Good evening. I call this meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. This meeting tonight will be in held in person. Um, this meeting is a meeting of the board of education and the public for the purpose of conducting the school district school district's business and
is not to be considered a public community meeting. This meeting is an in-person meeting at 870 Kofax Bitten Harbor. In addition to the live stream, this meeting is available at the following link. Questions may be submitted beforehand to ali.ruezbas.org
or presented in person during the public comment sessions as indicated. Board members may be contacted through emails listed below. Requests for special assistance, including for persons with disabilities, may also be sent to aliyah.bhas.org.
We now come to the pledge of allegiance part of our board of education meeting. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Secretary Triplet, can you please do the roll call? President Robinson, Vice President Bowens, >> present,
>> Secretary Triplet, President, Treasure Gavin, >> present. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> present. >> Trusty Bradley, >> present. >> Trusty Doyle, >> present. >> Um, Mr. Vice President, a quorum has been established. >> Thank you so much, Secretary Triplet. We
are now at the section of approval of the agenda. Is there a motion on the floor to approve the agenda? >> I so move. >> Support. It's been moved by Secretary Triplet, supported by Trusty Bradley. Is there any questions or concerns?
Therefore, oh, sorry, Trusty, >> do we uh what date do we have to um start getting briefed on the partnership agreement? >> Great question. I will get that question
to you. um your answer to you via email soon as I review my data. >> I asked because I'm wondering if like is it today? >> Does that have to be on our agenda or is that is there anyone who can answer the
>> I don't want to um do >> you understand what I'm asking? Um, >> second. I know there was a requirement for partnership agreement updates on our agenda and I wasn't if it is it if it's today then
and I apologize for not thinking about it till now but >> I think yeah and I I I do agree with that that that um is on should be on our agenda and so it's
it is some information that we must have on a regular basis in our meeting at least have partnership agreement update. >> So I'm not sure Mr. Sanders if people aware >> of that this is something that is on the agenda um even if there's nothing to
report out but there should always be something to report out as it relates to the partnership agreement. >> Thank you. And I will refer your question to Madame President. She is coming. So if you want to do that in old
business, ask that question. >> Okay. >> So she is coming. She's just running a little late. Sorry. >> Thank you. >> Is there any other questions on the approval of the agenda? >> Therefore being none, Secretary Triplet, can you call for the vote? >> Vice President Owens.
>> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. >> Treasure Gavin, >> Trustee Rocket Martin, >> yes. Trustee Bradley. >> Yes. >> Trusty Doyle. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you so much. We are now at the
section of the review of the board norms. And if you can Thank you. 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 our meetings and
ending our meetings on time. We will challenge ideas not people. We will ask questions when in doubt. There will be no surprises at the board table. We will practice the seven norms of collaboration which are as follows. Pausing, paraphrasing, posing questions,
putting ideas on the table, providing data, paying attention to self and others, and presuming positive intentions. Thank you. We are now at the section of public comment on agenda items. Is there any public comments on the agenda items
for public? Thank you. Therefore, being none on the Therefore be no public comments, we are at the section of reviewing the board meeting minutes.
I did not see those. Maybe I overlooked them. >> Do you have your computer? >> It's Yeah. >> Yeah. The the uh uh the regular uh session minutes are on
our computer and on on the agenda so we can click into it ourselves. >> Okay. Thank you. to um look at and I I I do want to uh thank uh Miss Ruez and I want to say Miss Monroe,
but it's not Monroe, but I want to thank them. Um we've been working together directly and indirectly on making sure that we have things together prepared for um our meeting from a board of education perspective. >> Okay. And the meetings minutes that we
will be reviewing are 7:21 26 and it does show on our screen behind us. Is there any questions or comments on those meeting minutes? >> My computer says request access on the minutes. >> Nice.
Does anybody else want access? >> I requested access as well. I did too. Yes. And moving forward, anything that's put on this agenda, we should always have access prior to And as you guys are reviewing it, just
let me know if you have any questions or concerns on those meetings. >> And this is from our meeting last week. >> Yes. It seems like I can't believe it's been that longer, but yes, last week. >> Good. Is there any questions on the other end
Bradley or >> No, this is okay. And we're just looking at these meeting these meeting minutes. Therefore, being no discussion, we will go to board business. There is no board business at the
moment. However, that could probably go down um in new business and old business when Madame President comes. We are now going to give the floor to our new interimm superintendent. Welcome um as
superintendent. He's uh the alumni class of 1990. I was riding the Batmobile back then. So we are excited and the floor is yours. >> I would like to first begin by saying thank you um to this board uh for your
support and confidence and I want to say thank you to our community um for supporting the vision of improving our schools. Guys, hear me. >> This is not a job that I I take lightly and I certainly
look forward to earning the confidence uh of all of the members of of our community. Um I have what I think is an exciting announcement. Uh when you leave the Circle Drive today,
circle back through, get a chance to look up, but our clock is working. >> And we, you know, I I thought it was really important to get our clock working because it symbolizes to our entire community that it's time to go to
work and it's time to put our kids first. And that's what that clock represents uh to everybody in Benton Harbor. And and I'm just really happy that our clock is working because it says that we're working and so very excited about that. I want to thank Mr.
Al Su and his team for um for for taking on that responsibility and getting that clock uh to work. U also want to talk about uh the 35mm early literacy grant. Uh, I'm pleased to share some exciting
news regarding uh, one of our recent awards, which is the 35mm grant. Our district has officially been awarded funding through Michigan Section 35M early literacy materials grant. This statef funed grant is designed to help
school districts strengthen literacy instruction by providing high quality instructional materials, professional learning that are aligned to the Michigan's early literacy initiatives and the science of reading. The purpose of this grant is to ensure that all that
our youngest learners receive strong evidence-based reading instruction so they develop the foundational skills necessary for long-term academic success. As a part of our application, Benton Harour Area Schools requested funding to
support the adoption and implementation of Amplified Core Knowledge Language Arts the third edition as our comprehensive elementary literacy curriculum. Our proposal also included professional learning and implementation support to ensure our teachers have the
resources and training needed for successful classroom implementation. I'm pleased to report that our application was approved and Benton Harour Area Schools has received the award. The district was awarded 139 uh39,326
to support the implementation of Ampli Amplify CKLA third edition and related professional learning. This investment will provide our elementary teachers and students with highquality instructional resources, ongoing professional development, and
implementation support that will strengthen literacy instruction across the district. Most importantly, it represents another step forward in our commitment to ensuring every Benton Harbor student becomes a confident and successful reader. I want to thank
everyone who contributed to this effort, including our curriculum staff, instructional leaders, financial and grant team. We also appreciate our partners with Amplify as we begin planning for implementation. We look forward to sharing additional updates as we move through the implementation
process and begin putting these new resources into the hands of our teachers and our students. I would also like to add that uh I'm really pleased that we're using um amplified core knowledge
language arts uh simply because I've had you know about 10 years of experience of working with this particular uh curriculum company. We use them in Tennessee and we use them uh in my role
as lead partner in Arkansas. And so I'm very familiar uh with this curriculum uh and I am confident that this particular curriculum aligns to our state standards, our state assessment, the MSTEP, and will help prepare our kids
for the big stakes uh testing such as PSAT and SAT. And so that was a breath of fresh air to walk in and see that we were using in our lower grades amplified. And so I think that's a really really good thing for our
district. Uh I would also like to add that our kids deserve the best. And I want everyone in our community to know that that's my intention
to provide our students, our teachers, our parents, and all of our stakeholders with the absolute best support so that we can thrive and so that our children can be successful. And so I want to thank everybody for that. Um, I also
want to announce to our community and we're very happy about this. our entire professional development um request has been approved by the state of Michigan, not just for the opening of school for the entire school
year. And that's really huge because it allows us to plan uh not only at the back to school professional development level, but it also allows us to plan uh for our professional learning communities, which is critical to the success of any school. And so that was a
a a really big win in my opinion for our entire school district today. >> Question. >> Is there any is there are you separate questions? >> Okay. Is there any questions for Dr. I'm sorry, Mr. Sanders? We're prophesying.
