This meeting is a meeting of the board of education and public for conducting the school district's business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. This meeting is an in-person meeting held at 870 KFax here in Benton Harbor. An additional live stream of this meeting is available at the noted
link. Questions may be submitted beforehand to Natalie. Bhas.org or or presented in person during the public comments as indicated in the agenda. Board members may be contacted through the emails listed below. Requests for special assistance uh special
assistance, including for persons with disabilities, may be sent to Natalie. Bhas.org. I call this meeting to order officially at 6:10 p.m. We'll begin by reciting the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United
States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Secretary Tripley, can you please call the role? President Robinson, present. Vice
President Bowens, present. Secretary Triplet, present. Treasurer Bradley present. Trusty Rocket Martin present. Trustee Gavin present. Trustee Doyle present. Madame President, a
quorum has been established. All right. Next up on the agenda, we have approval of the agenda. Um the agenda is being presented. As noted, I do want to let you all know that the director of human resources has requested that we actually
take a vote on his reports regarding uh st separation of employment staff report H1, new hire staff report H2, new hires for third parties, which is staff report H3. I did consult with the chair of the human resources committee, Vice President Bowens, and he was in approval
of us allowing these items to be action items this evening. So, at this particular time, I'll ask, is there a motion to approve the agenda? Madame President, you have the floor. I make a motion that we approve the agenda, please. Is there a second or support? Support. The motion has been
made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Treasurer Bradley. Any questions, comments, or concerns? Can you give some clarification on what you just stated as it relates to the requests from the human resource department? So there are three particular staff reports as noted staff
report H1, H2 and H3. Each of those as it being our work session with standard B4 discussion. However, director McDermott has indicated that there are some start date specifically for the new hires um that are quick approaching as well as I believe a retirement. He
indicated that he felt it would be best that we actually take action on um this evening. And I'll defer to uh director McDerman if anything additional needs to be provided. Clarify President Robson uh resignation and then uh for the two reports H2 and
H3 a hire for uh direct hire for Benton Harbor Schools and then our third party hire for Riverb Life. I guess I just don't understand the urgency with this being a um work session and so we have our business
meeting. We need to I you know this need to be presented to us to let us know what's happening so that we'll have an opportunity to at least look at it and address it. So I don't see the urgency of it unless something have to happen tomorrow. So to interject, one of the hires is
being um reflected as March 26th, which is tomorrow. Okay. So we we could do that one, but the other ones we need to see and reflect if that's okay. All right. Any other comments from the board? Vice President Bowens, did you
want to add anything as the chair of HR as to why you approved that being noted for a vote? um with a sense of urgency and making sure we have the people um in seats and reflective of the resignation
dates. I um wanted to go ahead and vote on that. However, if my fellow committee member wants to withhold that, we can. Any other comments from the board? President Robinson, I just ask if um if
my colleagues can speak up a little bit um down here by maybe a fan and I'm not able to hear as well. Okay. So, I apologize. So, for example, when you look at the separation, one of them were effective on
3:14. Um the new hire is effective on 3:26, which is tomorrow. Tomorrow. So I wanted us to make sure we were when they reached out to me just getting this done. However, if my fellow
chairman want to wait, we can. However, I guess my question is to the chair. Could they still start with the district or we would be with that vacancy? I'm I'm good.
Uh Chairman Bowen. Okay, I'm good. All right. If there's no other questions, as stated, the agenda is being presented as noted with the full understanding that your vote is approving us taking a vote for staff report H1, H2, and H3 tonight. Secretary Triplet, can you please call
the vote? President Robinson, yes. Vice President Bowen, yes. Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Bradley, yes. Trusty Rocket Martin, yes. Trusty Doyle, yes. Trusty Gavin. Yes. Motion carries. Up
next, we have review of board norms. The board of education norms for Benton Harour 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. Next on the agenda, we have public comment on agenda items. Is there anyone present that would like to make a comment on an agenda item? All right. Hearing none, we'll pro. Okay. So, I'll read the public
comment state statement um while you come. The Bitten Harbor Area Schools Board of Education recognize the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on district matters. Today, there are two areas for comment on the agenda, of
which you may decide when to speak. Public comment on agenda items and open public comment. We request that each interested participant complete a public participation form using legible writing to ensure that responses are appropriate and properly focused per Benton Harbor School's 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 threeinut duration and per or 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 comments and questions under advisement and not respond at this time. I president will refer questions
to the superintendent for research and response. Please ensure that your public participation form includes your contact information as requested. If you have specific questions for the board or executive team that require followup, please email those directly to
Natalie.bhas.org. You have the floor. Thank you, ma'am. Uh, Madame President, uh, Miss Superintendent and board members, uh, I believe so many are here today because there is a rumor that's
going around the city that's saying, uh, that we're well, we're more concerned about the direction our board is going and our leadership, especially as it pertains to the superintendent. Uh we believe that the
superintendent and stability is key uh not only qualification but stability. We would like to make sure that it is understood that we support superintendent buts going forward. We
want the board to know that uh going forward we are uh we want to make sure that you all know that we support his effort and your effort working in collaboration with him to move our district forward.
I am a military retiree and one of the things that we learned in the military is everyone uh has to move in the same direction at the same beat on the same march cadence with one leader providing
the the the instructions. What we're asking for is that this leader Dr. Buts who we believe is qualified and st and provides the stability that we need. We're asking that he remain as our superintendent
going forward uh until the next uh uh contract is due. We would like him to remain as our superintendent for this next period and maybe going forward past that. But we would like to see stability
in the district. So, please uh renew. We're asking that that contract be renewed for 2025 and 26. My name is Kenneth Robinson. I pastor Second Baptist Church.
Thank you. Is there anyone else for public comment on agenda items? All right. Hearing none, we will You have the floor. Hello everyone. I'm Gwen Johnson and I would just like to
say with all due respect, pastor, I disagree uh with how the superintendent has been has demonstrated his performance with the school district. It's been a lot of lies that
I've seen. It's been a lot of misinformation. is detrimental to our children and the things that he's done in the past with you all know about it now. But when it was happening, it was like you
all didn't know that he had done some things with some teachers and um giving them notices that they didn't shouldn't come back or they couldn't come back or whatever that was. Why wasn't he reprimanded? He should have been reprimmended for the things that you all said that you all
didn't know that he did, but he did it behind your backs. What type of superintendent is that? And then you als he also just last week didn't allow our children to go to the robotics competition. It's been a lot of things
going on. A lot of chaos has been called caused by the superintendent and you all need to really assess this. And I believe you already know what should happen as far as moving our our our children forward
in a successful way. He doesn't have a plan to recruit our kids. He's throwing stuff playing musical chairs. It just doesn't make sense. So, I wish you all will do the
right thing and not I'm asking not to renew his contract. I I really am. And as as a number of others, too think that his contact should contract should not be renewed. So,
please do the right thing for our children cuz our children are suffering at this man's hands. Anyone else for public comment on agenda items? Me say good afternoon to each and every one of you and thank for allowing us to
have this opportunity. I'm here tonight um because some years ago when Gretchen Whitmer came to the Pilgrim Rush Church and declared her undying support for this district and then turned around to close it. It was very few people in this room that met her face to face outside
of Pastor Rich and myself and told her wasn't going to happen. So, I came here tonight because I've been fighting for the last three or four years to make sure when y'all sit we still got these seats. I disagree wholeheartedly. Number one, uh you don't have to recruit when you got things in order. It's not his
job to recruit. Not when you got violence breaking out in the schools. That's your biggest recruitment. When I talk to parents, it ain't about him. It's about what goes on in these classrooms. Bottom line, we got to stop playing games with people lives. And I'm going to say this, and I'm not going to take a long time. It's a problem with
any district that got seven superintendents and about 15 lawyers. Anyone else for public comment on agenda items? Every time you look around, we can you come closer to the mic. Every time you look around, we need a new superintendent. It's time to stop. Let
this man stay here, do his job. Seem like everything going fine with me. Y'all want to get rid of this man for what? Get rid of those kids that's coming up here causing all this chaos. Y'all don't call no big meeting when all that's happening. But y'all want to call a big meeting on this man. I don't see
nothing he doing wrong trying to help the district. Y'all going to keep every time you get rid of someone, he's still going to get paid. I'm going all right. Can you please ensure we have your name to note for the record?
Formality is the formality is so off. My name is Tiana Batisell. You have the floor. I apologize. Madam President, uh Tiana Batis, 330 Kfax Avenue, Southbend, Indiana. Um I'm so glad to see the community this evening. Um it would be
nice if pastors could come more so that so that the baby Yeah. Please. I didn't disrespect you. I didn't disrespect you. I didn't disrespect you. I didn't disrespect you. I do not disrespect you.
I do not disrespect you. I have freedom to please have a seat. I have freedom of speech and I disrespect you. So down. So you all are disrespecting the board of education in the district of this business. So I don't I don't want to ask you all to step out.
Mr. McGrder, that's disrespectful. That's disrespectful. arms. Turn around and do that. He interrupted me. He interrupted me. voting on that document is for you all to address the board and not the
publisher. I would also ask that the public not respond during another person's comment section so that you all are seeing that there are two wrongs that are contribute to this chaos that has occurred. So we do value everyone's voice but what I cannot have is for my
board meeting to break out and be chaotic and turn into a circuit reality TV show. We can't do business in that manner, right? So I know it's a heated topic. I know that there are things that have been portrayed in the community, the rumors that have circulated, but I'm asking that you all please in a
professional man and respect the vision, please. Okay, you may continue, Miss. Thank you so much, President Robinson. I do apologize. Thank you so much for giving us an order. As I was trying to say, I hope my time started over. I don't know
where I'm at. Um, but I do appreciate seeing a community. However, we need you to be here more because the data speaks volumes under this leadership. I am not a disgruntled employee, but instead an educational activist advocate that
understands how this works. I have two businesses in education. I am not an employee that's disgruntled. Dr. does not exhibit morality
because of the community like we need to make a decision morals because the kids are dying in the streets because our schools are failing. And yes, this district has had several leaders over the years over and
over and over and over and over. But Daniel, you got to get it right cuz this ain't the one. It's time to start over again. Thank you. Okay, so I am going to read the public the public comment statement one more [Music]
time. The Benton 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 that responses are appropriate and properly focused. Per Ven 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 three minutes 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 comments to the board and not to staff or other
participants. The board will listen, take comments and questions under advisement and not respond at this time. I, as president, will refer questions to the superintendent for research and response. Please ensure that your public participation form includes your contact information as requested. If you have
specific questions for the board or executive team that require followup, please email those directly to Natalie.bhs.org. org. Is there anyone else that is present for a public comment on agenda items?
You have the floor. First of all, good afternoon everyone. Good afternoon. My name is Reverend Lewis Brooks. I represent New Covenant Community Baptist Church, 841 East Main Street. I am a former employee of this district.
and nearly three years of employment, I witnessed three different people sitting in that seat. There's a scripture in the Bible that says without vision, the people perish. That's the problem with this district. There's no vision. There has to be a vision and you have to have a leader to carry out the
vision. And sometimes you have to allow the man that you chose to be the leader to do the job that you brought him in to do. Thank you. Is there anyone else present for public comment on agenda items? You have the floor.
I'm Heather Mueller. I've worked in this district for 13 years and um these last few years have been the most difficult. We have had a lot of changes and I'd like to have you speak up. I'm sorry. And um the last board meeting we had, there were students that
got up to speak and it was very difficult for them to speak. So, I know that there's a lot of students that have left this district that have not spoken, but they're leaving should speak volumes to you. This is the lowest enrollment that we have ever had. We've lost
seasoned staff members. We've lost students. We've lost families. It's not getting any better. And at some point, you have to cut your losses and say, "This is not working. It's not working." And we've had, you know, we have resilient teachers and we've fought to
stay in this district over and over again. We're on the ground level with these students and I can tell you this is not working. It's just not. I know it's up to you guys to make this decision, but you're you're not privy to all of the things that we see on the ground level, and no disrespect to anybody else, but unless you're in this
district working with these kids, you don't know. And all the cuts that are planning on being made, that's I think it's just premature because they've said they're not cutting the um title one funds, our 30 uh1a funds.
Those are not being cut. Those are for the atrisisk students. So I I'm trying to understand why are we cutting all the staff when we're still going to be receiving these funds. So if anyone could answer that for me, that would be great. Um but that's all I'd say. Thanks. Thank you. Is there anyone else
that's present for public comment on agenda items? My name is Brenda Matthews. I'm the registar for Benon Harour area schools and the people accountant. As far as being privy to information, families, students, disenrolling, withdrawing, I'm
privy to that information. I'm the first person they meet when they come in. I'm the last person they talk to when they leave. It has nothing to do with the superintendent. It has nothing to do with the board.
Ch demographics have changed. Families aren't having six and seven children anymore. We have parents I always request from every parent, when you're leaving this district, you can't just call me and tell me you're leaving. No, I need you to come in cuz I need to know
why you want to leave our district. They're relocating out of state. Most of even the charters, the charters take our students up until they have all the funds. Then I'm enrolling every day.
Every day. I have my supervisor here that I could that can tell you I've enrolled 33 kids since February 12th count day. That count day, we don't get any funds for those children. But nobody
puts out. When you take your child out and you send them to charter, they keep the money until February. Then we get all of their problems back. As far as what the board does, what the district
does, I tell every parent, anybody that has anything negative to say about our district, we get what you raise at home. What comes here is what you raise at home. You can't talk about academics. You can't talk about the board. You can't talk about the superintendent.
