a public community meeting. This meeting is an in-person meeting held at 870 Kiffax here in Benton Harbor. An additional live stream of this meeting is available at the following link. Questions may be submitted beforehand to aliyia. 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 aliyah rurbh.org. I call this meeting to order officially at 6:07 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 it stand one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Secretary Triple King, please call the
role. >> President Robinson >> present. Vice President Barnes. Secretary Triplet present. Treasurer Gavin >> present. >> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Trusty Bradley present. >> Trustee Doyle. >> Madame President, a quorum has been
established. >> All right. Up next, we have approval of the agenda. I would like to notate uh that there is a closed session that has been added right at the top of board business. So, at this time, is there a motion to approve the agenda?
Motion to approve the agenda as is. >> Is there a second or support? >> I support. >> You have a question? >> Yeah. All right. >> Questions, comments, concerns? You have the floor? >> Yes. Um question of um human resources item C for central office. We're
tableabling that because of the transition. >> Okay. Uh Director Bar Carter, can you provide the clarification to me that to the board that you just provided to me? >> Sure. Um the oh um but yeah
the director of human resources instructed me that because the district made um miss offer to the person pending board approval that the board will have to um
vote down the um the board essentially would have to take a vote. or for it to be before it be a resolved issue. It is still pending until the board vote votes on the issue. >> All right. Any other questions or
concerns? Hearing none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Barn. >> Yes. >> Secretary point of clarity. >> Yes. >> Are we voting on tableabling? Are we voting on because I thought he table it?
We have to take we have to actually take an action to to officially acknowledge the withdrawal of it is what Barta was clarifying. >> Did Trusty Bradley withdraw his table? That's where I'm >> Bradley didn't put a table on the floor.
>> I thought he asked to table it. >> I can withdraw. I didn't wrong with I was asking if we could table it, but I >> Okay. Any other questions? What did he say? He said he's withdrawing the table. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions from the board? Hearing
none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowen. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. >> Yes. >> Treasurer Gavin. >> Yes. >> Trustee Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trustee Bradley. >> Yes. >> Motion carried.
>> All right. Up next, we have the review of our board of education norms. Miss, can you uh click that link for me? I don't have Thank you so much. The board of education nor harbor area schools. We will treat each other with respect. We will listen to learn. We
will refrain from side conversations. We will use our time wisely, starting and ending our meetings on time. We 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. Up next, we have public comment on agenda items. So, is there anyone present that would like to make a public comment on an agenda item? And if you could also pull that document for me as well.
The Benh Harour Area Schools Board of Education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on district matters. Today, there are two areas for comment on the agenda of which you may decide when to speak. Public comment on agenda items and open public comment. We
request that each interested participant complete a public participation form using legible writing to ensure the responses are appropriate and properly focused. or Ben Harvard area schools bylaw 0167.3 which governs board participation at board meetings. We request that you preface your comments with your name, address, and group
affiliation when appropriate. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to a threeminut duration and per bylaws. No participant may speak more than once on the same topic until any other persons have had the opportunity to speak on that topic. Participants may remove their mask when addressing the
board. Participants shall direct all comments to the board and not to staff or other participants. The board will listen, take question, take comments and questions under advisement and not respond at this time. I, as president, will refer questions to the superintendent for research and response. Please ensure that your public
participation form includes your contact information as requested. If you have specific questions for the board or executive team that require followup, you're going to email those directly to aliyah rules atbhs.org. You have the floor. >> Thank you. I appreciate you. Good evening, board members. My name is Tiana
Batisel, 330 Kofax Avenue. Um, this is in regards to the entire board agenda, I guess, because at this point there have been no board limits, no board minutes until May 2026. Um, and so I have a simple question regarding the board's
process for transparent and accountability. Several weeks ago, I submitted a written demand regarding the district's apparent lack of compliance with the public transparency requirements. To date, I have not received a response. Additionally, the
board meeting minutes available to the public have not been updated since May of 2026, leaving the community without access to records documenting the actions of this board. Since then, the district has appointed a new I don't know what's happening. I
don't know what I just heard, but there's supposed to be a new interim superintendent and a new executive secretary possibly. My question is this. What is the board's process for ensuring continuity and compliance with its legal obligations during leadership
transitions? Specifically, who is responsible for ensuring that agendas, minutes, and public records are maintained and made available in a timely manner? And when can the public expect these records to be brought up to date? Transparency should not depend on
changes in personnel. It is a responsibility of the institution and I would say the board majority and the community deserves confidence that this board is doing public business and is being conducted openly and that the records are accessible as required by
law. I appreciate your response and I look forward to understanding how the board intends to address these concerns. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comment. Anyone else for open public comment? >> Yes. can pull it out.
Want to hold it. >> Marcus Muhammed, 453 Cherry Street, Venton Harour, Michigan, Ben Harour Athletics. Just like to give the board of education, the president, vice president,
um, and officers, secretary, treasurer, um, and staff. a just brief not report but activity of our Benton Harbor athletics in terms of our student athletes. Uh our football varsity team
the first game is August 28th. Uh so we want to formally invite the board of education to come out and support our student athletes and you will be receiving a schedule. Uh we have five home games this year uh and four away
games. Our first game is against Berian Springs and we do plan to honor because this is the 10th year uh anniversary of the team that went I believe nine 10 and0 um coach userac
um the good morning America and the whole nine yards. Um but honor that team this year at a uh varsity football game. our basketball team um had a very successful June uh team camp. Uh they're
participating in summer leagues and then there's a number of student athletes playing uh amateur athletic union or AAU basketball. One of the other highlights is uh Coach Earl Reynolds had a very successful
two-day uh cheer camp where she went all the way down to the fourth grade uh in extreme hot temperatures. Uh but we used our facilities to help mitigate the heat. Uh but we had about 30 to 35 young
women who was excited about cheer. Uh we also added this year for the 2026 2027 uh varsity competition boys and girls cross country. Uh so it'll be another
sport uh that our young people can participate in and get leadership skills uh and learn how to run. And lastly, the Peace Summer League, uh, which, uh, Coach Curtis McFall is spearheading,
working with President Pillars. As you probably know, it was moved to the blacktop. It started out, it was supposed to be a hall park. Uh, but the students, um, it's about six to eight teams where they're playing every
Monday. Uh, and the football team has been practicing using the turf. Uh so just wanted you to know that our young people are participating, they're active and wanted to share something positive
about our number one priority, which is students. Thank you. >> Thank you, Director Muhamd. I would like to indicate you are a director, so if you have updates that you'd like to make, um you can consult with interim superintendent Sanders to see if it's
appropriate to place you on the agenda. But I do appreciate you coming before us in public comment. All right. Up next, anyone else for public comment on agenda items? Hearing none, we'll proceed. Approval of
meeting minutes are up for vote today. They are for the months of June 9th, 2026, June 23rd, 2026, July 2nd, 2026. Please note June 9th was a regular meeting. June 23rd was a work session.