Dr. Sanders. Trusty Gav treasure gav. >> Um I want to welcome you uh Superintendent Sanders and um congratulate you on getting the professional development um course
courses approved. My question is about the I hope I'm saying it right. There was a restorative practices training that staff received last year. Um,
is that training uh a part of this professional development? It was something that I know the and uh Trooper Burton might know, Coach Burton, Director Burton might know more about it, but it was dealing with like the MTSS, culture and climate, that type of
thing. And it seemed like something pretty powerful that may have been an interest in rolling it out districtwide or schoolwide. Is that a part of this um plan? Yeah. So, that that that's a really good question. I'm glad you asked that question. So, the initial plan that
you guys see, that's our plan for u the week of August 17th through the 21st, which is optional uh for teachers. All of our teachers come back on the 24th, which is our second week of PD because our students come back on the 31st.
During that second week of PD, we will have the social emotional learning supports for our teachers. will have professional development for our MTSS staff, for our set campus safety team, but every um every division within
our within our school district, this initial week is the week that teachers have the option to attend this training for additional learning. So, to answer your question, absolutely. >> Okay, awesome. Is it that same company? Do you know >> uh the com Well, if you're referring to
the training that we had uh on the third floor last year. >> Yes. >> Uh on the the week of the 24th, I'm sorry, the 24th through the 31st, it won't be that company, but we will still engage with that company. I attended that
training myself uh and found it to be very very valuable. And so that is a partnership and a relationship that we'll continue to uh >> I to support. Okay. But yeah, I I do think that that training is absolutely necessary in every school, every stage
uh of development for our children. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate that. >> It's exciting to hear. >> Is there any other questions for Superintendent Sanders? Therefore, being none, we are now is Thank you, Dr. Mr. Sanders. We are now at teaching and learning and I'm gonna
hand it to you, Treasure Gavin. Hey, well, I'm going to go ahead and turn it over to Sanders as we will have to come up with our dates of um when we have our committee meetings and what works for
you. So, I look forward to uh reaching out to you to find out when uh what's the best uh rhythm for that. But for now, I'll turn it over to you and at that time we can talk about what our priorities have been and if that's uh a
match for your vision as well. >> And so the I would like to take this time to introduce to you our school board and our entire community u the four priorities that would drive our work. uh these four authorities are
rooted um and and I attached this so you'll see this in your um in your packet uh an article from the new teacher pro uh new teacher project uh TNTP called the opportunity movement and
these four priorities um talk about grade level work and the importance of providing kids with grade level work even when we hear those statements like why kids are beh behind and they can't handle grade level work. Well, I think that's a myth. And so, grade level work
is going to be one of our priorities. Even though we know that some of our kids are going to need support, they're going to need scaffolds. Uh our second priority is strong instruction, ensuring that all of our kids get strong instruction. And for our kids to get strong instruction, our teachers have to
have strong support. Our teachers have to be well trained. Um and so without going into you know a long dissitation around which you know the components of each one of these priorities uh if you think about this term strong instruction
I I like to really you know put it in perspective by just thinking about two words and that's student thinking uh and adding rigor to our curriculum and and to our practices. Um, our third priority is going to be deep engagement and how
do we engage our our teachers and our students in the learning process? Um, how do we ensure that kids are having experiences in their classroom that translate to other aspects of life? How
are we going to make sure that our kids are college and career ready? How are we going to make sure that our kids have uh the opportunities to uh to engage wholeheartedly in our CTE offerings as we, you know, even think about expanding
those offerings. Uh but engagement is the key. If we really want our kids to love school, we really want our kids to be successful in school, then it's our job to engage them and not just house them. And so deep engagement will be our
priority uh throughout my time here. Uh and then I think we all will agree that we should all have high expectations and high expectations is more than just a term. It shows up in every single
thing that we do. Getting a clock fixed is an example of high expectation. You know, that may not seem like much, but it's important. And I think that our kids deserve things
that work. You know, I have high expectations for our teachers. I have high expectations for our administrators. Um, that's the only way that we can really show our kids that we're doing work to support their learning. You know, and high
expectations, it's not just a term. It's every single thing that we do. How we plan. Do we get to work on time? Do we carry ourselves in a professional manner? Do we respect kids? Do we respect our families? Do we engage our
parents? These things are important to me and I know these things are important to this school board. And I know these things are important to our families in this community. And so those are the four priorities uh that drive my thinking when I think about our academic
program. The reason that I added the opportunity myth and I, you know, I'll give you you guys a chance to look at this uh on your own when you have time. It's a couple of pages so I don't expect you to read it here. But the premise of this is that there's a myth that we tell
kids to go to school, work hard, and you'll be successful. And that's not always the case because we see kids come to school, work hard, and then go and struggle when they pursue opportunities because we've not
given them strong instruction. We've not provided them with rigorous learning opportunities. We've not deeply engaged them in the process. And then that's the minute that allows us to think that just because you go to school 12 years, you're
automatically going to go to college or you're automatically going to go into a profession, you're automatically going to go into a trade and be successful. No. It's our responsibility to make sure that our kids are not
victims of a myth, that our kids are properly trained and prepared for the world that they're going to face. And so I would ask each member of the board when you get an opportunity to please read uh that piece that we included around the opportunity myth because I
think it speaks directly to the students and the families in Benton Harbor. And so that's really important. I you can tell I'm really passionate about that piece. Yes. >> Uh but that that's really important that uh our kids are not victims of a myth, but that our kids are absolutely
prepared for whatever they choose to do next in life. Even if it's later after they graduate high school, that preparation, they still deserve it. And so, please, if you get a chance, take a look at that. Those are the four priorities that will drive our work and will drive every single decision that we
make uh as it relates to Benton Harvard area schools and the students that we serve. >> Thank you, Superintendent Sanders. Let the record show that I arrived at 6:30 p.m. But the board have any feedback or comments?
Not sure if you all have already had discussions. >> You have the floor. I had a chance to glance over this and I'm looking forward to working with you and I'll say what I got to say at the end. I'll say what I have to say at the end. Um but I look forward to working with you and I'm very excited. Thank you.