It's the parents. What you see here is what we get in every one of our buildings. And let me calm down cuz I'm a little upset because there are a lot of people speaking on what they don't know. I make sure I don't care if you're
first enrolling, you're returning to our district. I make sure I speak with every single parent that comes into this district. Why are you coming here? Why are you leaving? Everything that's said has nothing to do with the students
leaving. The fights that's at home, the fights that come in these buildings, they start on Facebook out in the community and they bring it here because they know there's someone here that will break up the fights. Nobody here is to
blame. It's the parents. It's what what they bring from their homes, what they raise in their homes. That's what we deal with here. And I'm a little upset as far as cutting funds. We don't have the students. They cycle through
the entire ISD serviceable area. They go to this district, that district, and every excuse. They didn't like my child. They did this to my child. You don't want to parents don't want to take the blame. It's what you raised at home is
what we're getting here. All this fighting that we're doing has nothing to do with us. It's what they're raising at home and sending here. Unfortunately, Miss Matthews, please wrap up your comment. Unfortunately, we have students here
that really want to learn. Over 98% of them want to learn. It's that 2% that causes the problem and causes all this. We need to focus on the right thing. We need to get these parents involved. Then we won't have the we
wouldn't even need a superintendent if we got the parents involved. Brenda Matthews, I'm register. Thank you, Miss Matthews. Is there anyone else present for public comment on agenda items? Uh,
my name is Ashley Williams and please bear with me because I didn't plan on coming in here to speak. And so I looked at the agenda and I'm like there's nothing I want to comment on as far as the agenda, but there's the superintendent, the strategic plan and everything that we have. I can have him
speak a little bit longer. People are expressing concerns about the superintendent. So I'm going to speak on the superintendent personally. Um, I love Dr. Buts as our superintendent and that's as a staff member. I have been employed in the district since 2018. Um
I've seen three superintendents, one interim superintendent. And so what we need is stability. We need consistency to support the academic interventions and ELA programs and math programs that we are implementing and that we have to
implement with fidelity. We cannot do that without consistency. So, we find ourselves needing a new superintendent that needs to learn what type of improvements we need to make academically, that needs to figure out what needs to happen at these district leadership team meetings that we are all
not privy to. So, I feel like Dr. Butts, not that I feel like I wish I had some data to support what I'm saying. We are growing as a district in our literacy programs at MLK. Without his leadership and his support and backing us in some of these meetings that he has to sit
through with the state and the TA center to support our efforts, we not we would not be as far as we are. And so I'm saying as an employee, we need Dr. Buts. We are I come into the building and I
feel secure in my job as an academic interventionist or a teacher wherever I'm placed because I'm doing what I need to do and he's there to support us. He has concerns about how the staff is feeling. He's going to have Q&As's with us to figure out what he can do to make
our conditions better as support staff for our students. And so I don't want to h say a lot I don't want to have a lot of feelings in this. So, I want to redirect what I want to say. The school district is not failing because of the superintendent. The school district is
not failing because of our teachers. The school district is failing because our kids have an academic achievement gap. I spoke about this when Whitmer was trying to come and propose the high school because our kids come to school with a deficit because they have language
barriers. They have literacy barriers where they come in, they can't write their names all the time. They don't know all the sounds that they need to know. They don't know how to blend, continuous blend to actually say words. So, we're behind the eightball. So, when they come into our doorstep in
kindergarten, first grade, sometimes second grade, third grade, they do not have the skills that they need to be a student at that grade level. And so, we are fighting an achievement gap. And so when we are all on one accord and we're
all doing the things that are necessary to build our kids skills up and right now we're doing that at MLK at least I know for sure and so I know my time is up and I know I wasn't very cohesive with what I want to say but Dr.
Bus is supporting our academic intervention and ELA initiatives to get our kids to where they need to be and we can't disrupt that. Thank you. Any more public comments on agenda
items? You have the floor. Good evening everybody. Um, thank you all. Um, I think it was the meeting before last. I had a comment um that I submitted and I um actually got that uh question answered. So, thank you uh for that answer. But just like everybody
else um in this building tonight, I wanted to express uh my concern as it relates to the superintendent role. Um we have had a lot of superintendent come through this district. Um we currently have disgruntled employees who have a
voice in our system that should not. You don't even live in our community but has something to say about our educational system. Stay away from here. We need unity as it relates to our district. We
need people here who love our kids, who want to support what we're doing. Disgruntled, angry, upset people do not belong here. Dividing our community, and again, somebody's talking while I'm talking. There was a code of ethics that
you talked about. Could you please speak to that? Because I hear voices as I'm talking. I was very quiet. So, if we could just a reminder for everyone to please cease while someone has the mic, I would greatly appreciate it. And I'll regain my time.
And so, when disgruntled people coming in here having words to say that are loud and expressive, when they were in in in in roles, they were bullying, they were angry, they were having meetings with people, they were threatening
employees and all kinds of things. But they come into our meeting talking about what we need to do to replace who replace what. Every time we replace somebody in that role, our teachers have to start over again. They come in, they they offer a new curriculum. The
teachers have to learn it. Then they have to learn how to teach it to the students. It is a continuous process that we need to stop and create some stability at the top. You may not love everything that the superintendent has done or is doing, but we need to give
people time to grow in roles. You need more than two years to grow in a role when you were um put in an interim position. And I think this board needs to give an opportunity to the superintendent to actually grow in that role and to stay in that role. Many of
you are not education in education and don't necessarily see what happens on the ground level, but I would encourage each of you to go into the buildings and talk to the teachers. And like uh Miss Ashley said, when you have a superintendent that is willing to dialogue and not dictate, as we've had
people dictating information and forcing things on teachers, it's a difference. Having a conversation with them while they're teaching and what what's happening in those buildings is important. get into the buildings to see what's happening with our teaching and with our staff. That's important. We
don't need to start over again because at the end it hurts our students. At the end of the day, our students suffer every time we we start over. At MLK, there is a room chocked full of curriculum that was purchased by one of the superintendent um that was in the
building. Thousands of dollars spent on curriculum cuz every time somebody new comes in, we have to start over. We don't miss need disgruntled people here. They were terrible when they were here, but they disgruntled and they coming back having something to say. No, enough
is enough. Thank you. Thank you. Do we have anyone else present for public comment on agenda items? All right, you have the floor. And Mr. McGrder, I would ask that you not leave that corner.
I muted you about five minutes ago, my brother. You have the floor. My name is Michenna Rakette. I live at 1861 West Octton, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Uh I am a current employer of Benton Harbor area
schools. And my comment is to address um the uh superintendency role. Um and specifically stating I'm not talking about persons. I'm speaking about the role of leadership and how it is important for any organization to be
successful. Any organization to be stable and thrive, not just survive but thrive, there must be a stable, consistent leadership at the head. Um, and and if you even think about it, your
head can dictate so many things with your body. the signals that we receive, they can make us go each any way we want to. And it's again important. I've been a a Benton Harbor area school student,
alumni, volunteer, teacher. Uh I've worked in pretty much K through 12, even at the central administration level. And one thing that I have noticed in my tenure here at Ben Harbor Area Schools is that with every change there has been
a dstability that has come into the to the area. There has been instability that has made a shock wave and the ones who suffer the most are our students. Every time we change at the head, those of us who are in the
trenches, we feel it the most. And again to support comments that were made by other um other individuals, we do get students who come all year round and a lot of them come after count day. I even
have students who have come right before count day, like a day or two, and they've missed most of the school year before first grade. They've missed most of their foundational skill time. So a lot of the efforts that we are dealing with, again
another um individual brought it up, we are dealing with an achievement gap that is brought to us and we as a whole must do what we can to provide a stable consistent environment for our students
so that we can give them the head start as much as possible that they are missing when they come into our buildings. Again, my my statement is please do not replace our leadership at this crucial time, not only for our
local community, but nationalwise. Education, public education is being attacked. And right now is not the time to remove leadership without any evidence of wrong because of whatever things. If you
have evidence of laws being broken, policies being broken, and I mean the only law policy, I can understand that you have a case. However, right now, nationally, we are being attacked. Please do not remove our leadership when we are all on one
accord as a staff to move forward for our students. Thank you. Is there anyone else present who would like to make a public comment on an agenda item? You have the floor. Carlton Lynch, I
want to say uh first thank to the board for allowing us this opportunity to speak and most of all, thank you for the opportunity that you've given us to be able to be present as pastors and involved not just during times like
these of what seems to be chaos, but even when when we hear about turmoil and trouble that goes on at the school. uh pastors are available and have been involved and we can possibly do more in
coming to meetings like this, but I think the real work is when principles need help and when superintendent need help. And from my personal experience, our superintendent has always kept his door open to help with change. Uh, I
have um I I will say this. I don't know the history of Benton Harbor like so many know it, but I will say this, but when there was a time that you needed people to stand up and fight, when government
came in trying to shut our community down, we were all on one accord at that time because we wanted the doors of this school to stay open. It amazes that when we all have the same idea, it seems as though we can find the strength and the
knowledge and the wisdom to work together. But just because we don't agree does not mean we have to be divided. Just because we don't see the same thing by way of a picture does not mean we have to fight and tear up a meeting. So
let's respect the fact that we may not agree, but the principle and the whole main idea is just as my sister has just eloquently spoke today that I believe that we're in the state of an emergency and not only we talking about the
superintendent and since we talking about rumors, I would like to know if it's really true that the state is threatening to come back into uh the school district and take over. I just believe this that there seem to be that
there's a divide of support and there's a divide of no support by way of our superintendent. I believe in every person that's at this table that can make a crucial decision not on behalf of personal privilege and not on behalf of
what you feel about a person their personality but I really don't believe that it's all about the kids like we all say it is because I believe we got a lot of personal hang-ups with each other and when one thing I've learned here is that when you strike a person you're done
with them so I just believe that we just need to just take a moment and just breathe for a moment. And I think just how our sister just talked about the nation and the country and all that's going on. I don't believe that we should move at this junction in time right now.
So I am in support of our superintendent, not the person, but I'm talking about the position and him standing there to push our children in this district forward. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else present that would
like to make a comment on an agenda item? Actually, I came here to introduce myself as the new uh football coach for Benbury schools. Thank you. I'm not sure of the other waiting patient. I don't know if there
was agent items in public comments, but I I would like to say this. Um, and uh I'll try to be brief. So, here's the thing. They want us to fail. They want us to fail. Us being you, the city, the
township, they want us to fail. I'm not one that's going to say they want us to fail. Not telling you who they are. I go back 26 years. I've been here 26 years. You see, I believe in stability. As your football coach, I'll say this again. I was coming to talk
about football. Um, I'm very loyal, very dedicated. 26 years for this city. I wasn't going nowhere. I'm not going nowhere until we get started winning championships. I wish that coach Stan was here cuz we got a bet who's going to be the next district championship first.
I'm playing out publicly. We going to try to make Ben not a basketball town, but a football town. So, it's going to take the support of you parents. We're going to rebuild our booster club. This quarter of the pastors who I have here uh have already placed their support for the program. So I thank you for that.
Getting back to my point I'm switching hats. They when I came here I was I went to Cornerstone to the visit sat down with the president. His name is Mark. I'm forgetting his last name. Mitchell. Uh Mitchell sat down and explained to me
what the plan was for Ben Harbor. If you're around, we talked about history pastor talk about the history of harbor. There was a project called Harbortown one and harbor town 2. The first part of harbor town one is what you see there on um market street across from Meeks.
Harbortown 2 was and I saw the model with the dascese shower to me. Harbor town 2 was the removal of the high school and putting condominiums to oversee the water. Again, I saw that with my own eyes. That was Cornerstone
Alliance. Let's kind of fast forward. Remember, they said we we're going to expand the airport. Remember, they cleaned out the heights. They moved all the people out the heights, didn't they? They do that by that. Is the airport I'm sorry, I can't look that way. Is the
airport expanded? It's not. It's a land grab. It's a land grab. So back what a year or two ago when the governor jumped the gun thought they had us came downtown we're about to take over the
district because they want this from the beginning. We all know that Ben as Ben Hara goes, so does Bern County goes. You got to come through really hard to get to Kazoo, get to Detroit, get to Chicago. They want our land. We cannot play into their hands. We need
stability. Let me flip my hat. As the director of public safety, Dr. Buts has been 100% open to me uh to the department. We work together to operations. Again, let us We are Benton Harbor. That's our battlecry. We are Benton Harbor. We take care of each
other, but we got to get along and know that your gifts will make room for you and bring you before great men. Let's take care of our own business. We got issues at the court. They don't treat us right. That's my fight here on Chap Chief Abrams. But we need some
stability. We need some consistency across the board. I'm here to bring that to the football program and anything else I can do for you us all because again we are harbor period.
Is there anyone else present for public comment on agenda items? Hi. Um, I'm here speaking on behalf of in support of I'm Y'all bear with me. I'm I'm here speaking on behalf of our
superintendent. Um, I'm actually going to speak on like a parent level. I'm speak from a parent level. I have currently three children that's enrolled in Benton Harbor. Hold the mic up a little closer to your mouth. I right there. Yep. I have um Can you hear me
now? Okay. I have um three children that is enrolled in Benton Harbor area schools right now and um so I've I've raised six children. I didn't send my kids to Ben Harbor area schools. Um I sent them elsewhere because during that
time and mind you let me just say this. I'm a tiger. I grew up in Ben Harbor area school. I've been a cougar to a tiger. So, so um but when my children was coming up um I didn't feel the same
thing that I felt when I was in school. I did not. So, I sent my children elsewhere and they graduated elsewhere. At the present moment, I have other children that I'm raising and I
brought them back because I felt a difference. I felt a difference. Um I felt like we had um teachers who cared. I felt like um we had upper you know
people who were upper who cared. I try to teach you know you treat people how you want to be treated. You don't judge a book by its cover. You don't when a person a person can do 50 million good things and one wrong thing
come up and we want to like tear that person down or tear this down or tear that down. I'm in support of Dr. Bus because at the present moment I feel like my children is getting the things that they need as far as the stability. And I have one who has a
IEP who was having trouble who wasn't even reading when I first got her. She was not reading. Um she is reading now because of things that is happening because of things that was put in place to help her grow and things that she
needed to grow in. I have one who actually excelled in their testing which means got above the score that was needed because of the things that are being put in place and the things that are going forth. I feel secure right now. I'm not just a parent. I'm an
employee. I teach second grade. I feel secure right now with our superintendent. I feel like he cares. I have never had a superintendent, even as a parent that I have met who have had a one-on-one with me who
um support. You know, I believe that he supports and I believe that he is here for the better of our children. These are our leaders that we are raising. Even with mine, you know, I teach what I teach at home, but we know when they go
out, they be their children. So, all I'm saying is where there's unity, there's love. When we can be peaceful about a situation, I'm going go sit down. When we really think about what's going on
and we think about what we would do, I encourage you to just think and be real. when you think. That's my thing. Be real when you think. If there is something there, then you do what you need to
do. I almost looked to church. But if you see the stability, okay, if you see the stability, if you see the growth, if you see the things happen, if you come to our schools and talk to us, even the parents, I'm in support of keeping our
superintendent and I appreciate everything you do. Thank you. Is there anyone else present? Yes, I got a little head co to uh the president and to the superintendent and to all the members of
the board and to all of us that are here and to the staff. We thank God for you. Now, let me say this. I'm going to start off with this that getting rid of the superintendent is not going to solve the problem. That's not the problem
solving. Now, I have been a volunteer in the Ben Harbor area school since January of 1990. On a Monday morning, I was sleeping in my bed and Mrs. Greta Hines
called me. you know, uh, Ronaldo, you know, they from Jamaica. She had that Jamaican accent. She said, "Reen child, do you know who this is?" I said, "Sound like Mrs. Hind." She said, "Yes." She said, "I would like for you to come out
to don't even know nothing about this school now, Martinale School, and help me out." She had Martnale and Barn. So, I went out there and I worked with I that's when I first started.