July 2nd was a special meeting. So at this time I'll ask is there a motion to approve the minutes as noted? >> I so move. >> Is there a second or support? >> Second. >> The motion has been made by Secretary Triplet and supported by Vice President Bowens. Any questions, comments, and
concerns from the board. >> Hearing none. >> Secretary Tripley, can you please call the vote? >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Brans, >> yes. Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Gavin, >> no. >> Trustee Rocket Martin,
>> yes. >> Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. Reminder protocol as of 9:13 2022. All comments will be limited to two minutes per trustee per topic. Our first item of business today under board business is a close session pertaining
to attorney client privilege communication. U this is specifically from True Law Firm. The board of education may hold a close session to consider materials such as written opinions of council which are exempt from discussion by state or federal statute reference policy number 0167.2F.
At this time, I'll ask is there a motion to end open session and enter close session as noted for policy 0167.2F. >> I move support. >> The motion has been made by Secretary Triplet and supported by Vice President Bowens. Any questions, comments, or
concerns? Um, before we take the vote, just so the public is aware, we're entering a closed session. As noted, that means that we'll step into our room temporarily. I do not anticipate that we will be there long, so you're welcome to stay. If you're tuning in online, you're welcome to pause. Um, and then we'll return back to
open session shortly. Um, Secretary Triplet, please call the vote. >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Vice President Bowen, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. >> Treasure Gavin, >> yes. Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trustee Bradley. >> Yes. >> Motion carry.
>> All right. So, we're ending open session and entering close session as of 6:21 p.m. We will return. >> All right. At this time, I ask, is there a motion to end close session and return to open session? >> I'll make a motion to return to open
session at 6:46 p.m. The motion has been made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Vice President Bowens. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Hearing none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowens.
>> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. Yes. Treasure Gavin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trustee Bradley. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right. So, for the record, I want to make sure it's notated that Secretary Tripler was not present in the closed
session. We're going to continue with the agenda. Up next we have oh we're returning to open session as of 6:46 p.m. Up next on the agenda is the interim superintendent employment contract addendum resolution B1 um which I'll read resolution to approve
the interim superintendent employment contract amendment Benton Harour area schools Bian County Michigan the district a regular meeting of the board of education of the district the board was held in Benton Harour High School library within the boundaries of the district on the 21st day of July 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was called to
order by board president Robinson. Um present are those reflected at this table. Absent is trusty Doyle. The following preamble and resolution were offered by we'll plug that in once uh the motion is made. Whereas the board of education of Benton Harbor area schools has received the resignation of
Superintendent Dr. Simone Griffin creating the need to ensure the continued leadership and administration of the district. And whereas the board of education has determined that it is in the best interest of the district to appoint an interim superintendent to provide continuity of leadership while the board conducts the process of
selecting a permanent superintendent. And whereas the board has selected Keith Sanders to serve as interim superintendent and has negotiated the terms of an interim superintendent employment contract addendum that reflects the the mutual understanding and agreement between the board of education and Mr. Sanders. And whereas
the proposed interim superintendent employment contract amendment has been reviewed by the board and legal counsel and it is the recommendation of the board president that the board approved the agreement as presented. Now therefore be it resolved that the board of education of Benton Harbor area schools hereby approves the interim superintendent employment contract
amendment between the board of education and Keith Sanders for the position of interim superintendent. And be it further resolved that the president and secretary of the board are hereby authorized and directed to execute the interim superintendent employment contract amending on behalf of the board and take all actions necessary to
implement the terms of the amendment adopted on the this should be the 21st day of July 2026 by the board of education for benton harbor area schools. At this time I'll ask is there a motion to approve?
>> You make a motion to approve the agenda. I mean the super interimm superintendent >> resolution B1. >> Yes. Support. >> The motion was made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Trusty Bradley. Questions, comments, and concerns.
You have the floor. I have a concern about this um contract um with Mr. Sanders being the interim
superintendent. He's also going to be the interim principal of Ben Harbor High School. Um, I came here
fully prepared to support the contract for Mr. Sanders being the interim superintendent. I put aside my initial thoughts of who I
felt should be in that position and I feel good about him. My first impression of Mr. Sanders was positive. He's shown from my view integrity about being concerned about the students first and
foremost. I was fine with that. I have a problem with two jobs for one person, two full-time jobs for one person. That doesn't work. It's unwise.
As a board, we have a responsibility to hire a principal for the high school and to hire superintendent. And we've seen what it looks like when somebody tries to do both.
And I've heard that maybe schools are downsized, school districts are downsizing, but that's not wise for Benton Harbor area schools. We need our students need somebody in there and we need to be using the
summertime to fill that spot and for him to get acclimated to the position. So sadly, I'm not able to support this. I wanted to tonight. I really wanted to, but unfortunately
this contract was not made available until a few minutes before the board meeting. And I was unaware of this until very recently. And so I just want Mr. Sanders to know that I do support him as superintendent,
interim superintendent. I support him as the principal. I don't support both. Thank you. Any other comments from the board? Vice President Bowens, >> you know, I am ecstatic that we are
moving forward with our superintendent um intern superintendent. Um this gentleman, Mr. Sanders, has a impressive resume. He has actually done
the work um and has led school districts the state of Delaware bigger than ours. Um you know in the time that we are in in Bitten Harbor area schools I do support him being the principal and superintendent. I if it was up to me the
superintendent and the curriculum director would be combined. Um so I support it. We look at Bur Ots where our former superintendent went to go to. They have a superintendent as the
principal. Um, Benton Harvard area schools is not a school district of five or 6,000. It's a,000 to,200. Um, so I think you know he has started some great work. He wants to make sure
that work continues at the high school and I am excited to see he's led the high school back and I'm excited to see him leading the district back and Mr. Sanders if you're watching welcome home. It's been a long time coming and I am
excited to be working with you and beside you in your leadership. >> Um so I would like to add that in conversations with Mr. Sanders when I approached to discuss what his thoughts were for an interim principal while he
serves as interim superintendent. He specifically expressed the desire to maintain continuity in that position because of the great work that he and his team have started. Um he has not had an opportunity as the superintendent at
this time to uh solidify who the interim principal would be while he's serving as superintendent. And so this is to give him and um assistant principal Strs, Dr. Strs, an opportunity to continue to work collaboratively on the great work
they've done at Benton Harbor High School. I want to make it clear that this is not a long-term, this is not expected to be something that is long-term. This is to ensure that the district has leadership in both of those positions and that he is allowed as superintendent to come in and and
determine the lay of the land that he hasn't inherited, but he is also able to stay there. of there's a twoperson front with support to Dr. Strugs. And so he has indicated himself to me that once he's able to get in and determine um the
gist of everything with with both of the positions that he has no issue at all with pursuing an interim, whether that's a promotion of Dr. Shrether or an actual, you know, an internal transition or a posting of the position that would be his decision as a superintendent. And
so I have every faith that he would not um he would not continue to tackle something that had become overwhelming for him. Again, this is a temporary uh double placement. And so I do anticipate that the matter will come back before
the board either if he does not decide to just use his right of assignment um to make a transition internally. So, um I do support the addendum as presented. Um and I it is my ask that the board um consider Mr. Sanders desires with this
request. If there's uh no other comments or concerns, I would ask that uh Secretary Triplet please call the vote for resolution B1. >> President Robinson.
>> Oh, I'm sorry. I would also like to notate that I do apologize to the board that the addendum was received uh today. I was able to finalize things between council and Mr. Sanders today and so I did send it to you all accordingly. It
is very similar to addendums that we've had in the past and the terms are very clear. Um so I thank you guys uh for your support of the recommendation. Secretary Trible, please call the vote. >> President Robinson, >> yes. Vice President Bowens, >> yes.