>> I appreciate it. >> Trusty Rock. uh and I uh I appreciate your thinking and also um especially about the part of engagement, deep engagement for students and and I'm just a firm believer that the more engaged
the child is in his classroom and his in his studies and his interests not just engaged but what he's interested and um in doing that they will come to school because I know we do have a problem with
attendance and so it's hard to kind of teach kids when they're not present. But I think the more we get them engaged and um and they can see that there's a benefit to them, the more they're willing to
come to school and they will come if you make it an inviting place. >> I agree. >> You have a floor. I I would just like to say this is the first time that I've heard the word
rigor um when it come to our school system and um just the the I appreciate the fact um of you saying that you know like people say well you you
can't you can't um our kids can't read our kids are are are below grade level but I have always believed in my heart um that if I taught fifth grade, fifth grade is what should be taught in
that classroom and you make the necessary adjustments um for those students with you know with the differentiation skills and those type of thing. But I am so happy to hear because one of the things that um throughout my years in education and
throughout just education period sometime people get stuck in that and that's where they keep our kids and our kids are not afforded the opportunity to get what they were that if you're in the fifth grade you should be doing fifth
grade work and that's that's how they should be measured. So to hear you saying um one of your priorities is to focus on grade level instruction. I'm I'm just happy to hear that. And rigor with rigor. Thank you,
>> Vice President Bas. >> I also agree. You know, I told you guys the story that I wanted to read a book and they told me it wasn't on my grade level and I did a protest. I got a welcome but I'm just excited that this is the focus and
the opportunity myth and I look forward to learning more about it. >> Okay. So I would just like to thank you for coming in with your list of academic priorities on your first meeting. Also thank you for ensuring that we had an agenda put together. Your first day was
yesterday. So I appreciate the the work um put in with your staff to ensure we had something tangible today. And um I'm just excited. I also thank you for sharing data um in the theory with the board. We are a board that believes in
lifetime learning. So I look forward to looking over um what you've shared with us concerning the opportunity. So thank you uh so much. Vice President Barnes, were we at business and finance? Is that what would be the next? >> No.
>> Okay. >> Trusty Gavin is still >> All right. You have the s to continue. Trusty G. Thank you. Um, I'm going to turn it over to Director Brock Carter. Thank you so much, Treasurer Gavin. And
I do want to mention on the agenda um under um the back to school bash, I want to make sure that you all the board know that this is an open invitation for the back to school bash. We are having it August Thursday, August 13th from 12 to
4 right here on the high school lawn. So I just wanted to make sure that you all saw the flyer in your binders and were aware of the back to school badge date and time. All right. Okay. the finance updates.
These are the monthly reports for June 2026, our last month and last year's last school year. So, just a financial summary, our general revenues
were at 102% and our expenses were 95%. Um, we were at 100% of the school year. So uh we have ended the year over budget in revenues and under budget in expenses which is a good place to be. Uh I always
like to mention the dates of our state aid and year to date revenues were lower than last year in June due to decreased federal revenues and no longer receiving essence. Our year-to- date expenses are also
lower compared to last year in June due to not making purchases with ESO funds. Some of our large payments that went out in June, CPM construction $160,000
ter $137,323.84 84 Mesa $91,27148 first student $796,182.72 and that was several months of invoices. Please don't be alarmed.
We had to update the budget before we could make those payments because we didn't have enough budgeted in our transportation line items. So that's why some of those invoices were held off until June. Bian County Treasurer 63,418.775.
TNTP $59,435 and Stepping Stones $7,639.50. our budget to actual summary. It just goes over our um actual budget versus actual amounts
from July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026. And as stated previously, our total revenues were 102% of our budget, slightly over, and our total expenses were 95% of our budget, um, slightly
under. So, we are coming in as of June 30th, 2026 pre- audit at about 5,5542 ah5,55,542 um in deficit for the year. that could um increase or decrease dependent on our
final numbers after our audit which we are um in audit mode right now. I'll bring the actual detail report just shows the details behind the summary
more in depth on individual line items. Please let me know if you have any questions. Yes. Um, Director Carter, if it's possible to kind of automatically share
what we have in the bank. Sure. That'll be on our financial position. >> Okay. >> So, that'll be um a couple of reports down, but but today Yes. Okay. They it is a part of every uh monthly report.
>> Okay. And if we can I think it might also be helpful if we know what that percent you know I'll always ask what's the states required percentage that we have in the fund balance. So if we also know where are we in terms of percentage
wise as well. >> Okay. >> Does that question make sense on your Okay. Thank you. No problem. >> Um I'm sorry. Does anyone want to help? Um, Secretary Triple, my apologies. >> Yes. I'm looking here um
at the large payments. The $796,000 is very concerning. It's late in the game. And I know there you stated that um all of these invoices came in a lot of invoices came in toward
the end of the year. you know, they didn't come in at the end of the year. We held back payment until we had the budget upgrade. Um, the state law, we can place. So once we got close to our
amount that we had previously budgeted in function code 271 for transportation I had to even though her student was sending us the invoices we couldn't pay them until we did our final budget for 2526.
So once we did and going then I was able to make those payments. >> Okay question. So was this year's budget what we paid the first uh student more than last year? >> Yes.
>> Is there any particular reason why with uh no major increase in student enrollment? >> Why would it be more this year than it was last year? >> Uh we added quite a few additional routes to support our CTE students.
So that was the major reason for the increase. Um there were probably more particulars but that was the overall reason for the increased amount of transportation costs and the increased amount the cost of
fuel has increased substantially as well right >> for uh 2526 compared to 2425. So with both of those things combined, we did have more um transportation costs in 2526 than we had in 2425.
>> Right? So just on on a comparison basis, I appreciate that information and those are the things, you know, I just uh I I believe that if you don't know something, you should ask. And I appreciate that clarification. Um if
there's anything that you could do, I don't want to add anything to your plate. I know you guys are in in in move mode right now, but if we looked at that and the way that this is break broken down with with with first student um if
we could do the last year, the previous year and this year with each item so that we could see, you know, what it was clearly, you know, how this went up so much. How much more do you know? Um did it go up? Oh yeah, I actually have a
report for 2425 in June as well. Just a second. >> Secretary Trier, would it be sufficient if um Director Carter send you that today? >> That's fine. You have to do it today because you weren't prepared for that.
Just that that's fine. You can get that information to me. That'll be fine. Thank you. >> Great question. Um I will provide that information for you for the total amount we paid in transportation 2425 compared to 2526. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Um is are there any
other uh board members who have questions? Um President Robinson um not quite a question just suggestion. Those uh two points of clarification that you asked for earlier I think that they would be awesome to put on your summary.
>> Okay. And that way I know we have a course and we can do extreme but you're a lot quicker with getting to the line item than we are. >> Okay. >> Um I think that will be helpful for us. >> Yeah. I'll add that line and it will be there every month.
>> That's all I have. Thank you. Okay. Now to the vendor payment report. So you can see all the moves that we made in June. Please let me know if you have any questions. Um I see is that your hand vice
president? >> Yes. Um thank you. Um two things. Um, Proximity Learning. I see we paid like $12,000. Um,
how long is that contract and can we >> That contract ended June 30th and it was not renewed. >> Okay. And then the Gerald Stewart, what professional development was that one? >> Well, I was at Fine Middle School with
uh Mr. Alexander and his staff. It was a two-day um professional development. >> Okay, thank you so much. Any other questions? Okay, I believe we can Okay, I'm sorry.
I having issues with my Chrome crashing. Oh, thank you so much, Mr. >> Treasure D. I don't know if you >> Yes. >> Can I ask one more question, please? >> Sure. >> On the lawn care, I see two. I see Gonzalez and I see Hungry Mot.
>> That's correct. >> Is there a reason why there are two different ones? >> Uh, we don't have a contract in place. um our former superintendent wanted to try out different companies before we
signed a contract for the entire season. Um so that's why there are different um vendors doing those duties. >> Okay. And what is the total that it has to become before the board?
>> Um I believe 30,000 and something I'm not sure. >> So do you think and I Uh here's my line of thinking. Do you think if we're using it to cut grass and we're paying 10,000 here, 12,000 here,
um 10,000 here, we're still overgoing that 30,000 budget or is it because it's a different company? >> The 30,000 is per vendor, not per Okay. job. >> Thank you.