Uh I graduated from Ben Harour in 1973. Came up here as a sophomore. We had split sessions. We had so many students. I think they were even thinking about uh building a new facility.
One week before first semester ended in 19 71 they had that so-called riot that disturbance whites started leaving moving to St. At that time you had to move to St.
Then you had the political. You had the first black mayor. So whites started leaving. Then you had the digg. Now we see that wasn't the best thing. No one in the 49022 knew anything about any other school district but Ben
Har. And so the DC opened the door for Col and Alclair. And so you had more students leaving then charter school then school of choice. And so we see what we have now. All these vacant
buildings in Fairplane and Martinale, Hull almost crying when I passed by Hull School. That's school. I went to the best school in the district. Only went to two schools. Hull from K through nine. Then I came up here as a sophomore and graduated
73. Let me say this. It's a all hands on deck. It's going to take everybody. It's going to take parents checking them children. When I went to home school, we never had hot lunch. They used to ask
me, the students at Fairplane when I come up say, "Rab, why you up here eating this so nasty food?" I said, "I never had no hot food at home." So, it's going to take everybody and bottom line, it's going to take at least 20 to 30% of
the parents that have their children in other districts. I'm bring my children back, bringing that money back, and we going to hold everybody accountable here at the Benton Harbor School District. That's what it's going to take. It's going to take a students coming back and
bringing some money. Right now, they're using our district 11. Please wrap up your country to balance their budget. So bottom line, it's a all hands on deck. It's going to take everybody. So we picking on one person or two people or
whatever. It's going to take everybody to get this thing together and it's not going to happen overnight. Thank you very much. Thank you. Is there anyone else here for a public comment on an agenda item? Can you
stress agenda items? All right, hearing none, we're going to go ahead and proceed. Um, thank you all for your for your comments and your input provided. Um, we would encourage you to continue to uh attend our meetings. Um, we do have quite a bit of
a agenda this evening. Just so you all are aware, this essentially is our work session. So it serves as our committee meetings for each of our committees. Um so we have a section for each of our committees other than our policy and
discipline committee. So we're going to go ahead and begin with our curriculum and student support services committee. Our chair is Trustee Gavin and she is going to open the floor. She'll be cheering um within this section of the agenda. However, if there's any
clarifications, no actually my apologies. We're in board business. I almost overlooked it. Um so we'll begin with our board retreats and then we'll go into our um curriculum committee. So I did send this information out to the board. Um there are
approval of the um minutes. Approval of the meeting minutes is an item that's on the agenda as well. Um we're not actually taking a vote this evening. We'll be taking a vote in the regular session. So if you all have any feedback or anything that needs to be amended, please ensure that you all
provide that um feedback to myself and the superintendent so we can get those adjustments. Also want to remind you all that protocol as of 9:13 2022 all comments will be limited to two minutes for trustee per topic. Um our first item of business under board business are our
board retreats and thank you uh Treasurer Bradley for the reminder to notate that as well on the agenda. Um so as you all are aware our governor's team which includes the board of education as well as Dr. Putts as a part of our partnership agreement is required to
complete five trainings prior to June 30th 2025. We have completed two um with the full team present. We did have two last year however it wasn't all eight governing members. So we have two that have been completed with the board and the superintendent. There are options
that we have. Um the first we've discussed previously the CDA 310 which is budget anatomy and shortfalls. This course will help board members better understand the budget development process and budgeting during tough economic times which we are in. Specifics will be addressed including
utilizing program budgeting and allocating available resources, staff and board member involvement in the budget development process. Um options for reducing costs and securing additional revenues. will learn the process it takes to build a district's educational spending plan from developing priorities and goals to
meeting contractual obligation and compliance issues. Participants will learn about financial reporting requirements, grants, and categorical programs and discuss budget forecasting and the breakdown of a typical school budget. So, I am anticipating getting this particular training scheduled for
our regular board meeting, which is April the 8th. Um, we would have normally had that training this evening. However, we did anticipate quite a bit of public comment this evening and as you all can see, it's now 7:06. Um, we're just getting to the business at
hand. So, there's no way that we would be able to fit a training in today. So, in order to ensure that we remain on schedule, I am proposing that we get through our agenda um as efficiently as we can this evening, have a swift regular board meeting on the 8th, and
then we can do our budget and anatomy training on the 8th of April, which is that second Tuesday. I know that the trustee that most often may have limitations due to travel is uh Treasurer Bradley. However, he's confirmed that he will be present. So, I'm asking everyone to put a pin in that
date and try your best to be present if you have a complication in your schedule for the regular board meeting for April. Let me know so that we don't um make the effort to have the training for that date. The second option is what I wanted to kind of get some feedback on before I go further. President Robinson. Yes,
ma'am. You said for April. I'm sorry, I missed. Yeah. April 8th, the regular board meeting. You want to do the training during the regular board meeting? Correct. So, I just want to do the votes and then go straight into the training. Thank you. Okay. Um, and just uh so the board is
aware, uh, CBA 103, which was required training prior to taking CBA 310, the board did satisfy that training February 25th as a full board, and Miss Chapman from um, the Michigan Department of Education has also confirmed that CBA
310 will count as one of our required trainings. The second option um is two-part. So it would actually count for the remaining of the two trainings that we have. So if we do it as I'm suggesting, then we'll have our five. Um it is governance core 2.0, a team book
study. So, as a followup to presenting a three-hour workshop on effective committee structure, which we all attended in January, Miss Min has suggested to myself that the board and super uh superintendent may wish to consider engaging in a team book study with the facilitated discussion on
governance core 2.0, school board, superintendents, and schools working together. The content of this particular book is relevant and timely. All of the central principles and processes are embodied within MASB governance standards. Miss Min is prepared to
facilitate a two-part book discussion based on providing the Ben Harvard area schools governance team with a study guide and then the second part of it is discussion questions prepared for the particular book governance core 2.0. Each session would be approximately 2 hours in length for a total of four
hours. Each session would be virtual. My understanding of course because of May we have to be present in person but Miss Making would be virtual. Um for your review the link has been prepared by the publisher of governance core 2.0 and offers an introduction to this influential publication. So when you all
look at your actual electronic copy you can actually access the introduction to that book and learn a little bit more about it. And Miss Chapman did um confirm that this particular book study would count as two trainings via email. March 14th, 2025, which I previously
sent to you all. So before I I know that we've already confirmed we want to do the budget and anatomy training, but before I move forward with setting up the book study, I wanted to get insight from the board and see if there's interest in us doing that. I need you to speak in your mic,
please. Um, Madame President, what dates do they have in mind? We don't have dates just yet. I wanted to see if the board even had interest. I'm interested public study. Trusty Gavin. Thank you, President Robinson. So, I know that we had dates on our work
session for training. Are we not doing that anymore? So, we are so expect one hour trainings, right? So, the expectation would be that we still try to do those dates. So, for example, the regular board meeting, I would be trying to squeeze in the budget training. I'm
trying to do that because like I said, we anticipated a long meeting for tonight. We wouldn't be able to get the um financial training in that piece and that particular training requires much longer than an hour, which is what we had edged for tonight. That's a standard threehour training or two two to three
hour training, which is why I'm recommending that we get our business take our votes in the next meeting and then do that training. The other portion of it would be a part of our work session. we would just have to be a mindful of the agenda um volume that we have for the second half of the work
session and then Miss Min would be in virtually. So we do have a standard schedule and thank you for that clarification. I have not confirmed Miss Min's availability for particular dates I guess is a better response to your question Trusty Rocket Martin, but we do currently have a schedule and an
expectation to do our trainings during our work sessions. Now, depending on her availability and the interest, I could also see if there's a Saturday where she could knock it out in one time and we do a full day instead of doing two separate parts. But right now, we already have our schedule
set. Secretary Triplet. Well, at this present time, Madame President, we already have two. Correct. Which was in January, one in January, one in February. In February, correct? Okay. on the 8th which would be next our next
meeting. Correct. We would have three. We would have three. Correct. You're saying that the book study would count as four and five and five. It would be two separate twohour intervals. Two separate two-hour intervals. Correct. So
I can support that. But I also would like for us to continue to look at options to look at the other option. I mean just continue to make preparation for us to um go ahead and the schedule that we sat down and planned and worked on that we continue to do that kind of
work. It can only help us. Thank you. Any other feedback from the board? I would like to hear from this table as well. If you all don't hesitate if you are not in favor of a book study. I don't want to sign us up for anything that's going to be torture for anyone.
I'm I'm in favor of the book study. Um now if uh a Saturday session is required just you know give me a heads up so I can let my my company know. Okay. If there's no other feedback so I'll proceed in trying to get clarification from Miss Min. I know she
said she would be virtual. She may be able to come in before a 2-hour session with her traveling. We normally pay for hotel stay and other accommodations such as that. So I thought that her being virtual might be a little bit easier on our pockets. However, we will proceed in the manner that we need to. So again,
I'm asking that everyone ensure that you're present for our regular board meeting in April, which is on Tuesday the 8th. And then I will follow up as it relates to uh Miss Min confirming her availability for us doing the book studies on our April work session and
May work session dates. And if we're able to follow that schedule, then we'll have all of our trainings completed prior to um June as indicated. So if there's no further discussion on that at this point, I will pass the floor to the curriculum and student
support services committee. Our chair is trustee Gavin. So she will be uh leading the meeting during this portion of she will be running the agenda during this portion of the meeting. Thank you, President Robinson. Uh can everybody
hear me? Okay, I will do my best to speak up. Um so we have a robust agenda but I will ask um Director Couch if and and our directors if we
can give the important information but also just be mindful of the the length of the meeting. I have so much to say but I'm not going to say it right now. Um what I'm excited about with our
curriculum student support um curriculum instruction and student support services committee is that we are going to start structuring our time so that when the directors report out they will be
speaking to goals that have been set within their departments as it relates to these items and the goals that um their teams have set and how they are uh working to achieve those goals. I think it's very important for us to be uh
working towards very specific goals as it relates to academics as it relates to peer mediation. The driver's education program is going to be a standing item on this agenda because a lot of people do want to know want to have updates on
there. We will be uh receiving feedback about um a special education uh department. Um and so I'm going to go ahead and turn it over to is Dr. Bern Bernick. He's not here. Okay. So we'll
just we'll say that piece or are you prepared? Okay. I'm going to turn it over to Director Cups. Thank you. Um as far as special education goes, there was a recap during our um discussions um based on the
information that Dr. Bernick provided at the last meeting. Um there were two there there is an audit that is currently um happening uh that through Barry and Rhysa. This is something that occurs um on a regular basis and uh it
it's a it's a check and a balance. Um but our special education department is doing very well. Uh one of the points of discussion that we wanted to focus on with special education is the student employment and internship placement. Uh
we do have special education students that are currently working in our community to gain uh valuable life skills and employability skills. Uh right now the students are working at Joan Fabrics and Walgreens. And as we all know, Joanne Fabrics is closing all
across the country. So, we are reaching out for community members to offer any um internship and employment opportunities that may be available at your place of business uh that could support this important work with our
special education students. Uh we really want to make sure that our kids are gaining real life experiences related to the work skills but also adult skills like paycheck saving and understanding those really important topics. Through our conversations uh Trustee Gavin uh
wanted some clarification on the different levels of work-based learning and schoolto career options through the state of Michigan. So I did include our staff handbook and our student handbook for workbased learning. And I also linked in the MDE workbased learning
manual that outlines uh the different kinds of work-based learning opportunities. Thank you. Um we're going to go ahead to student support services. Okay. Thank you. Good evening. All right. So, um, student
support services department in your packet, I did provide a copy of, um, some of the board updates and as trustee Gavin mentioned, um, she asked each of us to, you know, put together, um, some
goals that we are working, um, towards and been working this school year. Um first I would like to um just let you meet the team, refresh you again about who's in student support services. Um it's of course myself and I have you met
Miss Brenda Matthews our registar for the district. We have Miss Soladad Martinez our family and community specialist. Um and then we also have u Mr. Danny Jenny's our interim athletic director SLass assistant principal and
Tiara Greer Allen our truency prevention specialist in our department and to give you a little bit more background about what exactly student support services department is. Uh we are dedicated to fostering a positive and equitable learning
environment for all students. We provide comprehensive support to schools and families through a wide range of programs and services. Our team offers expert consultation on best practices in crucial areas such as people accounting, attendance, student discipline, and
implementation of the student handbook and code of conduct. We ensure compliance and support for vulnerable students populations through the student, excuse me, through the McKini Vento student in transition program and our foster care services. We are committed to upholding student rights
and safety through title 9 oversight. Our department also promotes a holistic student development by managing student athletic development, facilitating smooth school registration, maintaining accurate school records and transcripts, and processing um work permits. We
actively cultivate strong partnerships with families and community through family and community engagement initiatives. Furthermore, we empower schools to address student needs through our multi-ter system of support, which is MTSS, our positive behavioral interventions and supports PBIS
restorative practice and social emotional learning implementation. We are the hub that connects schools, students, families, and community with the necessary resources and supports to asssure the academic, social, behavioral, and emotional well-being and
success of all students. So with that being said, some of the work that we've been doing um implementing the multi-ter system of supports with Fidelity this school year, our progress so far, we have formed our district MTSS implementation team. That
work that we've been doing has been able to funnel down to our buildings such as our social emotional behavioral health in the classroom trainings that we have been providing to our kindergarten and third grade um teachers. We have our social, emotional, behavioral, health,
non-classroom um uh trainings that we have provided to our uh uh school leadership teams. Um in all of our in all of our buildings, kindergarten through 12th grade. Of course, our district-wide PBIS, our core value, we have implemented in our
buildings. We have implemented pyramid model, which is the positive behavioral interventions and support for our preschool. um at uh Discovery Enrichment Center. We have provided trainings for restorative practice with partnership through our communities and schools and
we als uh with the black male educators alliance. We have um our peer mediation that we have in our middle school and high school. Some of our data assessments that we have collected this school year is our tiered fidelity inventory which is the
TI TFI and that is for our PBIS PBIS to see what we to assess what we say we are doing around supporting our students with interventions. We have our classroom management observation tool that is there to help support our our teachers in their classrooms.