>> Secretary Triplet, I recuse uh myself from this particular item. >> Treasure Gavin, >> no. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> Motion carried.
>> All right. So, congratulations, um, Mr. Sanders. So I do have a release or statement prepared. Ben Harbor Area Schools Board of Education approves contract for interim superintendent Keith Sanders. The Ben
Harbor Area Schools Board of Education on Tuesday approved an addendum to Keith Sanders employment agreement following his appointment as the interim superintendent on July 2nd. Sanders, who currently serves as the principal of the Benton Harour High School, will officially begin serving in his new role on July 25th, 2026. A proud member of
Benton Harbor High School's class of 1990, Sanders has dedicated his career to transforming schools and expanding opportunities for students. With more than 30 years of experience, his background includes serving as the as a teacher, principal, and chief officer of school turnaround for the Delaware
Department of Education. He also co-founded Louis Louisiana's first all boys public charter school post Hurricane Katrina has been featured in the acclaimed documentary Waiting for Superman as well as Paul Banick Santoo's driven by data recognized by the New
York Times. Keith Sanders is an accomplished leader with a proven ability to build strong school communities, said board president Desanna Robinson. As a current principal of the Ben Harour High School and a proud alumnest of our district, Keith understands our students, staff, and community. We are confident he will
provide the steady leadership our district needs during this transition and look forward to working with him. Sanders expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the district in this new capacity. I am honored to accept the position of interim superintendent. He said, "I look forward to working collaboratively with our
staff, families, students, and community members to strengthen educational opportunities and support the academic success of our students. Together, we will create an inclusive, innovative educational experience that meets the diverse needs of our community. Benton Harour Area Schools looks forward to Mr. Sanders leadership as interim
superintendent as the district continues its commitment to providing every student with a high quality education and preparing them for future success. So again, congratulation Mr. Sanders. Next we have the section 12 e school
infrastructure grants. Um director Brock Carter is going to give us a update on that. Yes. I just wanted to um inform the board if they hadn't heard already that Ben Harbor Area Schools was awarded $12,300
through the section 12E infrastructure grant. It is a state grant um through NDE. There were um 80 schools in Michigan that were going to benefit from this grant. It was a competitive grant that um Miss Mon and I
worked on. It was one of the first grants that she worked on when she got here and we worked on it together. So we make sure that she is acknowledged for her efforts because we are very grateful for these
funds and we both agree to upgrade working and HVAC systems in the high school and the middle school. So we look forward to hopefully uh not only new roofs but getting air conditioning in
our buildings for our students. All right. Uh, Vice President Burns would like to make a comment. >> So, that's great news. I just got a quick question with this grant is distinctly for that because I was looking at some numbers the other day. Countryside built a new building uh
campus for about 10 million. I think it was 9 million. That grant is distinct like it's not for building of a new building. It has to be for >> Yes, we uh we referred to our is it a feasibility
study that was done on all of our buildings and um high school and middle school of our open buildings. Um let me be correct. the study buildings, but out of all of the buildings, our high school
and middle school were at the top the most crucial repairs. Um, so that is the items that we wrote into the group for the approval. >> Well, congratulations and thank you so much. >> You're welcome.
>> Uh, Treasure Gavin, I want to um I want to thank you both. I'm so happy that we have a uh grant coordinator now. I hope I'm saying the title right. Is it is a grant coordinator? >> Writer. >> Grant writer. Yes. I'm so happy that we
have a grant writer. Uh felt like a broken record, but we have one now. And I'm so happy uh Director Carter for your leadership and also helping to make sure we have that. The money is out there,
right? And so we just have to make sure that we continue to write the grants and apply for it because we deserve it. Our kids deserve all of it. Um we do have a question. Um,
you know, we've had some conversations around being able to control the temperature in rooms and things of that nature. Does this cover, you know, any of those type of cost upgrades to being able to
address those issues. Well, we don't have the specific details on what the projects will entail. when we work the van, we work it, you know, in general terms and specifically for
roofing and Hback. So, when we um the next steps, you know, getting uh engineers to let us know what's needed to complete these projects, we'll definitely be um inquiring if that can
be included because that is a part of the HVAC system. So, if the funds that we have available for each building can afford those um dials or temperature gauges, we will
most definitely be going with a proposal that includes that. >> Hey, thank you so much. Um so excited for us to have an opportunity to provide the peanut butter and the jelly in the sandwich. So, yeah, thank you. Thank
you. And thank you again. And I'll be thanking you all even more publicly for for that. And I'm looking forward to more grant writing that looks like that. >> Yes, >> Trusty Bradley. >> I'm just going to be real quick. Um,
thank you to your team. Even thank you to Dr. Griffin on her way out um transitioning from out position. Thank you, Miss Lame. Thank you. Um, when I saw this in the news, I was excited. I was like, okay, that's that's what's up. And definitely um infrastructure is one of those things. And I think it's just
two in our region. That that that speaks a lot when you have Bon Harbor area schools and you have the WJ public schools in this area getting that. And um I think we got maybe like the fourth or fifth highest amount maybe a little bit um somewhere maybe maybe the top 10
amount but um when I saw that I was very excited. Um I look forward to with Mr. Sanders coming in you all working together and definitely with our um facilities team as well. So thank you. >> All right. Awesome. Any other comments, Trusty Rack and Martin?
>> Uh, congratulations. I'd also like to um put a little word out there for uh the elementary schools. So, don't stop writing. Don't stop looking, okay? Because there are things
that they need also for infrastructure. And I would appreciate it too if the next round goes to them, especially Fairplate East. if it comes around again, we'll definitely be um applying again. And it
this is that actually the second year um this grant has existed. Last year when we applied, we applied to demolish the buildings that we um are paying for now. Um and the application was denied. So
this year they asked for you to be more specific and make sure that the repairs are going to help um students u achieve and um increase learning. So that's why we wrote it this way. And I should also
say thank you to Dr. Griffin. Um she was also a vital part when we wrote this grant. Uh so I just want to make sure that I say that publicly as well to thank Dr. Griffin for her efforts and her support when we wrote this grant.
Thank you. >> All right. So, we're going to u move forward with our agenda. So, I if it's the board's pleasure, I would actually recommend that we um table the items under teaching and learning
and then the department update um in the absence of Dr. Griffin that would allow uh principal Sanders to provide an update in that area. And then facilities has an update as well, but I'm not exactly sure who was planning to present
that. So if there's no objections from the board, I would ask is there an amendment to table teaching and learning and facilities to the upcoming work session? >> I do have a question. You have able to ask a question? >> Yes. So, do we have a deadline upon which we
have to approve a PD plan? There's no vote on it. Okay. Okay. Good deal. Um, and Director Bar Carter, can you provide the clarification that you provided to me um when we were coming out of the closed session about why the PD is the
PD plan is required grant-wise? >> Yes. Um to our partnership agreement, the professional development that we uh said that we would be doing for our staff, a portion of that was um we were going to have the staff come back. They
already come back a week before school starts for our normal back to school PD sessions, but we wanted to do an extra week and give the staff a stipen to come to that. And uh we wanted we put the stipen in ownership agreement grant and
um it was sent back to us for modification asking for a plan for that week. They just didn't accept us saying we're going to have PD we want to pay a stipen. We needed a plan for what was going to happen during that week. So
that's how this draft plan came about. And after speaking with Dr. Griffin um she wants to make sure that it's something everything in the plan is what Mr. Sanders wants to do for that week as well. So um this was just a draft of um
some of the things that she wanted to offer during that week. But again, now that she's transitioning um she wants it to be more of a decision for Mr. Sanders. So that's how this back to
school PD draft plan came about. >> Um thank you. And I know that um the other item under teaching and learning is midsummer school update but can you clarify uh when summer school is over? Yes, summer school is ending Thursday.
