Gavin was just talking about
that stuff. It's like stuff doesn't get finished. It's left and we forget about it. And yeah, and I know we do that on our most some of the committee templates have
that as well. Um but um we'll you and I touch off touch base offline as far as like a structure of how you see it being on there. You got to go back to your email and see how you title it. And then Vice President Bowens, I'm sorry, not Bowens, Bradley had I think you had a
comment. >> Yeah. Um well, two things. I know I had emailed you um about that board self-evaluation if we could look into doing that. And then the other thing is I just looked at the MASB calendar. There is a virtual um training coming up for the superintendent evaluation on May 13th.
>> Okay. Awesome. So, Miss Singer, if you could get Dr. Griffin scheduled for that, that'd be awesome. Okay. Um, anything for new business? President Robinson? >> Yes. I probably should have said this under old business cuz we talked about
it, I believe, on the 16th, but I emailed a uh resolution in support of the Yes, Fresh Start 2026 budget priorities, especially uh thinking about what um director Brock Carter said about us having less money. This is an
opportunity to ask the state of Michigan to support uh millions of dollars that would uh come through the district to the district um with the priorities of mental health and CTE. I went over what all of those are, but I also emailed
them to everybody uh in hopes that we would consider uh supporting this or adding it to the agenda um at our next meeting. Um, I will continue to gather support um throughout the city and across the state, but it
would be great if we support it as well. And I'm here if anybody has questions. >> Okay. Um, thank you for that. So, we can definitely I'm pulling it up. I don't want people to think the members of the public to think that I'll be on doing
random stuff on my phone, but I use it to look at agendas and emails that are referenced. Um, so I do see that you did send that to us. Um, and this is, and I think we clarified it before, this is money that you're requesting that the state of Michigan earmark in its in its
particular budget. >> Yes. Okay. Yes. And much of some of it is, you know, asking for a mental health court. We have one in Berian County, but we don't but it's adults only. We want um some monies to go to support juveniles uh who have mental health
issues. But um a lot of this money we are um asking that it go directly to Benton Harbor area schools. >> Okay. All righty. Any Thank you so much for that. Um any other new business
open? Go ahead. >> Can you speaking your mic ma'am? >> Just that the spring institute was this weekend uh in Lancing through MASB. So, uh, it is just really like Friday and Saturday. Uh, I think they're done
Saturday at least by 3 or at least I know by 6. So, you would have the rest of your day Saturday and all of Sunday. So, it's something that you consider going can go to because they provide a lot of good information and
understanding about school boards and their policies and the governance of them. So, it's it's worth going to. It really is. >> All right. Thank you. There's no other no new business. We'll uh go to open public comment.
Is there anyone present that would like to make a comment? Hearing none, we'll proceed. Superintendent announcements and comments. Dr. Griffin. Yes. I just wanted to take this opportunity to affirm our staff. During this time, we start to get a little uh skittish and anxious and ready for the end of the
year. I just want to send affirmations to our entire staff in the district to hang on in there. This is springtime and it is a great time of the year for most people, but for those of us that are working hard late evenings, it has a tendency we feel like doesn't go fast
enough. And so I just want to encourage and affirm all of my staff uh from central office to our buildings around affir affirming them and being resilient towards the end of the year. I also want to mention I'm excited about teacher appreciation week coming up on May 5th.
Okay, teacher appreciation week runs from Friday, May 8th with National Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 5th. So, I really want to honor all of our teachers in our district, certified and non-certified, because they're working every single day, God bless you,
every day with our kids to help get them college and career ready. and that I am not lost. It's not lost on me that hard work that they put together. I also want to send uh kudos to our sports teams. It is track time. I'm proud of our track uh track athletes. I'm proud of our
baseball athletes and really excited about the new baseball basketball court that's coming. I had an opportunity to take a look at it and take a few pictures. It's looking really nice. So, I look forward to the ribbon cutting for that. But I want to affirm and send kudos and encouragement to all of our athletes in the spring. uh teams and
then of course overall academic resilience toward the end of the year. Let's finish the year strong. Even though we're done with state assessment, we still have one more round of MAP assessment that will close out the year giving us that important cumulative data that we need as a district in order to make decisions for how we support them
in the upcoming year. Thank you, Madam President. >> Thank you very much. Uh trustee uh board member announcements and comments. Trusty Doyle, >> I would like to um thank the Benar
Education Foundation for the sponsoring our seniors for their cruise. Um I'm just not in a good place. I I I I'm not happy with the state of our
district. I'm not happy with what our children are receiving. I'm not happy that we are still not thinking outside of the box knowing that the system created was
not created to make our children thinkers, creators. The system was created to make them obey and doctrine them to lose who they are.