We have um our teaching pyramid observation tool which is a teapot and that is for our preschool buildings as well. We also this school year have our early warning intervention and monitoring system that is our data collection. So each of our buildings is
now um really um weekly are looking at the data. So we're looking at the ABCs, the attendance, the behavior and our course academics. We have um is districtwide the district capacity assessment tool that we have used and have been working
with my the Michigan MTSS um technical center. We have completed our benchmarks of quality with our early childhood and we have completed surveys for student staff and our parent families uh perception surveys. So our next steps
that we are working towards is to continue the social emotional behavioral health trainings that we're going to provide for in classroom. So all of our staff will be getting that training with the support from the Michigan um MTSS technical center um for next year around
student attendance, our progress. We have again our attendance campaign, the awareness um on our websites, email, text, and social media. We have had our incentives. I'm sure a lot of you have seen where we had the iPads and the bikes for account days. We have been
having our data colle um tracking um um and every week we have um our attendance team working with our truency prevention specialists. Next steps uh we are forming and putting together our attendance manual which you will be
coming um and sharing that with you. One thing I want to just put out there we will have a attendance a student attendance contest. So we'll start really promoting that. So at our elementary buildings, we want to have a poster contest. At our secondary buildings, we want to have a public
service announcement around the importance of attending school and everyday matters. I would want to sh I would like to share some important attendance data on the side if you can see comparing the years from um absent
rate from 2022 to 2023 to now 2024 2025. As you can see, we have as a district 3% gains of our attend of our students coming to school. So, thank you. Next, I want to speak on our
student enrollment, our progress. We have had um again, you have met um Miss Matthews. As I said, as a team, um I can't do it without my team. We have an awesome team. I say we're the best department in Vancouver area schools. Um, we have our we've been we have our
open enrollment started. Uh, we did we started that early this school year. Um, I'm pretty sure a lot of you probably got the robocalls, texts, emails or and seen it on the website. We now have our preschool kindergarten roundup. We have our signs. We have um yard signs and um
on our website. One great thing um we'll be you'll probably see us visible in for community events. I do know we have resource Wednesdays at Mosaic that um our registra Miss Matthews will be um attending and then also we had put out for a letter of
attent so we can see you know know where our students if they'll be returning and where they're going. Um and we did that with robocalls, text, email and websites. And so one of the next steps we're going to do with student enrollment, we're still going to get out there, boots on the ground, and we will welcome anyone want to help support us,
put signs out, flyers, um please, um just reach out to me. We'll we'll we'll give you some items. Um one thing I do want to note, um we did have our spring count day that I put the data here for us as well. Um, as stated um earlier, we
have had a 30 uh 30 students since our count day enrolled in our district. Next is our family and community engagements. I'm not going to go through all of that um but you'll be able to see it and read it on here, but I did want to give an update on our care
council laundry. We have um at Fairplane East, we've has 15 families participate with that and at Martin Luther King Jr. we had 27. Next is our athletics. Uh we've we had the winter sports banquet on
Wednesday on March 19th where um they recognized athletes, coaches from boys and girls basketball, wrestling, middle school, and they included the football because they did not um have a banquet at that time. I just want to also announce and
congratulate um two of our basket boys basketball players for making first team all Lakeland Conference, Jaquin Lewis and Keshan Hops. And we've had our spring sports start. So, we have track at the high school and middle school, baseball,
softball, and golf. And um you already met our new varsity football coach, uh Mr. Daniel McGinness. And um last but certainly not least, we have our peer mediation building updates. And what I did is I asked each of the um peer mediator leads
at the buildings to give me their report. So these are their words um stated here. And I don't know if you want me to go through these or you just want to read them at your leisure. I am interested in their goals for peer mediation. I'm sorry. I am interested in that. Yes, you went through goals. Okay,
great. So the Fairplane Middle School, Mr. Jones report that the goal of Fairplane Middle School, they want to have a 95% success rate when they put when they do their peer mediation. So meaning that there's nothing else that happens after they complete peer mediation. At uh Ben Harour High School,
Mr. Burton stated their goal is to change the culture of the high school from fighting to being able to mediate dispute without prejudice. And that concludes um the update from student support services. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Nichols. I'm going to um
open it up to the board just after this piece real quick. What this is amazing. First of all, thank you so much. This is a this is a an excellent start I believe that we can build on. And so when you look at
the attendance, when you look at the multi-ter system of support, student enrollment, um each of these areas, I think we would all be interested in knowing what are the goals um for each of those
department leads. Um what is the attendance goal? What is the enrollment goal? What you know what is the um family and community engagement goals for them? And even with the peer mediation um with wanting to have 95%
success rate um if we were making that a smart goal um a 95% success you know if there's a way to be more specific in terms of we want to see x amount of students you know I'm not and forgive me
I'm I'm not exactly clear on like what do they mean when they say a 95% success rate do They mean like we're going to connect with X amount of students and have a 95% success rate in terms
of mediating with them, letting them know what peer mediation is or like what is that entail? Does that make sense? Is it possible for them to be a little more specific so we can know exactly what they're talking about? I could bring that I could take that to the buildings.
Okay. Thank you. Again, this is their report. It's not my report. Yeah. Yep. And so when they when they what would be really amazing um and anybody correct me if I'm wrong, is like we're looking for those smart goals, those specific, measurable, attainable, related, timely
goals. You want to have this amount, you want to reach this amount of students within this amount of time, and this is the result. Um that's what I think we like for the for moving forward if it's possible to have like that level of
um goal feedback that would be amazing. Um and I'll open it up to my fellow board members. Thank you so much. She's chairing at this point. I'd like to speak to the um recruitment piece. Have you guys thought about getting out the roar bus? We uh Dr. bus had a roar bus
with the computers where we would take it. Uh, and it was for parents, you know, to um use it as an enrollment tool and a recruitment tool for their students. I can remember um recruiting students in the housing complexes
um in Highland. We recruited like in one day a classroom about 21 students, kindergartens coming in. And we were fortunate enough to have uh the board of health come along with us so they could um look at their job records and all the
information that they needed. And so I am willing to help you recruit if that's what you need. You said if we were interested, I'm interested. But um that doortodoor is an excellent way to um to
recruit. When I go out into the housing complexes, I live in the hood, so it doesn't bother me. Um, you see all these little kids playing in the street, you know, all all the little kids are out. And so, we can very easily talk to
parents and get some of those youngsters uh to be enrolled in our buildings or even just come back to our district. And so, um, that might be a a a tool that we can use. It's certainly a very uh bus friendly. It's it's nice to look at.
It's transportation and and it um you know it advertises our school district. So maybe we can do that. Okay. Let me know when you need me. Uh Miss Singer, as a reminder, can you
ensure that you put the two-minute clock up? [Music] I see Vice President Bowen's hand up, I believe. Thank you. Um, Trusty Gully, um, Gavin, sorry, uh, I went way back. Um, also on the recruitment, have you
guys started utilizing the CTE students? And was there any status on getting anything for like advertisement on Hulu and Amazon and things of that nature? Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't What was the last part? on the recruiting strategy.
Have you guys started using the CTE students developing um marketing like TV commercials, Hulu and everything of that nature? So that that request was put out there. I believe that they are working on that,
but you know, I'm going to pass it on to Dr. Buds to speak on that. So we are you passing to me now? Yes. So we did do a hulu commercial in the past. So what the in my announcements one of
the things that I was going to uh announce is that what we're planning what I'm planning to do is have each school highlight of each school each month with a theme and to to put it out. So if if Hulu is one of those platforms that you like to see it on, we can definitely make it happen. We've made it
happen before with the last commercial. So that is a a small lift that we can do. Thank you. So on the student I'm sorry, trustee Gavin, can I continue? I got another question. Yes, please. You have a minute and 13 seconds. On the student data, I see that you guys gave
us the student enrollment. Do you have any data on how many students have been dropped? I can send that. We do have information on how many student I don't we don't call it drop. We call it unenrollment. So, we can definitely um
get that information to you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I don't see any other hands. Thank you so much. Uh Director Nichols, we'll go on to the driver's education topic. Uh with Dr. Buds, if you can give us an update on that project. Yes, ma'am. So, today I
sent out an a video email to our students encouraging them to sign up. So they are currently enrolled um in the Benhar area school which will include the uh seniors as well the graduating seniors um to fill out a interest survey
that you'll see in your packet to send it in. Um we right now we have two instructors that are enrolled in the in the process of becoming um certified. So we will be able to hold 72 students at the beginning u of July. So, we are
we're putting on putting those we're putting the interest forms out and it'll be on a lottery basis if we get over this 72 uh number that we have for the instructors. Thank you, Dr. Buzz. Um, and so this uh form that you sent out is does it serve
as also a waiting list for those students who are interested um to have their name to be considered? Yes, ma'am. So, all names will be entered into a library database. You said in a lottery. Yes, ma'am. Can you elaborate? Are you saying
that it's even if they signed up first, they still may not have an opportunity to be first or So, in order in order to be fair, because we only have if we only have two instructors, which is which is going to be 36 per class, 72 spots. Um, if we get over this 72
number, then we'll just place them all into a lottery. So to be fair to all students, thank you. Are there any uh questions from board members? I see um Vice President Bowen. Thank you, Trusty
Gully. I'm sorry, Trusty Gavin. Sorry, Gavin. On so has there been a survey or earlier this year I asked about how many students that receive special education services through MRS. Is there any data
on that? I'm sure Dr. Bernie can can do a followup on that. He has all that information. Sorry. Okay. And Bry say, do we know how many students have their license and how many don't or you're just using
this form just to the data that we pulled out of P school is based solely on the student's age. At this time, we do not have any data on the students that have a driver's license or do not. That would be part of why we're using the interest
form to determine who would want to take the driver's education course because they haven't completed driver's education and don't have their license. And we also want to make sure that um for for data breaches because early this year, if you
recall, there was a data breach of across the United States of of Power School. We try to limit the information that is in there so that student information can be kept um to a minimum. So I I get that with powers school, but even just doing a Google form, putting
it out there, letting the parents and students because the reason I asked is one of the parents posted their child's license on Facebook and the child just got it and she's like got done and I paid all of this money and now Bitten Harbor area schools is bringing it and
you know what's the data on how many students you know Michigan rehabilitation services so we're able to have longevity on the program. I know it's a grant funding, but at the previous meeting that's what if we can get that information how much we could
save and in stretch the program. So, thank you. Are there any other questions? Okay. Um I'm looking at the form um Dr. buds and it says that verification by
birth certificate may be required at by first class session and I'm don't we get that verification when we enroll our students we should have that information as we enroll uh Miss Cups would you like to expand on that Miss Cups help help
develop actually develop this uh this Google form y so with us already having that um verification when we enroll our students I'm curious as to why we would be requiring them to provide this um in
order to sign up. Michigan states that you have to be 14 and 8 months old to be eligible to start driver's education. So that line was just placed in there uh based on the other schools that provide
driver's education. We looked at several different schools and they included that line. So, we followed suit to ensure that we did not start anybody in driver's education that was younger than 14 and 8 months. I guess my I hate that
we lost our registry. She was here. Um, do we require birth certificate when they enroll in school? I know that some schools are p, you know, driver's education schools are private and they don't have the access to records that Ben Harbor Schools would
have to our students. So, is are birth certificates do you know birth certificates are a part of the enrollment process here? I'll have Miss Matthews to follow up on that one. Thank you. I just want to make sure that as we're creating these
documents and even the language, the wording of it, there is explanation to the students cuz some of it um is um subsequent student selection course enrollment and scheduling will be
completed by May 30th, 2025. Some of the language we just want to make sure that it's uh studentfriendly if that makes sense. But thank you so much for providing this. So, this is something that went out to the students. That means they can sign up now. Um, and if
it's possible, do we have anything that we're uh sending to the parents to let them know also that this form has gone out to students? I plan on having Miss um Shant Miss, excuse me, Miss Boo to upload it on our uh website and our
social media platform. Okay. Thank you so much. Um, we'll go on to assessment benchmark NWA updates. All of our schools are prepared for the testing season that begins when we return from spring break. Uh, I just
wanted to point out a big highlight with our NWA scores. Um, of the students that tested in the winter of 2025, 777 students increased their reading
scores from fall to winter about what percent. As compared to the same cohort of students last year from fall to winter, we have a 39.5% increase in the amount of students that have increased their reading
scores. For math from fall to winter, the students that tested in the winter of 2025, 823 of them increase their math scores at the same cohort of testing students
compared to fall to winter last school year, 451 students. Brace yourselves, that's an 82.48% increase. I definitely think it's very important to give a shout out to all of the teachers, interventionists,
uh, paraprofessionals, administrators in all of the buildings with all of their hard work. They, all of the elementary teachers, and the reading, ELA, and math teachers in the middle school and high school have all tackled new curricular
programs this year. Those programs are standardsbased. They are direct instruction and they are designed specifically to increase and and close those learning gaps. Increase learning and close the learning gaps. It it has
not been easy for anyone. Everyone is working very very hard. And something that I think needs to be in the forefront of everyone's mind is that if these gains are not seen when we have
our state testing, that's not because our students are not learning. That's because the number of students that are moving into the partially proficient group and are becoming closer and closer to that proficient benchmark, that group
of students is getting larger very fast and that is very important. Thank you so much uh director touch and I you know many of us do understand that there is a difference between those
tests that pre-est and then post- test the students and see how they've gained and then those state standardized tests which oftent times just really much test poverty levels, right? And so we have to celebrate um our gains, celebrate our
students, and don't allow anybody um to label them because we know what they're capable of. Um let's move on to the CTE um updates. So I thought that our
robotics team would be here to do a demonstration. They had indicated that they would be here, but evidently something had Oh, I want to um apologize for that. So gratefully we were able to um approve their trip and so they're actually going
to Ferris, right? And so they require Yes. We're so excited that they have an opportunity to represent us. I got an opportunity to see them off today and so just really excited for them and what they've accomplished. And so what we'll do is we'll just add them on for the
next time. Um, and then I'll I'll pass it over to you. And director Wilson is coaching our track team at a meet tonight. And so, uh, the Zello update will come at a future meeting. I did want to speak about summer school. We
have a six weeks summer school planned for June 16th through July 24th with breaks on Fridays. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Uh we are proposing in one of our board reports the use of summer scholars. It comes with a
complete set of 25 ELA lessons at each grade level K to8 and 25 math lessons with weekly STEM activities. The program also comes with all of the materials required for those STEM activities. Uh there are student workbooks that are
included. um all of the materials become our property as in all of the instructional materials. So for future summers we can continue to use the program with only replenishing the consumable items. Uh this is only the second year for this program. So uh that
was something I wanted to make sure that we had the sustainability. It wasn't a program that they were going to um not continue to support. And this is the second year for this program, summer scholars um through TCM, which is a company called uh teacher created
materials. And so we will have access to this for several more years. For our grades 9 through 12, we are proposing a traditional credit recovery course with teachers for math, ELA, and social studies. But then we would also like to have a credit recovery academy in order
to recover as many credits as possible for students in order to begin the 2526 school year on track for graduation. As was presented by the high school staff, we know that we have about 50% of our high school students that are currently working on egeneuity courses to ensure
that they have completed all of the requirements for graduation. Instead of um making that push at the end of high school, we would like to make that push at the beginning and get our kiddos that are not on track after their freshman
and sophomore years back on track uh for what where they should be. Uh so we can focus on doing great in our current courses instead of spending the extra time on recovering credits on other courses. We do have an additional three weeks of summer programming planned, but
we are waiting for the 2526 funding and budgeting in order to solidify that. We cannot use this school year's funding for programming that we're proposing for the end of July and beginning of August. Uh we would like to have a jump start for students that are entering andor
leaving kindergarten. One of the biggest needs that's been identified by our Discovery Enrichment Center is that our kiddos that are coming into kindergarten are not prepared to quote do school, walking in lines,
knowing how to follow directions from other adults that aren't their family members, um writing their name on their paper, um being away from home for the whole day, a variety of different things. So, we thought that a three-w weekek jump
start for those kiddos would be a great soft start to kindergarten to make them even more successful at Discovery Enrichment Center. Uh, summer impact for students in grades K through 8. This is a SAVIS program. Our teachers are familiar with SAVIS already through
math, social studies, and um, another program that has been used in the past and they very much like the SAVIS platform. So, this would be a great way to keep kiddos uh from having that
summer slide uh if we offer the full nine weeks during the summer. We also are proposing three different camps, a week of readers theater, which is for grades 1 through eight. Uh they put on a play uh based on the reading that they
do together. And the format of the program is actually to have the star of the show be the student with the weakest reading skills. So that's an excellent way to showcase kiddos that don't always get to be in the spotlight. Uh we're
also proposing a week of STEM camp and a week of the CTE career exploration camp for kids to get an opportunity to see a variety of careers throughout that week. Uh we'd also like to have a transition time for students that are leaving fifth
grade and entering into sixth grade. Our middle school principal specifically requested that. She wants to ensure that our fifth graders move over to Fairplane Middle School um in the most positive way possible and to get them going um
and growing up. Uh and these would take place during the weeks of July 28th through August 15th. Uh the last thing on our agenda here is about the district calendar. Quick question. Um Director Couch, is it possible for the for unless
um the other board members disagree, is it possible for the calendar if you could just tell us what's different? Yes, absolutely. Thank you. So, I do have the staff report on here, but uh we have not had the official meeting with the Benton Harbor Education Association.