So, um after that we can do a full summer school update um the entire um session, not just um a midsummer school update. >> Okay. And then uh Vice President Bones, I believe you had a question. >> You have the floor.
>> Um there probably I think if I drive by today, if you have not checked, Martindale has basically been demolished. Um and I seen tractors out at bar um back
holes. So that demolishing is starting. >> Thank you for that update. Um so we can still there may be further updates um that they that they Mr. Sanders would be able to give us. So, if the board does
not have objections, is there a motion to table teaching and learning and facilities to our upcoming work session meeting Tuesday? >> Support. >> I I'll make a motion that we table those two sections. >> The motion was made by Bradley and
supported by Vice President Bowens. Um there's no further discussion needed on a table. Uh Secretary Tripley, can you call the vote? >> President Robinson? >> Yes. >> Vice President Barnes? >> Yes. Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Gavin,
>> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> Motion carry. >> All right. Up next, we have business and finance. I'll pass it over to Director Bar Carter. Um, before I do, I would like to extend you extreme congratulations. >> Yes.
>> On being certified as a CFO by [clears throat] the state. and I just would like to put that on the record so that they know that you are highly qualified in pres pro providing us this data today. >> Thank you so much, President Robinson. I was so happy Monday when I got to my
desk and my certificate was on my desk. So, thank you so much. I've been working on it for >> about two and a half years. I've been here three years. So, I'm I'm happy to get that done and continue with the a um
professional development in that role. So, thank you so much. Staff report F1 monthly financial reports. Um, I guess I probably should update this date. Everything was dated for last
Tuesday. My apologies. So, now the date has been updated to today. Reason for board consideration. A set of financial reports is provided to the board of education each month. facts and analysis. This evening, it is
recommended that the May 2026 payments be approved for all funds up for all of the district funds. Policy reference 6470 payment of claims strategic plan reference facility/operations.
Benton Harvard aerial schools will develop, implement, and evaluate a physically responsible plan that will ensure physical and psychological safety. Recommended action that the board of education approve the May 1st through May 31st payments for the
following funds. General fund $600,921. Pro service 300,559.118 syncing fund $251,960 total of152,628.39. >> All right. So at this time I'll ask is there a motion to approve staff report F1? >> I make a motion to approve staff reports F1.
>> Is there a second or support? The motion was made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Secretary Triplet. Any questions, comments, or concerns? >> Hearing none. Secretary Triplet. >> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowen. >> Yes.
>> Secretary Triplet. Yes. Treasurer Gavin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Bradley. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Up next, we have the food service contract renewal. Doc, uh, Director Barter. >> Yes. Staff report F2, Food Service
Management Company contract extension. [snorts] Reason for board consideration, the district annual contract with Taylor Incorporated expires on June 30th, 2026. Facts and analysis. To comply with
Michigan Department of Education requirements, school districts with food service management company agreements are required to submit the proposal. The proposed contract renewal to MDE for review and approval before the renewal
contract can be signed by the district. MDE received the district's request for renewing the food service management company contract with career incorporated for 2627 school year and has approved the following. The current
management fee of 9 cents per year will increase by 3.5% to the new management fee of about 9.82 82
per meal. Current administrative fee of $2,4740 per month will increase by 3.5% to the new administrative fee of $2561 per month. There is no advanced payment.
There are no guarantees for the 2627 school year. There's no climate investment plan for 2627 school year. Policy reference 8,500 food services strategic plan reference facilities/operations.
Ben Harour Area Schools will develop, implement, and evaluate a physically responsible plan that will ensure physical and psychological safety. Recommended action that the board of education votes to approve a one union
rule for TER incorporated food service contract from July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027 as presented. Is there a motion to approve staff report F2? >> I make a motion to approve staff report F2. I second the motion.
>> The motion has been made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Trustee Rake Martin. Any questions, comments, or concerns? you have the floor. Uh I have a question. Do we have any feedback from the surveys that were taken regarding
um the company? No, not at this time. Um I would have to check with Dr. Griffin and the food service director has changed as well. So I will have to check with um you know
terror's headquarters to see if we have access to the information. Yeah. I guess my comment is that whenever we're up for a renewal of a contract, especially one where it's servicing um the students on a regular basis, I
think that survey feedback is super will be super helpful in informing us as to whether we should renew a contract such as this. Um, I would also say that, you know, just thinking outside of the box, and I know it's a decision for the
superintendent, but thinking outside of the box, we do have a hospitality management class. I I think it would be great if they could put together some type of I don't know, you know, advisory committee that could help um give us these type of
recommendations cuz I'm not eating the food every day and I feel, you know, kind of unfair making the decision without any, you know, information about their input and what their experience is. Um I will support it because you
know we don't have an alternative right now. We do need to move forward but in the future [clears throat] I would love for us to have some type of calendar timeline where we are receiving we should be receiving the feedback not
just to to hear we should be receiving as a customer we should be paying customer we should be receiving that feedback and that should inform our decisions and I would love for the students and other folks who are connecting with them daily to have input in our decision.
And I know Dr. Griffin did have the information and she did include that information during the contract negotiations. I wasn't priv privy to all of those conversations, but she did have the feedback and brought some of the concerns from the students and staff to
tear um during the contract negotiation period. Would you stop me? what was the feedback? I don't again I wasn't privy to all of the conversation so I don't have a lot of the details um
but I I know some of the concerns from the staff were um a plan was put in place to make sure that those concerns be addressed. So that part I didn't know cuz also shared the plan with me that they have
for the staff but I don't know what the feedback was from the students. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Is there any additional questions? >> Therefore being no questions
for the vote. >> Can't hear. >> Can't hear you. There is there any further questions or concerns? >> No. >> Therefore, being none, Secretary Triplet for the vote. >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes.
>> Secretary Triplet, yes. >> Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> President Robinson, >> yes. >> Motion carried.