Okay. Our June um credit card charges. Please let me know if you have any questions. I have a question. Yes. Um is it's connected to credit cards but more so expansive. Um, have we initiated the process of transferring authorization of
credit cards and bank accounts and things of that nature? >> Yes. Um, I actually have sent the emails last week with the dates that um, Mr. Sanders will be starting. Um, so we have some signing to do um, and some steps
that we need to take, but yes, we have initiated that process. And I know that there was normally a form that we would do at the top of the year in an organizational meeting, but then we've also done it during transitions of leadership. There's a the signatory form.
>> Yes, that's something we still we need to do currently, right? To get him updated on the >> Yes. Uh once we receive the form from the bank, we'll be putting it on the agenda. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> Question. Um on this credit card? Yes,
Secretary Triple. >> Okay. >> Um, you scared me. >> Yeah. >> I'm just thinking my mind. I'm just listening. Um, I'm sorry. Uh, Treasure Gavin,
please forgive me. Um, so I see on here, so the on the credit card statement, so we have like user JK, user RZ, do is there
any way this form can be more um >> Yeah, that that would be the staff person who checked out the card to use it for that transaction. >> Yes. >> Could their names be on here for us? because we don't know how TB or if I
want you know if I had any question to be clear for us this is >> Sure sure we can we can start we'll probably put their first initial and last names >> yeah I mean that that would be helpful and if it's if like say for instance if
um if if it's from central or if it's from fair plane if it's from the athletic department if it's from Ben Harour High to a more detailed sheet so that we will know who actually has access and you
know just to give an opportunity to see how it's going because all of these things like you comparing and contrasting and seeing who's using these cards, why are they using these cards? Not saying not not accusing anybody of anything but just for us to be able to see. >> Sure. We can add that information in the
user column. >> Thank you. Also, I'm wondering if there's a if there's a way to streamline this um educational process. Um we have these documents ahead of time
and if there are items that you feel are imperative that we go through, if you could just let us know what those are and um Sure. I'm hoping that if folks had questions, they would get them to you or if they pop up, they'll let us
know throughout. Okay. Thank I just want to re review the revenues and expenses sheet cuz that shows our fund balance at the end of the period for all fans. And right now at the end on June 30th for all things our
fund balances total 26,000 26,417,386. Thank you. And so in the future what we would look for is what that percentage is of what the state requires us to have in the bank to be in good standing.
Correct. I'll add that to the financial summary for uh the next board meeting for this one. Um since those when we will be voting, I'll have that information in the summary. That'll be perfect. Thank you so much. But I I'll do it.
Okay. Bluefield. All right. Thank you so much. Um, one quick question. I know we voted on the budget. Um, what happened after that? Did it need to be submitted and approved or anything um
like that? Once once you have voted on it will be seen when we start to discuss the July 2026 financial documents. That's when you will see the new budget. Um, this is uh the June information. So, we'll see all that information when we
start reporting July going forward. >> Take a good deal. Thank you so much. Thanks for all you're doing and your whole team. Uh, direct director Carter and I'll turn it over to you, President Robinson. All right. Thank you so much to you both. Um, just a reminder, she'll
be taking or requesting vote for staff report F1. a total of $1,76947 4715. So if you have any additional questions prior to next meeting, please ensure you go through the register and send those
to her advance. I would like to thank Bradley um for always having financials and sending his questions in advance as well. Um so next we have facilities and operations. I know that we don't necessarily have a standard agenda, but
I will give a floor to Superintendent Sanders and then if there's anything additional that the committee wanted to add. Did you have any updates that you needed to give to us at this time?
Well, spent about yesterday was my first day and I spent about three hours uh a little bit over three hours walking through um our facilities
u and saw some things that need attention. Uh, I'm I'm really really I don't want to say this. I'm I'm excited to go through the process of
selecting a director of facilities. This, in my opinion, is a vital role. Our assets have to be maintained. They have to be
well taken care of. And I'll say this in my first meeting. I believe this or I'll say I believe that our district is going to
increase in size. And I believe that because we're asset rich and we have facilities that we should not look at our facilities like these are just old buildings that we no longer use because that's not the case.
These are buildings that we absolutely intend to use because I know that students will come back to Brenton Harour Area School when they're strong instruction, deep engagement, grade level work, and high expectations. And so I spent a lot of time yesterday
looking at our existing facilities and thinking about those facilities that we're not using. Uh because both whether it's a school that we're that's up and running now or if it's a school that's closed that we're no longer occupying. I think it's important that we treat all
of them with the sense of urgency that it takes to maintain our facility. Um so I was very pleased with the walkth through. Uh it's my intention to have a facilities director in place when our kids hit the ground.
That's key. And so I I look forward to coming back to this board and to our community um with some real substance around our facilities. But that's, you know, two days in that
that's where I am today. >> Awesome. So I do want Yes, you have your floor. >> Oh, well sir, you got your question. >> Congratulations, Mr. Sanders, on >> um becoming our superintendent. My
question is how where how do you feel about the rec center in the blue? Is that a priority to try to get that up and going? Where does that stand? That's my question. Well, I'll answer the first part of your
question. Um, how I feel about it. I'm passionate about the renovation of that facility. As a student, I enjoy that facility. That facility right now is actually where our football players practice. We
have a we have a a game opening night, August 28th. So, we're still using that facility. We're not using it to to its fullest potential. Uh but we're still using that facility. Um I am dedicated to upgrading that
facility, maintaining that facility to the highest level. I want to see our pool in our rec center just as bad as anybody in this city.
Safety is key. We're not going to do things just to get them quickly done, but we will do it. We'll do it right and pledge I bow to my community that we will get the rec
center and running for our community. You can hold me accountable to them. >> All right. And I'll add um the good thing for you is we do have a master's facilities that has been sitting uh collecting dust slightly, but we're at
the stage of got to be honest about it. The board um >> to have an opportunity to sit down and go over the data and make some executive decisions as to what we want the focus of each of those buildings to be. Um, so
I will forward that information to you, ensure that you are connected with C2 AE um, so that we can keep that work going because we've already invested in that plan. >> Thank you, Madam President. >> Uh, Secretary Triplet and then Treasure
Gavin. >> I I'll I'll let I'll let Treasure Gavin go first. >> Thank you. Well, I mean, you know, I I I know I'm I know I'm not going to take this personal, but I am the chairman of the facilities committee and
>> No, no, no. I'm good. It just seems so easy. It just appears to be just so easy. >> I wrote your name. >> I know. I understand. I was looking at the agenda. I thought maybe my name was not on the agenda. >> And that could be possible, too, because for some time, I don't know what this is
about there. But I will I I don't I will press my way through. Um and I will digress. I will u go ahead. Um Treasure Gavin, >> I appreciate that. Um, cheer triplet.