We did have members of the association on our committee, but we wanted to make sure to have a meeting with the association specifically. There are three um drafts that the board has in their packets. The difference from the
first one to the second one is the first one does not have any early release days. The second one has six early release days. And the purpose of those days is to focus on the MTSS or multi-tered system of support uh
training and implementation in all six buildings next school year. Uh we want to make sure our administrators and teachers and support staff have the time that they need to collect and evaluate data. um discuss instructional
strategies and a very a variety of interventions and make plans for how to improve based on the needs of our students. Uh so that is included in the second draft. The third draft, the only difference is uh the inclusion of an
additional district provided professional development in September in order to ensure that we have enough time to devote to our social emotional behavior health training for all of our
staff. So, we added that in um to an additional um draft. But something I'd like to highlight, all of the calendars have 179 instructional days plus five district provided professional days,
which is four additional in-person instructional days with our students as compared to this year. This year we have 175 instructional days with five district provided professional development days which gives us our 180
total. But to ensure the best for our students, we thought more in-person instruction for our students was the best thing to do. Thank you, Director Kush. Um, I have a question about the 21st century program. How would is there
will you be providing like a roll out of how that um program is going to be given to the teachers? They're going to get their training. they're going to have an opportunity to design their curriculum uh prior to next year. We have a full
implementation plan that I would be happy to share with you. But a couple of highlights this Friday 21st ed will be here in the district. Half of the day will be with get the K to 5 staff. The other half of the day will be with the 6 to 12 staff. Their theme is actually
painting with a twist. Uh they're going to do a painting and incorporate a QR code into it. Every teacher will have their own painting for their classroom. and the QR code is actually a student tool that they will use next school year when um school starts. Then we will have
their two-day training institute for up to 50 individuals that want to become certified. We've talked about that before. That will happen um in June. Then one of our back tochool uh professional development days is dedicated to 21st cent. So that's when
they will um get that official training, but they're getting started this Friday. Good deal. Thank you so much. I think I saw Treasurer Bradley's hand up. I know. Um, real quick question. Uh, how do you all uh build in the snow days? So, if we have a a huge amount of snow days, how
do y'all build that into the calendar? I forgot how that formula worked. Michigan gives us six days that are forgiven uh based on weather, which having come from Indiana, that's fantastic. We didn't have those there. And also we take into consideration if
we add any extra days over in our calendar which we already have this year and scheduled to do next year. We take that in consideration too. There's a formula for that as well. So we would have four additional days next year on top of those six.
Rocket uh trusty rocket m just one more time. When does summer school start for the elementary or for everybody? Uh the summer school for all students K to 12 would begin
on June 16th. So there's a week off after school um lets out which we actually will have professional development during that time and then we'll welcome our kids back on June 16th. Do they go all day half day 8 to 12 8 to
2? How how is it divided? It it's half day. They'll have breakfast and lunch. Um 8:00 is teachers start uh and students come for breakfast. So their classes would start about 8:30 and then I believe the buses picked up last year
at 12:30. Uh so that would be the same plan this year, but no school on Friday. Thank you so much, Director Cup. We'll go on to the staff report C2. It's great.
Is are these We're not voting on these. This is just No. Can you just give us a brief summary of each and then we'll just read through this on our own. Summer scholars is the curricular program for K to8. It's 25 math lessons plus weekly STEM activities, 25 ELA
lessons for each grade K to 12. And it comes with student consumables and professional development for the teachers. Thank you. That was actually a request of the teachers because last year they didn't have a curricular program. Thank you. Um
and the other staff report for staff report C3 is for our first graders to have a PBIS rewards trip to Padawatami Zoo because that's across state lines. It comes with a board report. Good deal. Thank you so much, Director
Couch. Um I believe that in the future what we would like to aspire to is because our curriculum committee meetings are an hour, we would love to carve out some
time for um community members to be able to ask questions or give input as well. But I know that that cannot happen today. We had a lot of um you know speakers and a lot of other things going on. But I think that if there's a way that we can kind of create our agenda
that will allow for that, I think that would be a a great advancement for us. I'm going to turn it over to you, uh, President Robinson. All right. Thank you, Chair Gavin, for um, chairing during your curriculum and student support committee meeting. reminder to the board. Um, as director Cub has
indicated, once she is able to speak with the teachers union and have a 2025 2026 Ben Harbor area school district school calendar that is ready to be submitted by administration that will come to you um as staff report C1. So
although you do not see it as an item um on your actual agenda, it is within the curriculum agenda. So, you want to make sure that you take the opportunity to review that solidified calendar once provided. Um, prepare yourself and review the staff report as well as
summer scholars K through 8, staff report C2, field trip grade 1, Pawatami Zoo, South Indiana, staff report C3. Um, as I indicated before, we'll be whipping through our next meeting as it relates to our votes. So, if you have any
questions that require answering that impact your vote, you need to send those to Dr. Buds in advance because I plan to uh take vote in our next meeting and hope and I'm hoping to have uh minimal comments or questions because this was
the opportunity to do that. So, thank you again, Chair Gavin. Next, moving right along, we have facilities and finance. Madam President, can we um take a five minute recess? Absolutely. We can actually um it's 7:59. I'll give us a little bit
better than that. I'll give us to 8:10 p.m. We'll reconvene. Um and then when we return, we'll be at facilities and finance operations. So, we're at recess as of 7:59 p.m. All right. So, we're returning from rec
recess at 8:16 p.m. We do apologize. We went a few minutes over expected. We're going to pass the floor to our chair of facilities and finance operations and he's going to guide us
through the agenda for that committee. as a reminder to the public that hasn't been present during our work sessions. What we've essentially done is turned our work sessions into our individual committee meeting. So that's why you see the additional chairs running their
portions of the meeting because this is as if we are in their structured committee meeting. So again, I'm passing the floor over to Treasurer Bradley and he'll proceed. Good evening everyone. I'm going to start with our uh facility
director, director Dash, and he will take it over from there with his updates and we'll um save questions till the um end of his portion and then we'll go into finance after questions and answers from uh facilities. Go ahead, sir. All
right. Thank you. Um first up, we're going to talk about the ricotta project. Um that's the security cameras that that you guys voted on and that were getting installed into the buildings. Um the wiring for DC Fairplane East and MLK is all done. Um they have actually put in
cameras, a lot of cameras in MLK. Um there's a few cameras, I think there's four cameras that were prior um that were put in prior to the project. They were our test cameras. Those are in DEC. Um but uh so what I'm getting as a they've installed a lot of cameras.
Okay. That's called the trimout. at the very bottom um of that uh of the notes there, it says update from contractor. Um those are actually the um the notes from the uh the meetings that we have with the contractor. I I request that
they send them to us so that way I could put them in here for you guys to view straight from them. So that way it's untainted. It's right from them. But um anyways uh training for uh principles at MLK DC and Fairplane East actually starts
tomorrow um at 1:00 um it will be hosted at MLK that will be for the just to teach everyone about the cameras, how the software works um if if they have any questions then the actual the um
vendor themselves the the the company can answer it directly. Um, so that will be a nice thing to do. Uh, technology is going to be in every training there. Uh, the BHS technology department that that happens, we're going to be there so that way if anyone has any questions like for
us specifically. Um, we're going to be there and um, also it gives us the benefit of learning it like three times. So that's cool. Um, the work should be finished mid to late April. But that's for the whole project like every
building everything just so you know. Um they have not gone into any other buildings except for DC fair plan East okay but a few of the other the other buildings besides the high school are pretty quick you know. Um the next will
be the high school track. Uh the contractor Tarquette reached out to us and if you click the little link in there um I just copied and pasted from the email directly from them once again their words so that way you guys see
exactly what we see. Uh pending weather they're planning on being back up at the track around the beginning of April to complete the storm drain and work storm drain work and irrigation repair. Paving would then be approximately 3 to four weeks behind that, give or take. Then
they will have about 30 days cure time for the asphalt. The track surfacing should start sometime around the beginning of June and that'll take about 3 to four weeks to complete and an additional 1 to two weeks for striping on the track. Um
they also say they should be done by mid July. um the boiler update inside of here. Um there there's a lot of stuff for you guys to click in and just read, including the original uh see where's it
at replacement, the original proposal, the contract from the beginning, um application certificate for payment. Um, but what I want you guys to be aware of is the change
order that is in there. Um, there are a few things that they came across that are going to add to the cost of the actual um, project. We currently have a contingency allowance of $81,671,000, but
um, they found uh, quite a few things. I could read them off if you'd like me to. The the items that they that they found that needs to be repaired. Yeah, that'd be fine. Okay. Um, a new control panel for the condensate pump, new power feed to the pump,
replace feed to condensate tank, um, replace the bus duct that's here underneath the high school that that contains a lot of wires. Uh, they groundwater is seeped through into the
tunnel and is dripping right on that that uh what what do they call it here? The bus duct. That's what they called it. But it's just it's it's an issue that we got to get repaired before before something
else could potentially happen. Revise the gas service here at the high school. Replace additional condensate receiver here at the high school. um add a secondary pump to condensate receiver at Fairplane East. Uh revise the feed water controls
at Fairplane East. Also, the total after deducting the contingency allowance will be $137,05. Uh that that's something that's that I think we need to that we're going to be voting on on the next meeting. I
think I think that's how that works. Yeah. Exterior lighting. Last time we talked we talked about exterior lighting. So, we were going through all the exterior lighting, which was super fun cuz some of it sensors, so you got to come in
early or you got to wait till later. But that was all right. Um, but we went through and we found a bunch of stuff. Um, all the lights and pictures at DC are fine and they're confirmed. Um, all fixtures and lights are confirmed at Fairplane East. MLK, all fixtures and
lights confirmed. Um, Fairplane Middle, there are two fixtures out. The rest work and we will repair. Um, we just got to get the parts. That That's all. High school lights in the loading area in the back back parking
lot back here. Um, those are all out and uh there doesn't seem to be any power to them at all. So, we're we're going to find that, too. Um, that that's going to take a minute, but we'll get that done. Shouldn't be
too big of a deal. Uh, then we got the RFPs. The lawn care. I have not started that yet. I've been doing some other things like, you know, the lighting stuff. Um, the gym roof, we met with me and Dr. Butts and now it has to go out for publishing for the the RFP for the
gym roof. Um the lawn care. I do have some ideas on that though after a lot of people are approaching me about the local people because I'm looking for local um lawn care places because in my mind if you if you live here and you
drive by here all the time, you know when the work needs to be done, you know, like you you have to look at it every day. So that that's what I'm looking for. Um, but one person said uh something about doing two separate RFPs
for the the district. One for the unused buildings and one for the buildings that are in use. That's just the thought. It sounds sounds pretty good thinking about it. He explained it to me a little bit. Um cuz the unused buildings it doesn't
I think in the past we have done two separate um RVs. I think I'm have to go back and look. Oh yeah, we did. Okay. So, we're doing a new combined job. Okay. So, we we can look at it that way,
too. Um, summer workless. So, summer's coming up and so right now we we need to start thinking about what are we going to do? What's our goals? So, I talked to the team, the maintenance team, and we are coming up with goals of summer
projects that we can't do while people are around. um you know it could cause a danger to you a student or staff member. Um but we're going to continue boarding up the unused buildings uh because that was us u trusty Gavin that boarded up
Sorder just so she knows that that was our team internally. Uh plumbing inspections here at the high school that that one over the summer. This one's going to take a while. Over the summer, we're going to try to shut the
water off occasionally here to the high school to check the the pipes coming out of the walls to the urinals and the the the bathroom facilities. Um because we had that incident and then just recently
while working on another one, there was the potential for another incident. And then this was your your idea actually. Uh um Secretary Triplet, we're shut the power or the water off and we're just going to start taking things apart, seeing what's happening. You know, it's it's better for us to take the time to
investigate and find out later and mess up a $500,000 gym floor, right? You know, that was that was something. Um property cleanup. Uh we're going to we're going to work
around all of our closed buildings. Um, I I was recently contacted by a resident over on M63 by Northshore uh who who brought something to my attention that she she's right. Uh that building
there there were trees out there. One fell down. It's just been there. And because of that that one tree that fell down, people think it's okay to just put other stuff there. So, the spring before summer happens, I'm going to I already talked to this this lady on the phone.