We are now to staff report F3. Staff report S3 is our pupil transportation contract extension. Reason for board consideration the 2526 contract with first student for pupil
transportation expired on June 30th, 2026. facts and analysis. This evening is it is recommended that the board approve the extension to the pupil transportation services contract with first student incorporated through June
30th, 2027. There's no policy reference or strategic goal reference. recommended action that the board of education approve as presented the attached extension to the pupil transportation services contract
with first student incorporated through June 30th 2027. >> Thank you. Director um Carter, is there anything that you would like to highlight about this extension? Um
we definitely have concerns to first student regarding the routes um the additional routes that we may um for the school year CTE students going to other buildings and um they are
working on um a cost reduction plan that they plan to present to us And um we also brought up some concerns um regarding
the lease that they have for a building that hasn't increased over years. Um so to compensate for that um there were some we did negotiate some lower fees when it comes to the management fees
that they charge and also reducing the number of routes that we have. Um, we are looking forward to seeing the plan once they put it together. >> Do you have a floor? >> So, out of curiosity, how many routes do
we have now? And how many routes are you guys proposing to cut? >> Uh, just a second. >> Actually, a route savings plan put together by first student It's actually um entire PowerPoint um
presentation. Let me see if that just the number of routes is highlighted on here. Um it looks like no that's the number of students per bus was going to increase from 40 to 48
and and it's just it says 2526 Ben area schools the average 46 students per route time students are on the route is 31 minutes for 26 27 this is just then
how the high school will go down to seven routes so they separated it by building um I can share this PowerPoint with you so you can have the details is by building it's not just the whole thing >> okay does anybody have any additional
questions >> yeah I'm I'm just glad that um these kind of conversations are being held. I think they're very critical because the routes haven't changed, the the amounts haven't changed even and and the student
student numbers have not gone up. And so how do you justify um what they what we've been paying? How do you look at it like critically look at it and say if we if we have lost students
um and and are they really really looking at are we inspecting as a district what we expect and so we talk about having to do uh cuts and what have you which I know there are some areas that we're going to have to do some things in but we we need to honestly and
seriously look at these contracted services along the way and like you said the the the the relationship, the the the use of our facility, you know, they are using our garage um our you know, I
know down through the years uh one of the previous superintendent basically sold our entire fleet of buses basically. And so there's a, you know, that was all of this under the guise of
we're trying to um cut this $18 million deficit which ended up being 12 million or 13 million, but anyhow, whatever it was, but our whole fleet was sold. And so I know that we're indebted, but I I I think that we need to have some very
serious conversations about that. Uh and I'm glad to hear that that those conversations have started. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there any additional questions or comments? Therefore, being none, Secretary
Triplet, can you call the vote for F staff report F3? >> Vice President Bowens, >> yes. >> Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trusty Bradley, >> yes. >> Motion carried.
>> Thank you so much. We are now in our section. We tabled it. So, we're at human resources staff report H1 and we're so excited to have Miss McFall, uh, 2004 graduate. I
was a freshman when she was grad. [laughter] So, we're not going to be too hard on her today. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Go ahead, please. >> All right. Good evening. >> Staff report H1, separation of
employment. 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 and analysis. It is recommended that the board of education vote to accept the separation of employment of the
following staff. Policy reference 3140 4140. Termination and resignation of professional and support staff. Strategic plan goal reference. Personnel leadership. Benton Harbor area schools will recruit, hire, develop, and retain
the best staff to improve student outcomes. Dan Ho, certified teacher sped. Resignation, effective date 63, building Benton Harbor High School. Date
of hire 819 2024. Date exit interview sent 617 2026. Exit interview was not completed. Denise Santos Gooden, teacher induction
facilitator. Resignation 6:30. Building central office. Date of hire 9 2023. Date exit interview was sent 772026.
Exit interview was not completed. Darnell Johnson, Senior Teach Teacher, retirement 6:30, Building Fairplane Middle School. Date of hire 8:27 2019.
Date exit interview sent 92026. Exit interview was completed and you all have it in your binders. Danny Jennings, director of CAPE. Resignation. Effective date 8:14.
Building CAPE. Date of hire 819 2022. Date exit interview was sent 720 2026. The exit interview was completed and it is in your binder. >> Thank you. I do apologize to my
colleagues. It was supposed to be a motion on the floor for staff report H1. I make a motion that we take a vote on staff report H1 support. >> Motion has been read by secretary I'm sorry Steve Bradley second by secretary
triplet. Is there any questions or comments regarding this report? >> I do have a question. Um, how soon after these resignations are submitted are we able to post the positions?
Um, pretty soon after. Um, the director of Kate position will be up by tomorrow. Um and the other the the certified sped teacher position is up already and um
director Dorsy can get back with you about the the teacher induction position and #teositions. >> Okay, that's what I was also wondering. These teacher positions are we is this
program still active? It is. It is active. Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Oh, and I want to thank um everybody here for their service. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there any additional questions or comments?
>> Trusty Bradley. >> Um I was just taking a look um at the list and see some names on here familiar. Um hate to see that they are separating from our district. Um and I wish them best on their future endeavors. Um, I was glancing over some of the exit interviews and I had some
concerns. Um, but I mean that's that's to be understood, but there's some serious concerns when you look over these exit interviews and some things were said, but I will pass it back on to you. I do have and I do have a question um
with the director of Cape that position. Say for example, the new superintendent wanted to bring that to the board that instead of it being a director, he wanted it to make it a coordinator or something of that nature. That job has
now been posted, but he has not had any say so on it. >> That is really a question for director Dorsy Smith. >> Sorry, I apologize. >> That's all right. Um yes, and I second my colleague um Trusty Bradley's comment
on the um exit surveys. It's very alarming. Um and it was very concerning to read some of those. So, thank you. Is there I would just like to say that I'm
grateful. I think it's very very critical and I've said this down through the years. I think it's very very critical that we do have exit interviews. It doesn't matter uh whether the exit interview is um in favor of
whoever whoever in charge or in favor of the district and even if those things that are um that might not be so favorable. We still need to know because that information even if it's about me, even if it's
about the board of education and they say they exit, they leaving the district because they don't like the way the board of education do business. We still need to know. And I think that people should be able to say whatever it
is because that's the only way that you'll get better if you know these things. And so I would um encourage the human resource department to really really push in whatever way that you can
to get us this information because that is very very critical. We need to know. But thank you so much. I'm I'm I'm just happy to see these in behind us and we just don't want to exit interviews when when things are negative. You know, you
know, it seemed like if if somebody have a a personal vendetta, not to disregard what people, this is the way they feel, but if if somebody have a personal vendetta, it seem like it's very easy for you all to get that information. But
when somebody just as a general practice to say if they have something good to say, I I'm I'm relocating. I'm moving. >> I have found a good job. I found another job. um and I'm leaving because of the pay rate or whatever. But that's very very
important. So I would if you all can make that um a number one priority we need to know. It's only going to help us become data and to include. >> All right. Recommended action that the Benon Harbor Area Schools Board of Education votes to
accept the resignation of employment of the affforementioned staff. All right. So we um you all thank you for uh vice president for keeping us moving forward. To my understanding we are on staff support H1 separation of
employment. Okay. The motion has been made and supported. Questions, comments, concerns have been had. At this time I'll ask if Secretary Triplet can please call the vote for staff for H1. >> President Robinson. >> No. >> Vice President Bowens.
>> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. Yes. Treasure Gavin, >> yes. >> Trusty Rocket Martin, >> yes. >> Trustee Bradley, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right. Up next, we have staff report
H2 concerning new hires. You can proceed, Miss McFall. >> Right. Staff report H2, employment of staff. Submitting for board consideration to approve employment of staff in accordance with the revised school code
and other general laws of Michigan. Facts and analysis. It is recommended that the board approve the superintendent's recommendation for the hire of the following personnel. Policy reference 3120 4120. Employment of professional and support staff.
Strategic plan goal reference. Personnel leadership. Benon Harbor area schools will recruit, hire, develop, and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. Juan Alvarez Harkini, certified Spanish teacher, Fairplane Middle School,
general funds, effective 8:14 2026. Wendell Tines, Grow Your Own Special Education Teacher, Benton Harbor High School, general funds, effective 814 2026. William Schmidt, certified art teacher,
Benton Harbor High School. General funds, effective 8:14 2026. Recommended action. The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education votes to approve the employment of the affformentioned staff. All right. Is there a motion to approve staff report H2?