And I'm just not happy. I'm not happy at all. And I needed to say that. And and and we need to understand that this system is not built for our children. these tests,
it doesn't measure who they are and what what they're about. They taking out our history. It's just I'm not happy. I'm not happy. And I just feel like people need to be more active
and build power and get what we need. We can get what we need. We can get what we want. We can get what we deserve. Especially with the the government being in the state that it is right now, this is a perfect opportune time for people
of color to band together to get what we need for our children. And I yield for that. >> Thank you. Uh Trusty Rocket Martin. I just wanted to say hats off to our our
superintendent uh that gives the autonomy to our principles. Uh just want to kind of speak on that field trip thing. Um a lot of that is the responsibility of the building principles and and that's where
really the the uh weight should be. They're in charge of their buildings. They're in charge of their students. They're in charge of their teachers. And um that weight belongs to them. That that part belongs in the field trips.
The other thing is not always can you do field trips all at once the beginning of the year. I have been a building administrator because you don't always know what's available. A lot of times um opportunities arise well after
um the time of as long as you get it in. We were always saying, "Hey, get it in before, you know, in that time frame that you need to have it in that it can be approved." Whether it's the early part of the year, the late part of the year, or whatever, as long as you meet that deadline, you were allowed to
submit a field trip because a lot of times you don't know what's available until then. And then that also gives the students, the staff, the um families a chance to look at the field trip and see if that's something they want to do. you always want to include your school
population in your field trips. Uh because it's not me that wants to do it, it's for the kids and so you want to get what they want them to do. And then I'd like to thank the senior class, but just the resources and the fact that they went out and and Dr. Griffin and um got
this money. You know, it doesn't help to I mean, it doesn't hurt. I'll say it like this. if you can spend somebody else's money and keep yours. I'll say it again, it doesn't hurt if you can spend somebody else's money to get what you
want done and not yours. So, hats off to the resources for them going out and finding this money for themselves. So, uh that's my take on that. >> Thank you, Trusty Bradley.
>> Um want to say good evening to everybody. We want to thank um the members of the public who did come out earlier and the ones who are online listening. Um want to give a kudos to um President Robinson for doubleeing and um going over that partnership agreement
because many times a criticism of a lot of minority um governmental agencies that we don't read stuff, we just rubber stamp stuff. So I do thank you for taking that time and catching that cuz sometimes you know it's like you know better that we all look over it. And I
do want to thank um Treasurer Gavin as well for a lot of her input um into this and I did listen in on the meeting. Um thank you to uh Dr. Bullock for your service to our district. You know, you were very very very instrumental to us
um your expertise on everything building system. So thank you. Um, also want to say, uh, I know that, um, uh, Trusty Rocket Martin had alluded to the spring institute taking place in, uh, Lancing this weekend. I think it may be too late
to register, but you probably can. Um, but there is an opportunity coming up on Saturday, May 9th in Lawrence, Michigan at the Vanerian ISD. They're going to have a CBA day from 9:00 a.m. until 400 p.m. They're going to have um CBA 104,
CBA 248, building board effectiveness, uh team development, communication and conflict, uh community relations, and open the open meetings act class. Um then some other upcoming training um events, the summer institute is going to be August 8 um August 7th and 8th in
Kazoo. Um the cube conference that we talked about earlier is going to be taking place in Chicago. um let's try to get registered by July 17th if we're going to attend that so we can get a um better rate. And then the annual leadership conference conference will take place a few weeks later from um
October the 15th through the 18th. And then the other thing I want to say too is um as a board let's try to be more proactive versus reactive because we want to try to stay on top of issues and we don't want to be caught off guard by a lot of things. And have a good evening
everyone. Thank you, Treasurer Gavin. Thank you, President Robinson. I am so glad that Trusty Rocket Martin said, "Let's spend other folks money." So, I'm hoping that we will have a unanimous
support of the Yes Start resolution for uh Ben Harbor area schools to bring in millions of dollars, hundreds of thousands of dollars that can go to our children. Um, we have an opportunity
once again to set a precedent. And I know that some people are still saying, "She is crazy. Who does she think she is? They're not going to give our kids this money." And I'm telling you that all over the state. Other people are putting in their bid for dollars for uh
their schools and their kids. And we have every right to do that. And so it helps when we in one voice say yes. Yes, we want this for our children. So, I'm hoping that we get a unanimous decision
um on the 2026 uh mental health and CTE priorities. Um but either way, we'll still continue to fight for our kids because they deserve every penny uh that the state and the federal government uh has um to offer them. My condolences to
Chantel Booth on the loss of her mother. Um uh gratitudes to everyone who joined our meetings virtually um for all of the staff uh for working with us late today. Um I want to welcome our certified teachers. It's always a blessing to have
certified teachers and I'm grateful for the teachers who are working on their certification. Uh by today's standard, Marva Collins might not have had her certification, but she was an amazing educator. So, uh, I'll be doing less talking at the board meetings and I'll
probably do be doing some, um, some debriefing of the board meetings with folks who want to get together maybe on Zoom and uh, kind of deconstruct what happened at the meeting. So, if you hear me talking less in this space, I'll create another space for the community
to kind of make sense of what's happening in these meetings. Thank you, >> Secretary Triplet. Um, Madame President, my emotions are kind of mixed to be honest with you.