Um, she was super nice, Mrs. Walker. Uh, I'm going to contact her. I'm going to meet her out there and we're going to we're going to clean that up and we're going to start looking at our other unused buildings, yards specifically. Um, so that the board up will start
probably early summer. The yard cleanup will hopefully start in the spring, you know, because it's it's not as tedious or not as big of a project, but it has a a very visual impact that people see in spring. You want to see nice things. You want to see it pretty um
clean. Let's let's do that. So, that's that's what I'm getting at there. Uh the high school art room floor, that's that's another project we got going on this summer. um and Fairplane East portable windows and floor. Uh this last
fall we got the um the roofs replaced uh on the portables uh at Fairplane Middle and at Fairplane East. Uh Fairplane East was in such bad shape that the floor had rotted away underneath it. Um it's not
that big of a problem. I mean, as long as there aren't a bunch of joist mess up, but uh we can go down get some some windows. We put them in ourselves. We can tear the the plywood up and replace it ourselves and it shouldn't be too big of a deal. But we want to make our what
we have, we want it to be usable. It shouldn't just sit there and it not be used when a couple thousand bucks we can we can make this thing actual functioning uh structure. Um building security and lock
change. So, I I've been in talks with uh um a contractor and so without saying too much about things because there's some things that I I shouldn't say like right here about
our our security stuff, I I'm looking into getting every single room and closet the keys replaced. We have probably a good hundred pounds of keys like that we currently have in district. And I'm not even kidding. Like it's it's
quite a bit. Um and the funny thing is is maybe maybe 20% of them are labeled. Uh so the rest are just mystery keys. So um I'm I'm looking into getting all that stuff replaced including uh some exterior stuff.
And what else? Sorry. I received the quote for the exterior doors already for MLKDC, Fairplane East, and Fairplane Middle. I did forget to add cape to that. Uh, I'm I'm gonna fix that. That's just a phone
call. Um, high school exterior will remain the same as far as the keys. The what we currently use will be the same for here. There was no need to re key every exterior the exterior doors of every building. Um, let's see.
Oh, and I already talked about how every every single door in the the the building will have every classroom will have its own key instead of everyone just getting a a master key and they can just go anywhere. Um, every classroom will then have its own key that won't
work in the classroom next to it. That adds a layer of security for basically everyone that works here. Um, yeah. And oh, the contractor. Uh, I'm actually meeting the contractor out here um next
week and we're going to walk through all the buildings and um we're going to set up a good plan and and see where it takes us, what what it's going to look like in the end, you know. But that that's it so far.
All right, I'm going to open it up for questions. U Madam President, you have the floor. Okay. So, I know that you all had the conversation in my absence regarding the boiler. So, I'm not I want my trustees to know that I'm not trying
to rehash this conversation. Um, but I did previously speak to my concern with every major project that we have. We receive an initial quote. We approve that quote, which is an astronomical amount, and then we come back with a
change order that's over $100,000. Now, I believe that the press um Herop Palladium misqued. They indicated it was $250,000 worth of changes. And so, I got that update via the paper in the gas station and almost passed out. But my
question would be with them doing assessment of our boilers and the lay of the land prior, how is it that these many items were missed in that initial quote that was given to us? And is it that we're not doing thorough enough
assessments in the beginning? I'm trying to figure out how do we how do we get to a place of finding all of these issues once we begin doing that work? Do they have blueprints, accurate blueprints? Are they doing full assessments? What does that look like? Um, I will uh allow
Dr. Butts to speak to that. I This project started before me. Okay. Um, I have my thoughts, but I'm going to let him speak to that. So, Madam President, they did not have all of the blueprints to it. They were actually mapping as they went. There was a request for that,
but they weren't able to be we weren't able to find all of those blueprints that was requested. And as Mr. Steve, I can't pronounce his last name said at the last meeting as they've been going through, they've been finding additional items um that needed repair. So some of
the things that you know when we first went through were like this this steel door to the that goes into the boiler room that had to be repaired. So we put in a contingency fund in the beginning. We run we've gone through the contingency fund. There is another major area that they found that that has to be
corrected. So that additional major area is that outside of this change and I hope it pauses for his response. Is that outside of this ch are you pre- messaging that there may be an additional change order or is that notation that you've made included in this change order? That's that's the
notation included in this change order. Okay. Um, and then the second question that I had was pertaining to I think that may be it cuz you kind of answer both of them in one. Um but if
there's Oh, I am not seeing um on this particular list that he's gone through the status of the facilities M's plan. And I feel as though I've been um I've been stressing or pressuring on that um
for me for maybe about two years at this point. Um so you want me do you want me to wait for that update? I go and give it to you now cuz I I I understand. Is there a timeline attached to that? So there's not a timeline attached to it. I did reach out to them today and I will
make sure that by the by by the board meeting we will have a a solidified timeline. I am working on pushing them a little bit harder to get this new survey out and get a timeline an updated timeline calendar uh per your wish. So
we are paying them and they're at our at our uh at our request and be his. So, I will make sure that uh we get our money's worth from that company. Okay. And so, I'll wrap up with this. Um our chair was
there when we initially um had the plan that our previous community leaders came in and assisted us with. And one of the primary concerns of that community group as well as some of the things that we um had heat from, for lack of a better
term, from the state was the amount of properties that we had compared to our enrollment. So, I know sometimes when I'm at the table, I am speaking from a politically correct standpoint as it relates to the master's facilities plan and I've discussed um the potential of new schools and things of that nature.
But given the season that we are in as a board of education and as a district, I think it's extremely imperative that we have all of our ducks in order. And so I am asking that you ensure that we have that updated
timeline because we are now four months outside of what should have been completion. Yes, ma'am. We'll make sure that it's done by the board meeting. Okay. And I'm done. And I'm going to um say real quick too, a lot of times with older construction, especially with this building, parts of it being 100 years
old, you're going to find a lot of surprises. So, I I knew the cost would run up because um uh anytime you're dealing with anything older, you're going to find um out of date wiring. You're going to find construction that maybe shifted. The foundation may have shifted over the years. So, I think
that's probably one thing. Um Secretary Klet, go ahead. Yes. uh Chairman Bradley um serving as the chairman of facility committee um with the last uh director of facilities and when we went into this boiler
um this plan of action as it related to our boilers and what he have you again there are things that when he came last week that were just not clear um and as far as I'm I I'm I'm with uh President Robinson they have been in
there long enough. They have been in there long enough and this is this is not good business. Um, they knew when they got into we and and I just wanted to bring our chairman
up to speed that the reason why when we to present to the community why it would take so long was because of the simple fact that these were old buildings and there was a lot of unknown and so they were to go in and identify those things.
I can I can see um going in and finding something um okay as you go alone but when you get to $100,000 almost $200,000 the same thing with the track all of these different things that we made a decision to
definitely make sure that we that we had everything in place. Um I see here on um meeting five minutes um for the weekly updates. You go to that and it says
invitees and attendance. Who are the who who who who been meeting with these people and has anyone from the committee or from the board of education been involved in these meetings with this
committee? Okay, if you guys go back to the agenda and you go through, they're talking about the uh building uh security thing uh handout. Uh let me go a little bit. Yeah, the
weekly updates. No, it was uh If you look at the I think it's the agenda and you go down to I think it's the bottom of the agenda and it has all of the monthly financial reports with Dr. B being the
person that we we doing uh facilities right now. We're going to go to the finances in a second. No, I'm talking this is on this we're this is emphasis. Oh, this is uh No, not that one. Wait a minute. Let me go up. But anyhow, it has I guess this is my
question on here. Um, and you guys put in here it says meeting five, Ben Harbor School weekly updates. Date March the 25th, 2025. Time 4:19 p.m. Eastern Standard
Time. And it has on here invite and attend and attendance. And they got organizers and what have you on here. MLK rough in 100% on 31. Do you see that document? Yeah, that's
the one we were talking about. That the one we're referring to. Okay. So, that'll be in the finance section. No, that was in the um facility section. I I didn't know if I was Yeah, that's what I was referring to earlier. Yes.
And so when I look on here, Scott Johnson from connect. Who is Scott Johnson? It's that same one. Was that someone different? That's somebody. Excuse me. I'm sorry. So that's someone different. Thank you very much for that piece of
information. Yeah, I I just go through and look through it and just say I saw Scott Johnson and I saw much younger gentlemen. Sir, thank you so much. I'm looking forward with our chairman to have us involved in some of these things, but when I saw Scott Johnson, it
was just like a red flag. Just wanted clarification for the public and for myself. Thank you. All right. Um, Vice President Lawrence, um, Go ahead, Director Dash. So, yesterday
I went by one of our schools and I noticed that some schools are you guys going and when you're putting the boards up, are you doing it double-sided? And what I am saying is on the outside boarded up, but also on the
inside. And for example, look at Martindell. Trying to think of which one Martindell is. I height. Way out there in Midn Heights. It's on L Avenue. Deep in the Heights. Okay. Um well, when we're
boarding up the the the new process of this is to not do double-sided, just do singlesided. Um if we have to move double-sided, I suppose we could. Um the the truth of the matter is with the board up thing uh I've I've also been in
some talks and I I I didn't want to bring anything up right away uh because I I don't like to bring things to you guys unless it's like something you know worth something to talk about. But, uh, I know. But anyways, uh, um, I've been in talks with a few people in the
community about the potential of cleaning out those those buildings because I I I happen to speak to someone down the road uh, about why another building that is here in just a couple blocks over, why that one's never
broke into. You know what his answer was? Is simply because everyone knows there ain't nothing in it. So, if I get everything out of the buildings that that we aren't using and board up the windows, why go in? So, um
once I get a a good solid plan with that, you know, and get the players lined up with that, I I'll let you guys know if you know about I'll let you guys know about how it would look and then we can decide, do we want to move forward with it? But um currently, you know,
we're trying to just do one side for the windows. Uh what we're doing is we're siliconing around the windows, putting the board on and painting the board ahead of time to to help it not get weathered and deteriorate. Um putting
the board on there and then securing it with screws to with kind of security screws to the building. Um, that way if someone does happen to get one of the screws out, which somehow seems to happen, uh, have fun pulling it off there with all that silicone behind it.
Okay. Thank you. Because I noticed we board them up constantly and then kids, you know, can take it outside. That's why I was asking on the double-sided. Yeah. Yeah. Our kids are clever. Thank you. Uh, Trusty Rocket Martin. Yes. Um,
Director Dash, I know as they go in they find different things that they didn't anticipate, you know, uh, being there. Is it a possibility that you can maybe just jot down or document those things that they find that uh that they find
when they go in that they didn't anticipate seeing? You know, like if if you go in the the floor maybe and then they get down there and they find that all the pipes are are corroded and stuff. Could they document that for us? Are you
talking about um our unused buildings still or are you talking about the up just a little bit. Huh? He's saying, "Are you talking up just a little bit?" Oh. Uh, were you talking about the unused
buildings? Well, I'm just saying because we're spending this addition these additional dollars as they find things that they didn't anticipate being there. Could they document that for us so that we can see, okay, this is what we looked at on the outside, but once we got into
doing the project, this is what we found. You know, I could ask them. Yeah. If they would Yeah. You know, Yeah. And then my second thing is this for the surveys. I had asked that we also include some inside building pictures on
that survey. We have a lot of outside. They've taken pictures of the outside of the buildings, but they have not taken pictures of any of the inside of the buildings. It may be to be a to get a fair survey and to really present
transparency to the public, they need to see what the buildings look like inside as well as outside. Yeah, that's uh we I remember you saying that that's that's actually a plan. Uh we just haven't done it yet. Okay. if we could include that
too so they could really see, you know, hold on. All right, Trusty Gavin. Thank you. Um, my question was about the boiler contract. Um, I know that this question comes up quite often in terms
of the uh regulating of the heat in the classrooms. I know we've asked that multiple times. I know we've asked um for information around the contract and I'm wondering, you know, about our process when we get big contracts, $4
million contracts like that, do we have our attorney review the contract to make sure that we are clear on what we're getting and what we're not getting? Because I know that the question in regards to the regulation of the heat
has been a main question for us. Did we have the attorney review it? And was there feedback from him in terms of what we are um supposed to have from this contract? So, we did have an attorney to
look it look it over. Um I remember uh our previous uh director of of facilities having it sent off. He and the um our previous finance director had it sent off to the uh attorneys to make sure that everything was in place. I did
go down to speak with U Egan who's installing the B who's installing the boilers installing the boilers. They can regulate the amount of steam going to different parts of the building when the entire project is
done. But for each room, we it won't we won't be able to go in and turn it down to 60 or 78 or to 85. They could just regulate the amount of steam that's going to different portions of the building. So, I'm what I'm curious as I look right through the contract cuz I've
been trying to read it and it's one of them that I have. It's like one of one one that you have. It's like 35 pages to see if that the cuz I read in the in the 11 page um contract it said all of his appetses which means all of his pieces.