>> I make a motion to approve staff reports H2. Support. >> The motion has been made by Trusty Bradley and supported by Vice President Bowens. Any questions, comments, or concerns? >> Madam, >> you have the floor. I am just so happy to see uh certified Spanish teacher to
see that teacher being um in the middle school and so it leads up to the high school and so it's just it it is it's really a blessing to see that this type of work is taking being taken care of and also a certified art teacher Ben
Harvard High School and um Wendelland time miss time being added to special education um department. So this right here is a a this is a this this is a good thing. So I really appreciate that.
Very proud of it. >> All right, Vice President B. >> I second um your sentiment, Secretary Triplet. You know, in my line of work, um I have a lot of Hispanic families that I assist with. Um Mr. Damus was my
Spanish teacher at McCord Renaissance and um I don't remember a lot but I do remember ola esta um I use those words a lot and my clients are like Spanish and I'm like no but they understand what I'm saying. So um our blocks in our
community is evolving and we're having more and more Hispanic populations moving in. So this is a great start where our children will be able to have conversations um with them. So it's going to be very
interesting. So that's my comments. >> All right. Any other comments or questions from the board? >> President Robinson, you have the floor. Good to see that we have a certified Spanish teacher and a certified art teacher. And I'm happy to see uh Master
Tines as a part of our grow your own uh special education teacher as well. Turn it back over to you. >> Thank you. If there's no other questions or comments, Secretary Triplet, can you call the vote? >> President Robinson? >> Yes. >> Vice President Barnes? >> Yes.
>> Secretary Triplet? Yes. Treasure Gavin? >> Yes. >> Trusty Bracket Martin? >> Yes. >> Trusty Bradley? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> All right. So I would like to say welcome to each of the staff and congratulations on your IRS notice. So um now we are at staff report H3 and
I know you guys noticed I was making calls and um moving back and forth because my mind was processing what it was that you all were asking me um regarding uh staff report H3 and I had to go back and reference the actual council received and guidance received.
And so I needed to clarify if there had been a change um in what we had been advised before or if we were still to act as we were um advised via you know via communications with council and so the clarification that I did receive is
given that we have a statement of withdrawal for from Dr. Griffin concerning um Joseph Tin Bush uh staff report H3. It is sufficient for us to allow that statement to be read publicly um which
HR department is going to do for us and then we can proceed with removing it from the agenda because it was a withdrawal from the superintendent. And so I just something just caught me and I had to process
how exactly to ensure that we did this correctly. So at this time I passed it back over to Mrs. McCall and I apologize when you started reading your information. I wasn't here. I just want to thank you for standing in the gap for human resources. I welcome you to the table. I'm extremely proud to see you
here and I don't want to make light of that. Thank you. >> Um so I'm honored to have you but you have the floor. >> All right. Recommendation withdrawals for director of academics July 13 2026 board of education withdrawal of
recommendation for director of academics dear board of education members this letter serves as formal notice that the recommendation previously advanced in support of director of academics Mr. Joseph Tinbush where the position of director of academics is hereby
withdrawn effective immediately after further review and consideration of relevant information. It has been determined that is it is in the best interest of the district to resend this recommendation at this time. This action is being taken to ensure that all
employment recommendations presented for consideration reflect the district's standards, expectations, and decision-making processes. This withdrawal should be understood as supersending any prior communication, memorandum, agenda item or
correspondence indicating support of this recommendation. Accordingly, this matter should be removed from further consideration unless and until the new recommended recommendation is submitted through the appropriate process. Please include this
letter in the official record related to this position and the recommendation process. If any additional administrative steps are required to document this with withdrawal, those steps should be taken in accordance with the board policy, district procedure,
and any other applicable requirements. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Dr. Simone Griffin, superintendent, Ben Harbor Area Schools. Thank you so much. So, at this time, given that um the withdrawal has been officially read into the record, I would
ask, is there a motion to remove staff report H3 from the agenda? >> I make a motion to remove staff report H3 from the agenda. >> Is there a second in support? >> Support. >> The motion was made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Trustee Gavin. Any questions, comments, or concerns?
Hearing none, Secretary Triplet, >> President Robinson. And this is essentially an amendment of the agenda to remove the the item. Yes. Yes. >> Vice President Bowens. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. Yes. >> Treasure Gavin. >> Yes.
>> Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trustee Bradley. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right. So, I look forward to um interim superintendent Mr. Sanders having an opportunity to proceed with decision- making as it relates to this position. We're going to move it right
along. I know I promised you all 7:30. I can guarantee eight o'clock depending on how how much you all speak in your closing comments. Um, under old business, as you all are aware, we had a board retreat anticipated for July of 2026 given the resignation of the
superintendent and focus on getting an interim placed. Um, and that transition needed, it's my recommendation that we have our board retreat in August to allow uh, interim superintendent Sanders to join us. I'm going to be an excellent team building um opportunity with him as
well. And so I did want to gauge the board's availability um for that retreat. Um it's going to probably be quite hefty because I'll try to see if I can squeeze in a partnership agreement training as well so we can get started on those. Um so I know that the one the
one of us that is limited the most in availability to be present due to his work schedule is Bradley. He's clarified he's available all throughout the month of August. So, does the board have a preference for a particular weekend? And better yet, is there a weekend that absolutely does not work for either of
you? >> I was going to say the weekend or the seventh and the eighth. That's not that's blacked out because that's the uh MASB summer institute weekend. >> Okay. Okay. So, no seventh and eighth. Gavin, I'm sorry. No objections. Secretary Triplet.
>> Yeah, the I was going to say the 8th and the 15th. um that that weekend will not be uh I won't be able to be available like president that weekend those two weekends don't work.
>> Okay. Anyone else have any um so it looks like you're not available the 22nd. Okay. So we're not available the the 8th the 15th the 22nd. So it looks like we we have we
have the 29th. Does that work for everybody? >> Okay. So we will have our board retreat on August 29th for certain. And this will give us time to um you know allow
I don't know [clears throat] if I want to call him principal or superintendent interim superintendent Sanders to get um you know get in and get acclimated. I would ask that in the meantime between now and then that each of you do connect with um interim
superintendent Sanders as of the 25th at least um so that we can start getting those relationships built the one ones and things of that nature and then we'll come back with a template agenda um so that you all can have feedback on what we actually
accomplish in that meeting. So that meeting will will officially be August 29th. I would say probably 8 or 9. If you guys would prefer a nine, that's fine. We probably going to be at 8 hour.
Yes, ma'am. Um, President Robinson, um, I guess I'm interested in the agenda for the retreat. I've asked if we can include that restorative training from the organization that was doing restorative work at the high school so
that we can be in alignment with them. I'm wondering if that can still be on that agenda. >> Yes. So, so I know the the major key points we want to set goals um for interim superintendent Sanders um vice
uh vice president Bradley has sent I think two different versions of things that you think are priorities. So, we'll we'll take a look at those as well. Trusty Bradley has asked that we do a board self- evaluation which we send out in advance evaluate ourselves and then
we set goals as a board um which we have not done since 2022. Um but I what I plan to do regarding that training is see if we can get it qualified through um the partnership agreement account for one of those trainings.