Um, this particular component of the work is finished. We lost either through resignation or through uh
a vote be major cabinet member. Uh I don't work on the inside. But I know I've seen and got snippets
snippets and different things about what some of those people bring to the table has brought to the table. I I am saddened that we are in this position. I'm seriously sad.
Um, as I stated before, I voted a resound a resounding yes for the superintendent of Ven Harour Area Schools. I also voted a resounding yes for the director of facility. And I hate
I really hate it from the bottom of my heart that this issue could not have been resolved internally. I hate it. I want to
let the community know, my constituents, that I am praying for Ben Harour Area Schools as always, um, in particular our children and to our staff. Um, yeah,
I I I I just don't like it. And so and and and I do want to say to to my colleagues, seriously, I find no humor in disrespect
because I don't make it my business to disrespect anybody. So it's not humorous to me at all. Um but I want to say to this board of education, thank you so very very much. you know, you all are are a great group
of people to work with. We're growing and um I'm I'm excited on um things to come. Uh Dr. Bullocks, as chairman of the facilities committee, I want this on the record. I appreciate
it working with you and under both administrations and I wish you the very very very very best. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. had our conversation, right? So, you coming back and what have you. Um, and to our superintendent,
I'm um looking forward to you um filling those vacancies and bringing somebody to the table that will make sure that Benh Harour Area Schools is secure in all areas that
at this particular time that are not covered. Thank you. Thank you. Vice President Bowens, are you in position to make a comment today? >> All is well. No comment. >> Okay. So, I would like to again
re-emphasize. Excuse me. Okay. Let the make sure the record reflects that Trusty Doyle left at 9:58 p.m. Secretary Triplet is leaving at 10:08 p.m. Um, I want to again reemphasize the need um and importance of finalizing the
facilities master's plan um or master facilities plan, however we frame it. Um, so I'm asking that that be a standing agenda item moving forward so that progress is not lost on that. Um, I
know that there was a timeline that's been adjusted once per my request. I'm asking that we also get an adjusted timeline on where we are and um, where we should be moving forward so that we can try to ensure that the fi the plan is finalized by
year's end. Um, also just want to put it um on the floor for the board to be in consideration that we'll be having a budget hearing um as required so that we can determine uh the next school year. Um so of course
we do our final budget for this particular school year and then we have to have um public input for those that attend for the next upcoming budget. Um, so those are are things to be on the lookout for for potentially the latter
part of May and June. Um, and just want to thank you all for your time and your efforts given this evening. Um, the last thing that I want to say is that I'm the I'm the type of leader that
tries to lead from a pure and kind heart and I try to do that in all of my interactions with everyone. And to me, it's always business and professionalism, never personal. So, there are some times where I've been off
my kilter quite a bit. Um, but those have been under extinguating circumstances. Most of the time I can maintain my calmness in my pleasant manner. That is something that I would hope to be present at this board from all individuals.
Um, and whether you're a person on the director's team or one of the sitting eight members at this table, sometimes there's tension um, in interactions and the question and answer portions of the meeting that make
me completely uncomfortable because I don't do business like that. Um, and so I'm asking that everyone keep that in mind. um whether it's a point of concern or a point of contention or whatever the matter may be, we're here to conduct business on behalf of Ben Harvey area schools and we can do that in a
professional and courteous manner without all of the additional tension that's sometime felt. I'm not I'm not comfortable with it in leadership nor um it being a reflection before the public. So um if it's not something that you do,
of course, as they say, if it doesn't fly, let it fly. But if you know that you you are a part of it, I would ask that that be an area of growth for you in future meetings. So at this particular time, I will ask for a motion to adjurnn.
>> I'll make a motion and I second. >> Okay. So motion made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Trusty Bradley. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Hearing none. Um in the absence of Secretary Triplet, Miss Singer, can you please call the vote? President
Robinson? >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowens. >> Yes. Trustee. No. Treasurer Gavin. >> Yes. >> Trustee Brad Martin. >> Yes. And trustee Brad. >> Yes. >> All right. Motion carried. Meeting
adjourns as of 10:12 p.m. Have a great night. If