So I'm wondering is are those the big control valves they were talking about apprentices excuse me that they were talking about or the actual controls in the room. So that's what I got to get clarity on. Did the attorney provide any clarity on and did the attorney provide
clarity as to what we're getting? I think everybody wants to know if the rooms can be regulated. I'm not good with the steam or the this or the like all of that jargon. I'm not good with this. So, ap I apologize. But I think
the main question is when a child and staff are in that room, can they regulate the heat when they're in there? Is that a part of our contract? And did the attorney give insights into that? And that's what I got to look into. I
will make sure I look into that to that portion. They never did. They they looked into it. I just got to make sure that that was specifically stated because I know when we sat in on the meeting when uh Mr. Tripper was chair of that meeting. I know I heard what he heard that we would be able to regulate
the controls in the room and I heard the exact same thing. So I got to go back and look at the the the the language from the attorneys. Yep. Okay. So I guess that's the answer that we'll be looking for is a direct yes.
this is in our contract that we have these ser that they have that we have these services and that there is no additional cost for those services and this is how it will work. Um that's what I would be looking for is direct I'll be trying to provide that to you.
Yes ma'am. Thank you. Go ahead. Mr. Triplet Chairman Bradley we did as as you said because I know you were just as confused as I was. That was something that was specific because at the time that we were asking the question, that was something that Trustee Gavin
um brought up and saying, you know, will they be able to and when they presented to us, they told us that they would be able to do the controls in the classrooms once they got the base work completed. And that's what was told to
us. And when he presented the last time when he came here, he had like we never spoke about that. And so again, I think that's the piece that we need to look at in the contract because even when the boilers were 40 or 50 years ago, a
teacher could go into there and click a switch and turn the heat off or turn the heat on with steam in their classroom. Okay? So, there was no way that we would go into a $4 million contract and that
our staff would not be able to adjust that heat or have access to adjusting the heat in the classroom. that that that was and and although they may have gone into it when they got into it, they may have seen that it was more
needed because they were finding things, but they don't have the right to remove that from what they promised and what was supposed to initially be in the contract because that was a major issue at the forefront when we were going through the boilers of and and what we
were doing with our boilers. Yes. uh trust I mean Treasurer Kraton at that time addressed it too. So I would get with you chairman uh Bradley so I could bring you up to speed on some of the things that I may know to transition over to you for your leadership at Dr. Okay. I appreciate
that. And then I have a few questions myself. Um we going back to uh security cameras. How long will the uh if either one of you all know how long were will the video stay in storage or um for those security? I don't for the for the
new system they're they're backed up to the cloud. So supposedly 30 days unless you actually pull it out and save it. Okay. And that's 30 days of constant recording. Um our our current one has two settings. Constant which
eats up a ton of space or when it when the camera sees movement which it's off until it sees movement. That's how the the system we have in the high school currently is set up. But um we have 30 days of constant 24/7. Um unless
something happens, you need to pull it out, you archive it and it's there forever. Okay. And then um the other thing I wanted to add um is well it came up yesterday when I was at the baseball game is um I know they're doing
construction but depending on the progress some people wanted to know if they still could find a way like when they're not doing construction if it's safe to do so cuz I looked out there and I saw when I drove past there they want to open it up for community walking. Maybe not the whole day. So it's still not not safe to do it for community
walking. the construction company. I actually just specifically asked them that question. Uh not about the community stuff, but for students and because this is track season, you know, and and uh yeah, but um I asked them
that question specifically. Can anyone still use the the track just asphalt? And uh they said no. No problem. Chairman, yeah. I I just don't understand why anybody would even touch it until it's done. There should be it's
not safe anyhow because it's not finished. You saying you got to do the drainage trip in the drainage stuff. You know, no one should be able to go on that. That thing needs to be secure. It should not be available to the community or to the public until it it's finished.
And we had the grand opening to show them that it is done. Okay. And then the uh other thing with the vacant buildings, I heard you say what a lot of people were doing illegal dumping. You know, we have that um new program, the beautify Benton Harbor. Um probably we can link up with the city
and the uh township to probably see if we can work with them and partner up with them to put in camera so that way we can curb that illegal dumping. Um because I know uh director McInness, he was uh talking about that. Then the other thing with the cleaning out the
buildings, um looking to see if we can get volunteers and some even the summer youth jobs to go in if it's safe to um because I know there was probably a lot of curriculum materials and things left over that we can salvage out of those buildings. And then the other thing cuz
I think I briefly touched on it with um our director student support services and I will speak to you on that as well. Setting up or establishing a checklist for um our athletic facilities and other facilities. So before there's a game, you all can kind of have a checklist of
saying, "Okay, do we have this? Do we have that?" Because we don't want to have people coming from out of the area and they say, "Oh, that's just Ben Harvard. They just how they do." So, you know, kind of making sure everything could do you have any examples of what would be on the checklist? um you know, making sure the
uh concession sand is clean, the um grass and leaves are picked up. Um making sure that you know everything um is beautified, the bathroom areas, the bleachers and all that type of thing. That that kind of stuff on there. So then that way when when it's time for
the game, everything is ready to go. Done. Okay. Yeah. And um and um also can you um I don't know if it would be safe, but if I can get a tour of the boiler room. Yeah. Yeah. Um I would like like a tour of the boiler
room in the next couple of weeks, I'll let y'all know my schedule. If any other board member wants to go down there, too. Okay. So, we can get that on the schedule. Let me know when I'm I'm here Monday through Friday. Yeah. And um we're going to go into finance with Dr.
Butts. Okay. Okay, in your package you have you should have the financial summary. So when you look at it the revenues and expenses are 68 and 58% for the fiscal year which means uh we are 68% through the fiscal year but 58% of
the money spent. The revenue is expected to be more than originally budgeted for the fiscal year. Um so so far we've se we've received 68% of that but we've only used 58%. Um, state aid is paid in October after count date and then monthly on the 20th
from November 24, 2024 through August of 2025. Um, federal revenue is recognized as items are expended. So once we spend the money, we we draw it back down from the federal re revenue and it runs concurrently with the amount of
expenditures. Uh the capital outlay is higher compared uh to this time last year due to the large payments for the boiler work. Uh the vendor payment report shows the detail by vendor and fund summary for staff report uh F1. The
year-to- date revenues are down compared to last year in February specifically uh federal revenue due to ESSER fund ending. So when you see those numbers down is because we are no longer are recognizing ESSER funds. Um the year-to- date expenses are up compared to last
year due to our final ESSER purchases. And you see these you'll see these uh large payments on the uh check register uh for Andy Egan Youth Solutions um Blue Cross Blue Shield Centric Learning the Field Turf which is for the
uh track communities in school mea which is our insurance and Taher which is is which is our food provider on the budget to actual summary. You'll see the uh revenues for local,
state, federal incoming and transfer serring students. Um and the fund modification. You'll see the expenditures on that one. So that's just a total of um budget to actuals which is um year to
date in your report. On the next one, your budget to actual detail. I increase that a little bit. You'll see the revised budget. Um, and the actual year-to date from uh the total revenues we received was 34
million. Um, actual year to date, we have we've received 23 million of that. And the net revenue that you'll see at the at the very bottom. So you see the total expenses and total revenue. So the net revenue right now is $3
million. Let's put it over here. Each of these codes you will see um where the expenditures are coming from. The next report you have is your vendor payment report. So, it just goes through um all 17 pages goes through the
different vendors that we pay per month. Um and I'll just remind the board that I am doing this in the absence of our finance director who's out this week under year-to-ate revenue comparisons. If you're looking at uh
year-to-day actual from 71 to 22825, you see that in the blue for the local revenues and um and the prior year to date. So the total revenues that we
have from from year to date, if you look all the way at the end, the dollar change is a negative $1,636 109 1,636,199. So that's a difference in the revenue that you'll see um coming in due to changes in state
funding and allocations. And the next one you'll see the year-to- date expenses on these. So, as you'll see, we're we're slightly down uh excuse me, slightly up from last year. Last year, our expenses were at 19 million, but again, we're
we're accounting for the differences with the um one-time purchases that were with the ending ESSA funds. statement of revenue and expense by fund. increase the size of this one. Again, you'll see the total
revenues where they come from, the local revenues, the state re the state sources, federal sources, and intra district intra district sources that we get like through the ISD for uh our special needs. You see our expenses for instructions, supporting services,
community services, capital outlay, debt services, principal payments, interest payments. So you see nothing on principal or interest payment because we have no loans or outstanding debts. So our total expenses that you'll see on this one and the fund balancing uh at
the end of this period the actual is all the way to the end to the right of the document $34,662,54. Those balances will change as we go through the year. As as noted earlier we've received 68 percent of our funds, but we've only spent 58. So, that
number is expected to go up and the statement of financial uh position. When you look at this, you look at our assets and liabilities. So when you look at total liabilities and fund balance, we have a positive fund balance when you look at between
the liabilities and the um assets. So we're we are doing very well in that area. This staff report I thought was on here is not on here for let me check. Is it F1? It's on the agenda. It's on the agenda. Let me go back and see. at the
so the staff report. Thank you. And you don't have to read the whole staff report, but you can just notate the dollar amount that you'll be presenting in the updating the upcoming meeting. Thank you, Madam President. So the total staff report again um for the
upcoming meeting will be 1,42,14412. Okay. And for the sake of time, it's now 9:03 p.m. Um, unless there's any burning pressing questions, we'll take those. Um, and if others can
um, email Carter and Dr. Bus their questions to allow us to continue to go. We still have a HR committee meeting and Dr. Bus updates. So, Bradley, you can have the floor. Um, Vice President Bowens. Yes. Um, Treasure Bradley, do you know of anything? I've been asking
for a few months and I haven't gotten anything on the Hobart funds. I did see your question, but I will follow up with uh Director Ricarder and Dr. Buds. Okay. Is there
Okay. Thank you. All right. You have the floor, Madam President. All right. So, thank you uh Vice President Bradley for um leading us through the f treasure Bradley for leading us so graciously through the
facility and the finance operations committee portion of this meeting. Um as stated, my question regarding the boiler was because of my absence. I do see that the conversation continued, but I hope that I was not the cause of that. I just wanted to have some clarity for myself
and um did not get a chance to glance fully through the full minutes to um see what was actually discussed. So, thank you all for your patience and allowing me to bring that conversation back to the table. We'll proceed with the human resources committee and I'll u pass the
floor to Vice President Bowens. Um they do have a very concise agenda today, so I think we can move through this rather quickly. Um and then we'll proceed with actually taking the votes as suggested by director McDerman. Thank you, Madame President. The HR
meeting we met and we discussed our pending hire of M for our TNT STEM at Fairplane Middle School. We also discussed the informed K12 contracts. Um that is like how we will be doing contracts with our staff and
everything. We discussed the Bitten Harbor area school partnerships such as you know we are focusing on the mind body and spirit. So partnering with the YMCA hoping that our staff will get a
discount for membership or partnering with the United Federal Credit Union. You know if you open up a bank account you know you get certain deals that they offer. Um, we currently have some pending partnerships with the auto repair companies and also used in new
car sales. So, you know, you can get a discount. So, we're trying to really focus and everything of that nature of the mindbody spirit of our staff. The other thing that we discussed is the Bitten Harbor area school recruitment and retention strategy on how are we
recruiting staff and retaining staff and making sure that we're taking care of the staff that we have. Um the district right sizing conversations were aiming for there. So, um, disregard that.
Okay. So, um, I think that it it notates a certain date, but I I'm not sure if that's still a target date. That's not a target date. You know, the board still has to have a discussion, correct? um with each other, the finance committee
and I believe that you guys all met with director Carter on the options, but you know, we haven't had a a real moment to visualize what we want to see in the district.