>> I want to say, Superintendent Sanders, we all know that without a vision, people will perish. And the fact that you come in with a vision of increase
gives me hope. >> Yes. >> Cuz I'm really tired. >> Yeah. >> Of the dead conversations about dead tigers. I'm tired of it. And so the fact that you come in with that mindset, that's something I can get behind. And
the fact that you see the value in our land because we're not getting any more land. So, the fact that you see that um you have my utmost respect and support in that area and I would love to look
for ways to support that and I would love for us to get that master facility plan up and running and to make sure that this time when it is activated, we do have a plan to make sure that the
community, students and staff um more people have an opportunity to give input into it cuz that was supply problem. It got stalled because of that issue. It wasn't enough input and then some of it was hard the way that it was done. Some
of it was hard to uh for the respondents. So, I've definitely looked forward to that and I'm um the whole community, not the whole community, but a lot of people have been asking about the rec center and I know that there's something going on with the water. I don't know if that got fixed, but uh
is that I think you know I don't know if we have an assistant director of facilities or somebody who can help make sure that if there are people using it that there's functional water um whatever the the plumbing issue is is
taken care of. Thank you so much. >> You have a response to that about the water and the reputation? Uh well, yeah. My first response is that, you know, as I walked through yesterday, u not just the rec center, but um our just the basement, the
dungeon, I'm no mechanic. I'm no electrician. I never fixed anything in my life, but I did turn the water off that I saw running yesterday. >> So, that was my first step to try to help us get our water bill under
control. You know, I think there's responsibility with the seat that I sit in that in two days, uh, not to speak of things that I'm not completely sure of. Uh, what I can
guarantee is that, you know, those things will be fixed. We will have running water in our rec center and our students will be able to access the rec center and that will happen very soon. uh you know like right now we know that we're in a transition of selecting a
director of facilities for our school district. Uh but when we do that you can rest assured that that will be a top priority on my list and I will ensure that those things will happen.
>> Thank you. >> But I did turn the water off yesterday. vice president. >> Um just a heads up on Martinale. I drove out there. It's completely demolished and
it's a little interesting. Um people were driving up to the site. Um it was like I went to the school. I went to the school and the people were calling telling us they tore it down. What was more interesting is it was a 2003
2002 to 2003 lesson point that I was able to take a picture of and it just brought memories of a science fair projects. Remember when we used to have to do those science fair and go to the mall and everything and it showed us the
possibilities of what that land can be once we get our numbers back up. So, I'm just want to give you guys a heads up. I seen that they started doing some work at Martin um Bard, too.
So, that was my update to you, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you, Vice President Bowen. Trusty Bradley. >> I'm going to be real quick. Um I'm just want to say, like I said, u u Mr. Sanders, the more I hear hear you talk
about things and your vision, um, the more excited I'm getting and I do agree that our facilities and our operations should be our should be top of the line and also that we have stabil stability in that department. So from the few things when you first started out and
saying that the clock is working now, I'm I'm like, hey, okay, we there we go. So keep up the good work and I look, like I said before, I look forward to working with you. Um and then also to my fellow board members, remember we got our strategic plan coming up too um
soon. So let's let's get ready. Yes. Um just for me to to to I'm not sure how long the clock has been down. Um and I'm not sure if the clock is working when some of you all attended
this high school. I know it's been down for some years, but that clock was very, very important to us. We used that clock when we walked to school to see where we were to make sure that we were inside of this building on time. That clock people roll past and looked at that clock
because that clock helped them in travel. And you know, it's the it's the little thing. It's not about all the you know, we look at things in in from a larger scale. And I know from a historical perspective
and being an alumni of Venton Harour High School and in two years will be my 50th year class reunion. That means that I will have graduated from Vent Harour High School. I graduated from Ven Harour High School 48
years ago. And so I I I have I have a passion when I think about the rec center and I think about what uh with Trusty Doyle and the pool that was a safe place for our kids.
It was, you know, when we look at things that's happening right now in our country with a young man uh being killed and and and and and you go through and you look at the the comments and people
saying, you know, black kids can't swim and they they can't all of those types of things. I remember physical education. I remember we didn't have the rec center at that particular time, but we caught a bus to the YMCA
downtown part of our cure. And so, um, it is refreshing. It is refreshing. You you have to, you know, um, our vice president said that when he went out there, he saw he was able to take a picture from something
from 2003. You know, I'm not emotionally attached to anything, but I am emotionally attached to excellence. In these buildings right now, when they
close these building down, they're still the same book, paper, nothing has been done. And we have paid people for years partnered with RISA. We've had people in that role
that have just let things dilapidate. If the building if if the buildings are not properly taken care of, they they they they go into decay. And that is what is happening. If you go to Sorder right now, you're going to see the last
time I went into Sorder a couple of uh uh facility directors ago, the chalk, Miss Gunther's name was still on the board. Miss Gun's name was still on the board. Nobody did anything in
those build at Henry C. Morton. We had spent through our SIG grant. We had spent thousands of dollars on textbook. That stuff was still left in that school. The same thing as hugs. Like
they closed it down and they walked away. So I think even if we're talking about making you know it's important Ben Harbor is land rich Ben Har area school is land rich and it's important that if
nothing else we hold on to our land and to hear you say I haven't heard that before that from in this leadership role as superintendent that what if one day all of our kids,
our parents want to bring our kids back. Nobody's ever thought about it. Like everybody just accept the thing that they're not going to come back here. So, I'm glad to hear you speaking in that way. I um I will as the chairman
and my colleague uh Vice President Bowens and Trustee Doyle um I would like to get with you all um as soon as possible because I know you all are working throughout the day but I am available to do something. So thank you so very much and that's all I have for
um the facilities. All right. So, I will pass it over to uh Vice President Bowens and Mr. Sanders. Just so you're clear, because it's a work session, each of the chairs lead their section, and they're very protective of their section. So, if I
get if I forget, it's not my time to lead. They will check me just like Secretary Triple just did. >> Happened to me. >> Happened to me, too. I'm texting and learning. >> I apologize. All right, Vice President Bowen, you
have the floor. >> So, because we've been in a season of transition, um, we have not met, but we will be reoccurring start reback with the reoccurring meetings. Um, Miss Dorsey, I will be in contact with you and the superintendent to make sure that
we have an agenda ready for our next committee meeting. However, it is some things that we do have to discuss and do. Time cannot wait. It's of the essence. side. We'll go ahead and give it to you director Dorsy. Thank you so much.
Our first staff report is separation of employment dated August 11th. Reason for board consideration. A list of employees whose employment relationship with the district is or will be separated is submitted to the board each month. Facts
analysis is recommended that the board of education vote to accept the separation of employment of the following staff. Policy reference 3140 and 4140. Termination and resignation of professional support staff. Strategic
plan goal reference personnel leadership Vincent Harvard area schools will recruit hire develop and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. Separation of employment Paul Simments, library media
specialist. He is retired effective August 30th, 2026 from central office. Date of hire November 11th, 2024. And he had the exit interview today and you'll get the information by the next
meeting. recommended action that the that the Ben Harour Area Schools Board of Education vote to accept the resignation of employment of the affformentioned staff. >> Thank you. Any questions regarding that,
Trusty Bradley? >> Um that that position will be posted correct for that. >> Yes. >> Okay. Just a work session. Well, on staff report H3, we do need to do a vote.
>> You said we need to vote. >> Whatever the Lord's pleasure. >> Thank you. Um, staff report H3. You're on H2 technically >> or H2. Sorry. >> No worries. Uh, staff report area
schools employment of staff August 11th, 2026. Submitted for board approval to approve the employment of staff in accordance with the revised school code and other general laws of Michigan. Facing analysis is recommended that the board approved the superintendent's
recommendation for the hire of the following personnel. Policy reference 3120 and 4120 employment of professional staff. I'm sorry, my computer. Ben Harbor area schools will recruit,
hire, develop, and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. New hires, April Mimont, certified teacher, uh, ECSC, early childhood special education, should be a deck, funding for special ed, section 51-52,
effective August 12th, 2026. recommend the action that the board um vote to approve the employment of the affformentioned staff. >> Thank you. Is there any questions regarding staff report H2?