>> Okay. I appreciate that. >> That's that I'm sorry. President, you have the floor. >> I was going to ask um with us being able to will it will it qualify under the partnership agreement requirement >> and that we cannot lose focus on that particular area.
>> We need to go ahead and knock that out too um as soon as possible. Put that schedule together. >> Hopefully we'll be able to do that at that retreat. So we we will not be the reason why goals and what hasn't have not been met as it relates to partnership agreement. Thank you.
>> Absolutely. And I think that um it'll fit because part of you know part of what we have to focus on is team building and and and communication and things like that. And so I think that as long as we get the description um I normally present it and and tell them how long it is and things of that nature
and it's it hasn't been complex getting um not necessarily getting approval but confirming that it will count towards the partnership agreement. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um new business. >> Okay. real quick and I know probably Trusty Rocket Marvel's gonna touch on it
too. Um we do have the summer institute and the um she'll probably touch on more. We got the summer institute coming up. I'm I'm in the house tonight. Um we got the summer institute coming up on August 7th um and 8th and um it's going to be in Kazoo. Um they're going to for
the full day workshop they're going to discuss uh the governance core 2.0 um and good to great. Uh so make sure if you're going to attend to get a copy of that book. We did have that workshop with uh Deb Min I think last year. Um but like I said the governance core 2.0
is very good book very informative as y'all can see. I got a lot of information in there. Um then the um annual leadership conference that's coming up in October. Um see either Molly or Miss Alicia for more information on how to register.
>> All right. Um, if there's no other new business, uh, anyone present for Were you going to say something? Go ahead. Can you put your >> annual leadership conference is coming up, I believe, October 14th to the 16th.
>> I know it's like about the second week in October. I don't want to give the wrong dates, but that's held in Lancing. And um that's a time also that the voting representatives would be uh there to vote on behalf of our district which
would be Mr. Bradley and I'm the backup. Uh but you can also take classes. So uh if we keep with continuous learning we want our students to do it. We should do it also. We want our teachers to do it. We want our administrators to do it. And
I think it's only right that we set an example and we do it too. And those dates are, excuse me, I'm sorry. Those dates are October 15th through the 18th and Lancing at the Lancing Center. Um, and um, the general sessions are going to be Caitlyn Hall,
um, Mimi Brown, and there the state superintendent will be there um, with uh, Dan Wuba, the um, chief executive officer of MASB. >> All righty. So, we'll proceed. Anyone for open public comment? Hearing none, we'll proceed. Pass.
Superintendent Announce. Oh. I we got 11 minutes real fast. >> You have the floor writing, but always stand for the kids and I'm going wait till Superintendent Sanders came. But I got a message from
uh athletic director. Our teen center is closed because of no water, sanitary purposes, and we got a gang coming up and we invested too much money in there. So, I'm hoping with that air
conditioning and heating fund that >> we can kind of get on the teen center right away so that that can be reopened as soon as possible. Thank >> Thank you so much. Please ensure you you fill out a public participation form so they can ensure that they have your
comment documented appropriately. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we're going to move um in the absence of Dr. Griffin, we're going to proceed past her announcements and comments unless she left something with either of you all. Nope. Okay. Um board member announcements and comments will
uh begin with uh Trusty Bradley. Um, I just want to thank everybody who participated in Zoom. Um, I wasn't attending on being here. Um, as some of you all know, I had surgery yesterday, but um, you know, what they said they saw, they didn't find. Thank God. I do
thank um, Miss Triplet for his call. And I thank Trusty Rocket Martin for her prayer. She said, "Oh, before you go in, you call, we going to pray." And when she saw me walking in, she did a cozy clap out there in the in the parking lot. She was so excited to see me. And um, but I'm doing well. um not 100% but
I'm here um because I'm we've had some people like oh you don't need to go to the board meeting but all I was doing was sitting at home and um we need to start pushing that we start reading because I on the train ride home I end up finishing two books I was working on so um I think I deserve a personal
paying pizza from Pizza Hut for doing that but uh I want to thank also thank Dr. Griffin in her absence for her service to our district and I look forward to the great things we're going to work on with um interim superintendent Sanders.
Um and so you know glad we got that uh 12.3 million grant looking to great things for that. Um if we write the vision on the wall um and then also you got to think about if we don't have a vision the people perish. But we want to make sure that we're being a
visionminded board and making sure that we are moving um upon what we're built upon and everything. Yes, things may not go the way we wanted sometimes, but we got to celebrate the little wins when we get them. So, I will leave it at that.
>> All right. Up next, we have Trusty Rocket Martin. >> Yes. Uh, I do have a flyer from the Barryian Community Foundation uh for backpacks for good, a school readiness event. And um it's called a national night out. Students who live in the
49022 zip code 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 4th at the Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park in downtown Bitten Harour. This event is open to students who live in the 49022
zip code regardless of the school they attend. They will be giving away backpacks, school supplies, and other things. It's sponsored by Whirlpool and the Berian Community Organization. So, um, the parents, if you're online
and you're here and your ch children need things for back to school, that's a good place to go and a good time to go to receive those things. I'd also like to um thank Dr. Griffin for her service to our district and for Mr. Standers for
stepping up to um to continue his service to our district. Uh, I'd like, you know what, I would like to thank the summer staff. I'd like to thank the teachers, the bus drivers, the custodians, the maintenance people for the work that I have seen them doing
this summer. Are they are we all perfect? No, we are not. But everybody is stepping up to the plate and uh doing what needs to be done and I appreciate that. I'd like to thank uh I know First
Student for uh transportation. they're in their uh negotiations or whatever, but I do see our bus drivers who are residents of our community and I appreciate that that they hire the people that actually live in our community to take our students home. So,
um from what I see, I don't know all of it, but from what I've seen, they are people that live in our community. So, I appreciate that. Um, and with that being said, I just would like to thank once again the uh the grant for our infrastructure for our
high school and for our middle school. And like I said, keep the elementary in your minds because they also do have needs. Thank you. >> Thank you. Up next, we have Treasurer Gavin. I want to thank everybody for
coming out. Um, it's so good to see Mrs. McFall at that director's table. She was a student of mine, a stellar student, and to see her here, I'm just godly proud of you doing a great job. I am
always grateful to see um our Tigers uh sit at these tables and and do a great job. I want to be clear that um here congratulating
our new superintendent. I'm grateful for um Dr. Griffin for the positives that um she contributed to the district. Um, regardless of differences,
everybody brings something to the table and it's important for us to sit in a space of gratitude in spite of differences and um, just be grateful for the positives as we move forward um,
within this transition. I'm also um, praying for our district. I'm praying that we look at our budget, look at our finances, and recognize that we are in a
position to bring in more dollars to our district. We can do that, and we can do it without cutting positions or giving, you know, one person two and three and four hats. We can do that. In fact, if we do it that way,
we're doing it um wisely. Um anybody who has a full-time position, there's a reason why that's a full-time position. It requires full focus. And when you're running after two and three different things, something gets u falls
in the crack and then people, you know, can call you incompetent or say you don't care. And it's not that you don't care, it's that you're doing too many things. is juggling too many things at one time. And so I just want to be clear that that's um where I stand on that
issue with anybody's job. Two jobs are for two people. I would love for everybody to just have one job and be an organizational chart that reflects um that efficiency and that effectiveness. I'm not a know-it-all, but I did minor
in business administration and I did teach business management and so I understand these things in that way. It's nothing personal. Um, but anyway, I'm excited for the district. I believe that uh Mr. Sanders is capable. I do appreciate the little bit of time that I
was able to um work with him and see him and I would love to see uh what's possible and yeah, I'll move forward from there. And I also want to thank the summer school staff and everybody who's joined us on Zoom. You all have a wonderful evening.