>> Yeah, when I I will say I didn't know special ed could go I mean I get it but you know that's still in the developmental stage so I like that's new to me. I'm kind of shocked on that when learning
something new. Staff report H3, excuse me. Staff report Benhart area schools appointments of staff August 11, 2026. Submitting for consideration the employment of staff in accordance with revised school code and other general laws of Michigan. It's recommended that
the board approve the superintendent's recommendation for the hire of the following personnel. Reference 3120 and 4120 employment professional and support staff. Ben Har schools will recruit, hire, develop, and retain the best staff to
improve student outcomes. The first recommendations from Malcolm Jones as director of academics central office sources general funds effective 8:15 2026. Second is Barry Trudeell for director of
facilities central office and refund effective date 8:15 2026 is recommended that the Ben Harour Area Schools Board of Education vote to approve the employment of the affformentioned staff. >> Is there any question a motion? I'm
sorry. Go ahead. Um, I just had I just needed clarification um as to why the vote would be required today because we'll have a meeting prior to the 15th and I just would like to apologize to the board because I I don't want you all to think I brought you
something um same day for hire. I just assume we would do it next meeting. So, Madame President, currently school will be starting if we waited until next week and their effective date is August 15th. If they have to give a twoe notice to
their job, time is of the essence. Um, right now we need to be getting our schools and making sure we know those positions. We have not had a position people in those positions for a while over 60 days.
>> Okay. And then my second question, um, Superintendent Sanders, these are people that you had an opportunity to interview and this is for you win, director Dorsy, but you had an opportunity to interview these people and feel confident with them on your team cuz you know you're
responsible for the highs and the lows. Okay, I'm done with my question. So is there Thank you, Madam President. Is there any additional question? Trusty Gavin, >> thank you. um through the chair. I would
like just if you could just kind of walk them through what is the process of selecting um candidates in these positions? >> Well, me you want me to or
>> whoever you feel can answer that question. >> Dorsy. >> Director Dorsy. I describe for both positions what we've done with these positions. So, they were posted, the academic director was posted in February. We've interviewed several
people throughout the spring. Um there was someone on the agenda big last week that was taken off. Um we interviewed as a team the teachers, principles, and central office
Malcolm Jones last week. Um Mr. Sanders was part of the interview panel and then Barry Trudeell had gone through a process. We posted the position, we screened, we interviewed. Um the panel consisted of principal, central office
folk. Um Dr. Griffin was supposed to tour with him, meet with him. She wasn't available. He did meet with Mr. Sanders, interviewed, toured, and he recommended him.
He is in um Superintendent Sanders recommended them. >> Yes, both people. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Is there Oh, I do have one more question. My apologies. >> In our screening process, do is there a
point system? And are there any points for um hometown folks who know the area, the community, the district? Is there anything in the process that gives credit for those
uh that knowledge? So we don't use a point system. We make sure that every applicant meets the qualifications or in case if someone doesn't and they've had experience that aligns with the education. Um there are no additional points for hometown folk.
However, we try to bring in people from the area every chance we get. >> Gotcha. Thank you, >> Trustee Doyle. >> Yes, that was my question about getting people from our community into some of those positions.
>> Thank you. >> I will I will speak to that um because I know these two gentlemen are from Benton Har and I speak to the importance of
hometown. I'm from Benton. That's why I left Memphis, Tennessee to come back to Benton Harour. But I also believe that we got to stay true to this statement that says Benton Harour area schools will recruit, hire, develop, and retain the best staff to improve student
outcome. Now, sometimes that's going to be somebody from Benton Harour. >> Sometimes that's going to be somebody from somewhere else. And our kids deserve the best. So my position is to hire the best. If the best is from
Bitten Harour, absolutely I am from Benton Harour. I do not want anybody to mis misunderstand that. But my responsibility is to the students and the families of
our community. And so my recommendation was based on who I think is the best to do these role. And these are critical roles. We're talking about the director of academic programs. This is somebody who will have to align all of the
support for our teachers and our principles. We're talking about the director of our facilities. And we know how important that is. I walked through these facilities yesterday. And I walked out both hopeful and frustrated
at the level of decay, the lack of upkeep in our facilities. And so my decision is based on who's best. But I I will say and and uh trustee Gavin I agree
bidden Harvard people when qualified for a particular position should get consideration and that will always be my position. But at the end of the day we have to do what's best and we have to honor this statement that we're
reading that says we will hire and retain and recruit the absolute best for our children. And so that was my thinking uh and that will continue to be my thinking. >> Thank you. Is there any additional questions or trusty racket speaking mic
please? >> I don't have a question but I do have a comment. Uh their credentials are very um almost impeccable. They have great credentials. However, I'm looking also at leadership style because that's
important. uh how you come in, how you treat people, how you care for people, how you um you know get along with the folks. So I am hoping and I believe that you have that also. The character part of it is also a part of this is that
they will come in and show that they respect our people that are working here that live here and that are already have already been doing the job and um and that things will run smoothly because you don't want to get that backlash, you
know, from from your employees. I can come in as a principal and not get along with my staff and actually my staff is what would make me look good. So, uh just as long as they understand
that part of it that uh their leadership style is ex you know is um of such a nature that we can get the job done together. Thank you, Secretary Triplet, and then Trustee Bradley.
>> You know, it's it it's it's very very important to me um uh what our treasurer said and our superintendent and what uh Trusty Rocket said.
You know, we cannot allow people to come into our community and treat our people any kind of way. And often times, you know, we we're speaking from uh a point of experience
and what have uh we've experienced some things and I you know the the mindset, the mentality, what do you know when when people go online and they see
um just this data or whatever they see about our community and sometime people come in with that mindset that we have nothing and they are nobody and then they find out something completely different. I hope that in this role and
this recommendation or these recommendations that you're bringing before this board that these are people that will come in here with humility, respect for a tiger
and that's very very very important. I've told every superintendent that I've had to that I've had the privilege and opportunity to serve as a board member uh that when you pick
your team, when everybody is in position and everybody's in place and we take that picture, that's going to be a reflection on you.
So I, you know, I I I just want that out there because I I think that this this this hurting and and and how people are feeling less than I I've experienced it myself personally
um as an employee of Ben Harvard area schools where people came in here and just was horrible to us and there's nothing like a tiger.
a powerful tiger. And so I I I I I just really want to say that and I want to say it publicly and I mean that before I take it back I'll add more to it. >> Uhuh. Thank you. >> All right. At this time I'll ask >> Madam President.
>> Yes. >> Sorry. Um I um I just want to say real quick um I I do agree with both both of my colleagues. Um and Trusty Rocket Martin was saying I did have a chance to uh take a look at the credential
credentials and the um and very very impeccable resumes of both candidates. Um I will say this um respect respect goes both ways. So when they come in, we want you to come in respecting us and then let's also respect them and then
let's show them how how we are here in Ben Harour, the good side, the good and let them know, hey, we're here to support you and our community. >> Um, thank you, um, Trusty Bradley. You know, I looked at some of the resumes. I
looked on um, LinkedIn and Mr. Malcolm Jones has a book that's called Cheated: How American Athletes Profit from Performance While Failing to Protect the People Inside. And that title alone is good. But you look at the resume for
City, Arkansas. If you ever been to Forest City, go down there. It's a little interesting, but um it reminds me a little bit of the demographics of Bitten Harbor. You know, one thing I always said, I asked the previous two superintendents, do you have confidence
in your staff? Because that's your opinion. Um, and I also, if you're a people leader, your staff will mimic the leader in charge. So, I'm excited and I, you know, told um the
superintendent that I am going to support him whatever he brings to the table um because my job is to make give you the tools to be successful. And if this is who you're recommending, this is who I'm going to support.
>> All right. At this time, I'll ask is there a motion uh to approve staff report H3? >> I'll make a motion to approve staff report H3. >> Support. Okay. So, I would ask um I know we've had questions, comments, and concerns. I would ask that staff if you could update the date being that this is
a current vote taken. It needs to reflect uh July 28th, 2026 at both the top and the bottom. Um the motion was made by Bradley, I believe, and supported by Vice President
B. >> Secretary Triplet, can you please Robinson? Go ahead. Go ahead. Yeah. Okay. So, I do have a comment. Um, just for clarity, I was asking about the process.
If we don't have a an objective process in our interviewing um in our recruitment process that gives credit to hometown people who have the knowledge
of the community, who have certain knowledge that outsiders just don't have then they will just inadvertently get overlooked. So this is not to say that we shouldn't get the best person for the
job. I want us to have the best person for the job regardless of whether they are from Benton Harbor or not. But I don't want us to overlook the knowledge that is gained from being within this community, already living in this
community, coming from this community and knowing some things about the history, the people, some things that you're just not going to learn. It's going to take you some time, that learning curve. And so I'm hoping that there will be some type of point system
that does give our people some credit um for what they bring to the table. So I just want to be clear there. Um and then I also want to say that this is last minute. Um it we have not had an opportunity to properly review
this information and I also understand where we are right now. Okay. And so with that, understanding the the emergency and the urgency of it, I don't like making last minute decisions. But I do understand that
Superintendent Sanders needs a staff. He cannot do this by himself. And I do want you to um have the support that you need so that you can move forth and do your job. So I will support this. I will be
watching um and I will you know my I will be watching and hoping that this is a a good decision. Um but right now I will support the vote. >> All right. Secretary Triplet, can you please call the vote for staff for H3?
>> Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Barnes, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. >> Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trustee Rocker Martin, >> yes. Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> Trusty Doyle, >> yes. >> Motion carried.
>> All right. Congratulations, Mr. Sanders. You've hired two. The rest is on your second day. >> You got four liies on your table now. I told him I feel so bad I'm bringing you in here with two Lys. Okay. Um, so now old business. The only
thing that I had for old business, we after going back and forth last meeting had settled on the last Saturday in August and then Principal Sanders um messaged me maybe about 5 minutes later that that date doesn't work for him. Um
so neither of the Saturdays in August work for us. I'm wondering if we would have we would have to go into September. Um, I think the 5th is Labor Day weekend, which I doubt if we want to be here.
I'll be in DC on the 12th. Um, is the 19th of September a good date for everyone >> for a retreat? Yeah, >> I believe that that gives uh Superintendent Sanders some time to get,
>> you know, acclimated to his position. It might actually be a good idea to do it like that. >> Okay. You have a floor, uh, Superintendent Sanders, >> you know, when you sit in this seat, you have, you know, seven bosses which constitute the board of education. But
the reason I couldn't do the retreat on the day initially proposed is because I also have a eighth boss and she's 18. She's 17 getting ready to turn 18 and she's going to college. And so my baby is going to the park. I
have to move her uh that weekend. And I can't tell her no cuz she's my eighth boss and she has a hammer that's for real. So I got to go. Other than that, I would absolutely been present during
that time. >> And we thank you and appreciate that. We understand. Um I think we went back and forth about five or 10 minutes with dates cuz every date didn't work for everybody. So we definitely this board understands having a a schedule that you have to um plan around. And I appreciate
you for letting me know so timely and quickly that it didn't work for you because I was able to give the board I think I emailed you all that night that that date didn't work. So, we will schedule tenatively for September 19, 2026. That'll give uh Superintendent Sanders enough time to get in uh get
acclimated and then be able to assist and give his input as well on the items of focus for that day. Um either Bradley or Rocket Martin, do you want to give us the standard reminder about the upcoming trainings?
>> I got you. Um if um you know if anybody's not doing anything on um the weekend of August 7th through August the 9th um the summer institute is taking place in Kalamazoo uh we're going to go me and uh Trusty
Rocket Martin are going to go up um on both days but it's a good time of networking with board members from all over the state. Um and then I will put this plug in as well. Um if you know the classes are virtual too so some they have a lot of class that are virtual so
you can go in take the virtual classes you know um and that way you can keep up on what's going on. Um the annual leadership conference is coming up in um October and that's going to be in Kamazoo. So um please get registered.
the uh good classes go early um so try to get registered see um Miss Ruiz or Miss Lame um to get registered and get your rooms up there in Lancing. It's a good time. Um everybody I think has been
um and definitely a good time. We even invite you Superintendent Sanders um even our executive some our executive teams too as well if they would like to come up um to network. And um I will say it's it's a good time um once the delegate assembly information comes out
I will be forwarding that information to you all. This should be out probably by the end of next month or early next uh early September. So that's all I got on that. >> Okay. And um I don't have anything for new business.
Any other update? You told us something last time but maybe it was the same thing glad we did. Okay. Vice President Ball. >> Um, Treasure Gavin had something about the partnership agreement. Um, are is this the deadline where we're supposed
to start putting it on the agenda? Treasure Gavin, would you like to chime in? Sorry. >> No, that's the exact question. Thank you. >> So, it's um I received clarification from the state that it didn't have to be at on every regular board meeting agenda. It just had to be done at a
regular board meeting. So we can do it quarterly. And I when did I sign it? I know we went back and forth. Was that June or June? Um so so thank you for that. We can So
I'll make sure that's on the agenda at the next board meeting. She clarified it doesn't have to be every board meeting, every regular board meeting. It just has to be done at a regular board meeting and not like a special. >> Yes, sir. So when you say board meeting,
would that be um would you be like um would it be better to put it on the work session so that we can get discussions up? >> They want it at a regular board meeting. >> They want it on the >> the regular standard. Yeah. Yeah.