Up next, we have Secretary Triplet. >> Thank you, Madam President. for the past month I I month I feel like I've been like in a twilight zone um sitting here at this table. Um I I want
to say congratulations to um our director Carter. I'm so proud of you. I really am. Um I know when you started three years ago and where you are today
that is really an honor. And so, um, Ben Harour Area Schools is very, very proud to say that we have a chief financial officer in, uh, Mrs. Brock Carter. So, I I want to say congratulations. Um, also,
it's very it's very nice um to see Mrs. McFall sitting over there. Um, I think uh, Director Dorsey Smith is doing an amazing job um, in that division and in that department. I'm so proud, you know,
when I look over to the left, not taking any credit for anything, but it's good to see too my former varsity cheerleaders um, sitting at the table in directorship areas. And so also I'm I'm I'm grateful for the grant, grateful for my colleagues, but I do
want to say to um to this community, I've been here for a long time. I've been in education for quite some time now. I have taught family members. I have supervised family members. Uh this is not new to
me. Um, often times people think that you will do what they do, but one thing I do not play with is Ben Harvard area school. My stripes have never changed. I want to say congratulations um to Mr. Sanders
who happens to be my little brother. I am very very proud of you. I um and I hope that you get in there and do
what I know you can do for the type um you know to come to me. I'm not I don't play about Ben Harour and um so I I I I've seen you
um with all of your credentials and what have you. I I just want to give this to you if you're listening. 062436. All that in your heart. Do what's right. Give us an opportunity
to have a chance. Get in there and give it all that you got so that we can stay in our role as board member and be able to trust that we have somebody up in there that's going to do what we have hired them to do and what they said that
they were capable of doing. I would like to thank my colleague um for um the way in which you guys have handled this particular situation and uh again I'm excited
uh about the upcoming school year and I'll just end mine with um go Tigers. Thank you Madam President too. Uh when I saw you walking with that phone, I'm like, "Okay, she gonna grind all the way to the end and when she come back to
this table, we will have the correct decision." So, thank you, uh, Benton Harour. >> Thank you, Secretary Triplet. Up next, we have Vice President Bowens. >> It was March of 2020, 2003. Um, I was in Miss Pearson's class and I told this
young lady I liked a girl named Naisha and ever since then we've been cool. >> Jessica, it's good to see you in there. That seat looks good on you and I'm rooting for you. Um, I want to tell you two things. First, Dr. Griffin, thank you for your service if you're watching.
Um, we thank you for investing in our children, making sure our facilities are White House clean. Um, also the miracle framework. Um, so thank you. Um, I want you guys in the public, if you're watching this, pay attention. It's a
Facebook page called Michigan Taxpayer. Um, and they're going to our school buildings. They're going to different things. They were even hating on us getting the grant. And when it's time for millages and stuff to get voted on,
what they're doing is building up people to vote no against anything that we come up against. I want you guys to pay attention to that. One thing I would also encourage our board to watch if you have it. I don't know if it's still on Netflix. It's called Miss Virginia. Um
it's about DC public schools. um the issue. It was very educating and if you can't watch that, watch the Ron Clark story. Um and it gives you that refocus on why, at least it gives me refocus on why I'm here and I think it would inspire you. Um when the vacancy came
for the superintendent, it was three people that came to mind. I prayed. I listened to the chatter and one of the persons I immediately called and I said, "I don't want to hear anything. I just want to hear from your mouth. are you interested? And it was
Mr. Sanders. And he said, "Yes, Mr. Sanders, welcome home. I seen the work that you've done in Delaware. I've seen the work that you've done in New Orleans. And I've seen the work that you've done um at Bitten Harbor High School. It will be times in this
position that you will feel discouraged, but just know that we are Tigers. We are here for you and your community supports you." I also got to give it to us as a board on how we handled the transition like nothing happened. We just moved on.
>> I also must apologize um from reading some of those comments, you know, I would ask questions and I would not get the full story um and then when things would come to
us, it would come different. I hope that as we are in a new season of another new season that we are focusing on the whole body, mind, soul and spirit and making sure our employees are feeling valued and appreciated.
Thank you and have a good night. >> Thank you, Vice President Bowen. So, I would like to thank uh our board of education for your flexibility and being available today because this was not the original day for our meeting. And so I know each of us do have schedules and
families and responsibilities outside of the board of education as well as our staff have have things that are a priority. So I want to thank everyone first and foremost for your flexibility in being here this evening. Also want to remind you all that we will be here again next week uh for the work session
um so that we can ensure that we continue the business at hand. I also would like to thank Dr. Griffin for coming to Benton Harvard Area Schools, joining us and achieving the things that she was ordained to do for that season.
Al although brief, um I do think that there was a purpose that you served in coming here and so we thank you for the amazing things that you did accomplish while you were here. Um and we wish you continued grace and benefits in your future
endeavors. I would like to also uh give my sincere thanks to interim superintendent Eith Sanders. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first time that we have had a superintendent that was a product of Benton Harour area schools in
Benton Harbor, Michigan since 2019. When I was appointed in 2020, we had Dr. Townsel. Um so it is refreshing to be in a space where there is someone that we have grown grown beside know um and can trust with our district.
I do want to acknowledge Trusty Gavins expressed concerns. I hear you sincerely and I I do understand what you have voiced. Um, I am trusting in principal Sanders um, thoughts in being able to
serve in both capacity as Benton Harbor High School principal and interim superintendent temporarily. And I would ask if he's still listening that he is um forefront focused and honest with both the board
of education and himself if he get when and if he gets to a place in this temporary transition where he needs to lay that principal hat down. So I do thank the board for your support of uh the request of Mr. Sanders. I
honor and give him dignity for being that strong of a tiger to make that pursuit. And we want you to know that the board of education supports you if you determine that we need to move in a different direction. Uh also, thank you to finance for the amazing work that was
done with the $12 million grant. Again, congratulations to Director Bar Carter for your CFO certification. Lastly, I'm proud of you, Miss McFall. Um, when we got here, she she told me I
could dismiss her if she didn't need to be here. No, you're going to sit here through the whole meeting because I'm proud to have you here. So, I'm just grateful for everybody. I'm thankful to be a Tiger. I'm blessed and honored to have been your president. Um, and I just thank you all for your support and
encouragement. So, at this time, I would ask, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> I so move. >> Second. The motion was made by Secretary Triplet and supported by We'll go with Bradley. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Hearing none. Secretary Triplet.
>> President Robinson. >> Yes. >> Vice President Bowen. >> Yes. >> Secretary Triplet. Yes. Trustee me. Treasurer Gavin. >> Yes. Sorry. >> Rocket Martin. >> Yes. >> Trusty Bradley. >> Yes. >> Motion carry.
>> Meeting adjourned as of 8:08 p.m. The first