And I thought that meant an update every month, but the updates just have to be at the standard regular board meeting and not like a work session or a special meeting. And it doesn't mean that we can't have a special meeting. The verbiage just says regular. So, we have to make sure that it's done at the
regular board meets. Um, anyone for open public comment? All right. Uh, Superintendent Sanders, do you have any announcements or comments for your first successful meeting as superintendent of Ben Herman
schools? >> I I just want to say thank you again to this board um for having confidence and supporting me. Um, since the time that this board voted to um to appoint me interim superintendent, um, I've
received a tremendous amount of support and I I really really appreciate it. And, you know, I I just will say over and over again that I will work I will work to gain the confidence of this
entire board and this entire community. You know, I am very humbled to be in this position. I know how important this is. Like I said before, I don't take this job lightly at all. I understand the weight of this position and I will
always operate understanding the weight of this position. And I want my entire community to know that I will operate with integrity and I will do what's best for our community. I absolutely love Benton Harour. I want everybody to know that I am going to do what I think is
best for our kids and our families. And I I give you my word on that. Thank you very much and congratulations. We're going to begin with Trusty Boy. Oh, she stepped out. Okay. Uh Trusty Bradley,
>> um want to thank everybody who's online listening. Thank you all for um whoever came out. Um, I um just want to say that I'm I'm excited. I know it's your second day, but I'm excited to see the work done. Um, I would tell people um when
you were hired on as the principal here of the high school, I said, "Y'all know what? We don't hear nothing about the high school no I mean every other week you would hear something negative." And I mean that was a testament to your hard work and your team's hard work that you know because
it seemed like that was always a focus. the high school high school. But, um, I'm looking forward to working with you. Um, I'm looking forward to supporting the vision however, however I can. If it's, you know, bringing in a book to show you and say, "Hey, take take a look
at this and here's what you think about this idea." Um, and I I'll say this to my fellow board members. Let's let's run with the vision. Um, let's not sabotage it. Let's let's keep on moving. Let's go in a good good good direction and momentum. um because we know that the
culture and the climate starts here at the board level and works its way down. And we want to set a good culture and climate for the here next foreseeable future. Um let's you know go in ready to get the strategic vision done and strategic plan done. Um and let's you
know work on working on our mindsets to change our mindsets to um expect greater and better things for our district. And that's all. >> All right. We'll go to Trusty Rack Martin. >> Okay. I would like to say all of us um
as board members, let's do our job and support our superintendent. Uh and I say that because in the past um I remember somebody coming up to the board table making a reference that that was what we were not doing. And so even in adversity
or in disagreement, we still have to support our superintendent. Uh we have voted for him. We we hired him. Therefore, he deserves our respect. He deserves our our support. Uh there
are avenues and channels that we can we can disagree and that doesn't have to come before the board table that everybody has to to know and see. Uh, not that you're trying to hide anything, but there's a proper place for
everything. And so, um, uh, Dr. Sanders, I'm going to support you. >> And I think you probably know that by now. Um, I'm not one that really bites my tongue. I don't talk a lot lot but um you know
it is my endeavor to see you succeed and to see our district succeed and to keep that positive momentum going and attitude and the board plays a lot on how that climate is perceived by the the
public and so we want to have a united front is everything going to be okay with us our s suggestions but he's in the inside and we're on the outside looking in. He's on the inside looking out. So, he would probably know some
things a lot better than we do. And so, we're going to have to trust his judgment because we put him in that position. And so, in trusting your judgment, we will I am going to support you. >> He said is mister.
>> I thank you for the promotion. But I give it to >> baby. Yeah. >> I like to thank everybody that is watching. Um I don't do a whole lot of talking, but when it come time to talk,
I'm going to talk. Um, for me, I'm grateful for Mr. Sanders. I'm excited. Um, just from hearing what you talked about at this meeting and in our conversations. Um,
I just want you to know that I really want you to do really well. And I also need you to know I'm watching. You guys have a wonderful evening on purpose. All right, Treasure Gather.
Okay. Um, it's very interesting. Uh, Superintendent Sanders, when you were saying integrity, I was thinking integrity. That is the most important thing to me.
I love PhDs and master degrees and all them pretty letters. And I know I didn't conjugate that verb properly, but I care about integrity. I care about words and actions matching
up. And there was a time when your integrity was questioned and you stood on integrity. And I respect that. and you in this position, you will be
hit from some heavy hitters who want our land, who don't care anything about our children, who care more about power than what our children and families are going through. And it's going to be so important that you keep that, that you
maintain that integrity even when it doesn't feel popular. And if you do that, I will have your back for real. Regardless of what anybody has to say about me, if you do that, I will
have your back. And so I appreciate you taking the position. Um, I look forward to your success. My son will be a tiger, not this year, but next year. So, what I want you to know is that your success is
my success. And so, um, I'm with you and, you know, I look forward to to the best coming this year and moving forward. >> Thank you, >> Secretary Triplet. recon yourself.
>> You can call. >> First of all, I want to take this opportunity to um thank my colleague from the bottom of my heart. I know um
many people won't believe this, but I did not know he was coming here uh for an interview to become the principal. He called on the highway. He
said, "I'm coming to Ben Harour. I'm going to apply for the principal ship." Well, I felt some kind of way uh because he did had not said anything to me. I didn't say
anything cuz I knew what he could do and how much he loved children no matter where he was. And I really honestly never want I did not it was important to
me that I did not put my trauma my experience on him. I want him to have his own. I when I walked in this room tonight and I saw him sitting
at that table and the name tag in front of him. I was like, "Wow." It was just a moment. I was 12 when he was born. When he went to kindergarten, I
graduated from high school. And so he's always been a little man. My parents had him late. I just want you to do your best.
I want you to treat people with respect and dignity. I want you to give it all you got. Be integral. Be respectful. And do the work that's in your heart.
It doesn't matter what I think. Do your work. Do your job. I know. Mama will be so proud of you. Okay. So, do a good job. Thank you.
>> Up next, we have Vice President Barnes. Again, thank you um Madame President and congratulations on your first meeting as superintendent of Bitten Harbor Area Schools. Um I look forward to supporting you um in
your leadership, your vision and I want to in my Donald Trump voice get so tired of winning that we're just going to win so much. Oh, so your moment I want us to be tired of winning. So I
am excited. No, in all serious though, um, a few weeks ago, a few days ago, I talked to a staff and they reached out and they were telling me how it was a calming experience. Monday,
they said the superintendent door was open and that just spoke values. They told me they had to pull over in their car because they were crying about how peaceful their workday was was and how
the demeanor and the superintendent approach was just wonderful. Now, I lost a few friends um and people talking to me for supporting
and putting it out there to supporting the superintendent. Um I don't regret my vote. I don't regret doing it. However, I know anything that goes on in the district. So, I am counting on you to
lead us. It's a war and I think we have a fierce urgency of now that we have to focus on and I am excited about the progress and I look forward to your leadership. On that note, good night.
>> Okay. So, I will be brief. I just want to point out that it's 7:52 p.m. So, we are getting out of here extremely early. I thank Vice President Bowens for cheering um in my absence this afternoon, a brief absence this evening. I appreciate you significantly. I want
to offer you sincere congratulations on your selection to this position. Um I think of all the things that people have said, I think for me is your humility and how gracious you are in walking in the
acceptance of what God has designed for you in this season. And the only time that you'll ever get a rise out of you is when you're talking about something that you're passionate about. And and we saw that at the table. Other than that, I've never seen you not
chill and calm and relaxed in the way that you move and do your work. And I think that's something that is extremely important in leadership at Benton Harvard Area Schools. And and I think it's it's partially because you're us. you understand
um how we are culturally, how we think, what we need, and I think it it's just a good fit. There's a peace and a calm at this table in this moment that feels good um to my leadership. So, I'm grateful to have you join us, but I do want to ensure that you, and I know that
you do, you understand the seriousness of your placement in this position from where we've been to where we are now. your success in this position has the ability to be the saving grace and turnaround for Ben Harbor Schools. And I
hope that that is something that you feel not in an overwhelming way, but in a way that allows you to be comfortable in your greatness and the purpose that you've been called here for. So, I'm looking forward to leading with you and
supporting you. Um, I know I've been sweet as pie as you've known me as Miss Robinson, but I can be completely different as a boss. So, um, I will support you as well, but I do have high expectations for the way that you support the district and the work of
this board, and I'm grateful to have you here. So, with that being said, I'll ask is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Make a motion to adjurnn. >> The motion has been moved by Bradley and supported by Dooms. Any questions, comments, or concerns? >> I do have No, I just
>> Secretary Triple, please call the vote. >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowen, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. >> Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trustee Bradley, >> yes.
>> Do motion carry. >> All right. The meeting is adjourned officially at 7:54