Okay. So, if we could have that that struck in real time, um I would hate for that to be considered to be a hard deadline and there's a lot of misinformation that tends to go out. So, if that is no
longer a an actual date, then that needs to be reflected in the record accordingly. Um Dr. bus. I know that there was some information that you that I was able to get from you and um Clark Hill today if you want to jump in and kind of provide that quick clarification
and then to the board. This information is coming via email directly from our council. So, with that being said, um we are looking at u the staff and and part of my part of
my comments tonight was that we what I what I did was instructed all principles to go through through through their buildings and come up with what the cuts that they see that they need from their buildings or trim their buildings if you would for what we would need for the
budget. They did a great job on that. And if there are any persons or persons, if there is any administrative staff or teacher staff governed by their contract and governed by the fact that we are
restructuring um due to the structural making sure that we don't have a structural deficit, meaning that we're not spending more than we're bringing in according to their contract is not subject to 1229 state law of Michigan, which means that we go by their contract
So in in layman's term if there is anyone to be laid off according to if we go out we go by according to your contract your contract specifies whether it's 60 days or 30 days notice that needs to be given. So there is no hard deadline that we have as of yet. We
still have more conversations to be had. We will be sharing out uh with smaller committees um to get a consensus as we did before of what the principles have come up with for their individual buildings so that we can get feedback and come up with a comprehensive plan to
present to the board. Thank you, Trustee Gavin. Thank you. Okay. So, just going back to the finance report, we had 30 we have $34
million. And it says here, April 7th is the date, the date that you were looking to provide notice to staff that they
would not be returning for the 2025 2026 school year due to budget cuts. Correct. That was on there before I actually noticed that was on there during that during that meeting. Um I was actually at an appointment. So I'll let I'll
defer that to uh Director McD. Thank you. Uh I believe prior to uh the I can't remember the exact month, but there was a proposal I think given to board members um as part of a conversation for what right sizing could
look like u for the 25 26 school year. Um so the date was a soft date committed to the communicated to the committee um with an emphasis on um I know Dr. Butts mentioned per individual contracts there are certain time frames when someone should be notified. I wanted to go above
and beyond to know that if someone contract says 30 days out of a courtesy I would like to know sooner than later if a decision was made that we could notify individuals 60 days 90 days in advance. Um I think even how we handle separation speaks a lot to um the
character of our district. So that was just a soft date and to the committee to say if a decision is made um I would like to communicate that. Um most likely it will be the department communicating that. I would like to communicate it sooner than later. So that was not a hard deadline. That was assuming the
board had seen proposals um and was going to make a decision. Um I know that has changed since so that is not a hard deadline. Thank you. I just find it very interesting that we're sitting here at the board meeting. Everybody had an opportunity to review this document and
it says that uh they'll be notifying staff April 7th. And I'm just wondering, had President Robinson not said anything, would we be sitting here as a board and there's this proposal that supposedly went out to the board members
and then the staff will be notified that um they will no longer be returning and would it then seem as if we were okay with that? And so let's be clear, there was a proposal that went to a set of board members on one day and then there
was a second proposal that went to another set of board members on another day and then whatever those two propositions were that was not sent back to the first set of board members. And if you all are confused then you can
imagine how we feel. And so what I would think is that if there was going to be a notice to staff that they would not be returning, then whatever that final proposal was, it should have been presented to us now. And so that there
is no misinformation out of transparency. That proposal should be made available to the public. If we're talking about, we heard so many people talk about saving somebody's job and right now we're
talking about laying off a number of people. And I find it hard to believe that the principles want to fire the people in their building or lay off the people in the building. I don't think that this is initiated from the principles and I don't think it's
initiated from the finances at $34 million. And so I guess my question is roughly since we're looking at possibly letting people go, how many people are we looking roughly are we looking to
release from Ben Harbor area school? There's not an actual number. So Miss uh Brock Carter and Miss Cups went around to each building principal to get their input on their budgets for their for their buildings. I know there's been a
lot of talk about making sure that the principles are aware and are doing what's necessary for their buildings and that they have input in their buildings. So the directive was for Miss Brock Carter to go, Miss Cubs volunteered to go and help the principles out all almost all. She met with all but one the
principles out to make sure that they had a clear understanding and how to do their budgets. and Miss Barta also worked with all of them to ensure that whatever they saw that they needed for their building, what whatever they needed and what they did not need. So, she went around and did that and Miss
Barta will be putting together a presentation to show a a one presentation to show to each of the smaller groups. I I guess my question is Dr. Bus, what was the number that you originally recommended? I did not
originally recommend not one number. There were there were numbers that we came up as a whole in the cabinet. Okay. What was that number please? I don't have that in front of me. I will have to go back and pull those proposals up. Estimate a estimate number of I don't
like to give estimates because it'll be held against me. And do we know what day then? So, if it's April 7th is now crossed out, what is the timeline for us receiving a proposal
that the community knows about? Um, that the staff knows about and that we have an opportunity to consider before everybody is notified you may not have a job here. I think that like what is the timeline for that? Miss
Park is out this week. We will start our meetings next week with with the board members to get your consensus. Will the board be notified as a whole before the staff is notified? Yes, that
is standard protocol. Yes, ma'am. The board has to approve anything before I can notify staff. I guess I'm just wondering and I'll stop, but I guess I'm wondering if it's standard protocol, why was it why did it make it to this sheet today that they
will be notified April 7th? Mr. McDonald, would you like to speak to that please to clarify once again this was the agenda that was presented on March 11th. So at that time to my knowledge there was a discussion um um information
was being presented to board members as proposals for feedback. Um once again that was not a hard deadline that was assuming between March 11th and possibly today's board meeting something would have been decided on. This was a communication to our HR committee.
Assuming that any change would have been approved from an internal standpoint we wanted to be proactive and notify staff. So that was a deadline for us internally to notify staff. This is my last question. Um Dr. Bus, do you recall when we were in the meeting and I asked the
question, if we did not lay off any staff, what would be our fund balance? Do you remember what that dollar amount was? Or if it was close to $8 million u next year, we still have 8 million if we did
not lay off our staff. That doesn't sound that's all expenses. That doesn't sound correct to me. If we don't lay off staff, if I'm not mistaken, our fund balance should be around uh approximately 19 million. That's the fund balance. But that
doesn't mean that we'll be structurally balanced, which means we'll still be spending more than what we're bringing in, dipping into the piggy bank, if you would. But we will have a $19 million piggy bank. Yes, you would. Okay. Thank you.
Secretary Triplet. I'm sorry, Madam Chair. I'm sorry. Thank you. Secretary Triplet, please. Yes. I um when I'm when I'm when I'm looking at this, I've been asking for
sometimes why our principles did not run their budget. Why weren't they ever in charge of their budget? That's number one. When Molly
was here, that was allegedly supposed to be a goal. How can the director of finance go into these building and talk to
principal and they identify what roles they need to cut and not know what this is based upon. When you're talking about cuts, you must first and
foremost base this on data as a projection as how many students we are going to have. When we're talking about cuts, we have to be clear on when we look at our
staff, we have so many vacancies. And so I guess when the finance director and the director of curriculum went, did they go in there and say, "You are going to have to cut two teachers. You are going to have to cut
you are losing um $150,000 from your safe and supportive schools. So the individual who are funded out of this category, we're we're expecting a cut in this amount of funding. So this is what you have to
cut. And how do you want to do this? This this is this is I I'm just concerned seriously because what it what what what happens over and over and over again and historically with our district
is that our staff is starting to uh be made afraid for no reason and the work has not been done. And so this is when it comes to the public where it
appears and we hear this all the time. The board, the board, the board. And because these things are not in place, this is this is something from the finance department to each one of these
buildings based on projected enrollment and the data that we have right now. Not that the this administration is getting ready to cut out Title One and we going to do this and all. That's not the way you operate. I'm just being honest. And so
it concerns me because it's a lot of work. And then they have to go back and come back and go back and come back and let us know what this is. And so again to see this stuff somebody a a
deadline for the 7th of April cut they haven't even had the opportunity to do their due diligence. There are several fund sources of funding. There's a special education source of funding where we have several vacancies with our
certified teachers. there is a a we have several vacancies based on the data given to us that we have vacancies in these buildings where we have teachers in training and where we have we have we have long-term substitute teachers in there so no one that's certified or no
thing should even be threatened even approached in that manner so I guess I I would say um chairman Bowen Bowen and to Dr. or what have you. You'd like to have a conversation in that to to discuss how
much you know like say for instance you you you pitch Harvard High School you have 2.3 teachers must be removed. How does that look? You have like I said this is how much money come from because each one of these schools have funding sources. It
has 31A money. It has title one money. It has title nine money. And many of these people I've been asking the board um or asking at this table when we're talking about cutting individuals, what is the funding source for these people?
Have we looked at specifically who is actually being paid out of our general fund? That's the key. And then that determines whether or not we have a deficit or if we going into our fund balance that we going into our extra you know and we have to that
that's one of the component it's a very important component. So we need to know those things and it is not to sit up in here trying to compare none of that but there are some things that questions that need to be asked and we have been asking for
sometimes this is not new. So, I don't know where we are at at our meeting, Madame President, next week. If there's things to be voted on, I think it's premature. And the board of education, the thing that we need to know tonight from if the if the human
resource department can let us know based on contracts, Dr. bus. You can let us know who have to have 90-day notice, who have to have 60-day notice, and who have to have 30-day notice, and who's at will, and are we going to be able to
meet those deadlines? And that's the thing that we need to know. I don't need a response tonight cuz I don't think that you guys are just completely prepared. Okay. That what what positions? You said you're compared. Not for positions. I for the
for the dead for the deadlines. If you were if you were asking about Yes. So like say for instance the administrator do they have to have 60 or do they have to have 30 days? It depends on that contract. Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you madame president. Do you have a question? So I
would just like to remind the board that in the previous budget discussion that bro uh director Bar Carter gave us she she pre- messaged to us the reason that we were having the discussion for the 2024 2025 school year. We have $34.6
million in revenue for 2025 2026 with anticipated changes. The estimated revenues are $18.3 million. That's a difference in $16.3 million of revenue. We also have to keep in fact out of that that we had one-time expenses for this
year such as the track and things of that nature for that were 10.6 million. So, in order to make sure that our revenues match our expenses for the school year, we have to she it was suggested that we try to look for ways
to save in an amount of $5.7 million. And so, I know that often when you hear that we have it and we'll have, you know, 18.3 million in revenue and we have this amount of money in a fund balance, it feels as though it is a
completely comfortable position. But what I what I am strongly suggesting that you all and I and I'm all for doing this process the way that it needs to be do done in integrally and taking our time. That's why I asked the attorneys about the deadlines because I want to make sure that the plan that is
presented to the board of education is one that a majority will support. But we cannot afford as a district to move as if we are secure in an $18 million fund balance because as we've seen each time we approach a project we come back it
might be $100,000 here $200,000 additional dollars here a court with the the plumbing bust out of nowhere and that's something that we have to try to accommodate or determine whether or not there's going to be insurance to coverage. So sometimes we have things that we can budget out and sometimes we
have unexpected expenses. I came into this district where we were in the red and we were in a deficit. And so I know that we are strongly and I know you all have been in that position experiencing cuts as teachers and things of that nature. But in the last few years we've been able to increase teach you know our
teacher salaries and give incentives and bonuses and things like that. We've been blessed to have some opportunities to do some things and I would prefer that the district is able to do that. I know the concept or the conversation of making budget cuts is one that is difficult, but I am strongly suggesting that this
board not put his heels in the sand on the conversation of making potential rightsizing cuts or things organizational and structurally so that we can make sure that we not only have a positive balance currently, but we secure the future of the district moving forward financially. And this is not
only advisement that we've received from our director of finance. It's advisement that we've received from superintendent Rice and previous meetings of that. So I'm not trying to say that there should not be a process. I'm not saying that we should not be ensuring that staff are
not afraid or pressage too far in advance. That is why I have asked that the attorneys give us in writing the guidance of what that timeline is so that we know how quickly we have to make these decisions to be within the guidelines of those contracts. But I'm
just asking that you all are open and that you're innovative and that we support each other in this work because it's work that has to be done. and alongside with this master facilities plan and these buildings that we have to get together in the season that we are
in, we need to be in a position we are making good and wise choices fiscally. And so I just I I can't I I and I I have to say that as the president you all don't have to agree with me. You can you can be concerned
and look, but I have to have it documented on the record. How I feel as the president and advise you all wisely. Whether or not you choose to take my counsel or not is completely up to you because we know there's been moments where you haven't. Thank you so much, Vice President Bowen. We're going to
expedite and go to staff report H2. You have H1. Sorry, H1. I do staff report H1. Thank you. Uh, separation of employment. A 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 votes to accept the separation of employment of the following staff. Policy reference 3140 and 4140. Resignation of professional and support staff. Strategic reference.
Personal leadership. and Harbor area schools will recruit, hire, develop, and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. Um, separation by ways of resonation, we have Darel Clark from the position of MTSS specialist at Discovery
Enrichment Center, followed by Melody Cardinis from the position of instructional facilitator um here at Central Administration. Recommended action that the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education votes to accept the separation of employment of the aforementioned staff.
Thank you. Is there I I'll proceed. Okay. Is there a motion and I'm sorry for the candy um noise in in the mic. My apologies. Is there a motion to approve staff report H1? So move support. The motion has been made by Treasurer Bradley and supported by Vice President
Bowens. Any questions, comments, or concerns from the floor? Hearing none. Secretary Chipley, can you please call the vote? President Robinson, yes. Vice President Bowen, yes. Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasurer Bradley, yes. Trusty Rocket Martin, yes.
Trusty Gavin, yes. Trusty Doyle, yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Staff report H2, please. Yes. Staff report H2 employment of staff submitted for board consideration to approve the employment of staff in accordance with the rev school code and other general rules of
Michigan. Tax and analysis 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 reference personnel
leadership Bon Harbor area schools will recruit, hire, develop and retain the best staff to employ student outcomes. Um today for higher we have Kelly um Gennady or TMT teacher and training STEM at Fair Middle School. Recommended
action that the Benton Harour Era Schools Board of Education goes to approve the employment of the forementioned staff. Is there a motion to approve staff report H2? Madam President, I make a motion to reprove approve staff report H2. All right. The motion has been made
by Vice President Bowens and supported by Treasurer Bradley. Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding staff report H2. I Oh, I'm You have the floor. I would just say that when you look at her resume, it's very
extensive. I like that business education instructor. I wish we had that at the high, you know. Vice President Bones, you don't want to say too many details about the experience. Oh, well, but you're impressed with the
resume. Thank you. Thank you. When you look at her resume, it's very extensive and I wish we had something like that at the high school. Um, and look forward to welcoming her to our district. Any other questions or comments?
Real quick, do you have a concern, Secretary Triplet? I I really do, but I'm going to keep it to myself. I really honestly I do. I have I have a concern, but I'm going to myself, Madam President, so we can move forward with I just did not want uh So, the thing about
it is the resumes are not privy to the public. So, I didn't Oh, you wasn't about that. Okay. Okay. Trusty Gavin, just a quick question. Um I'm grateful for our head coach. I was just wondering does that not come across our board
table? Does that position not? I can I did ask that and that is because it does not because it is a edu staff position. So it's like a stipen. Yes. Coaches receive a stipen.
Stip. Yes. Correct. Was that question about the funding source? No, that was a question about um about the report not being listed. Yeah. Other new hire. Oh, okay. Any other questions pertaining to staff
report H2? Yeah, that was I'll be quick about it. That was a question of mine because I don't remember when that shifted or what have you, but coaches in particular, head coaches of at this at this high school was made was recommended to the superintendent. Superintendent brought it to the board
of education and so these are very very serious position and uh so I I think that's something that we need to check in. I don't know when that shift is right after you.
So, all right. I got it. We I would I would like to remind the board and the public that we can't just I appreciate the clarification provided, your honor. We'd like to recognize his presence uh this evening. He's been here quite a bit of
time, but I didn't find the opportunity to recognize um Mayor Marcus Muhammad. He was providing clarification from the floor um that it was during his tenure as a coach that that shift prior to him becoming a coach that this shift occurred. Correct. Um Trusty Gavin, I'm
sorry. So we do so we approve thirdparty hirings for other schools, but we don't approve EDG staff hirings for our school.
Correct. Is that a new thing? Is that or is that the way it's always been? So, it's been it's been um that way. I know that we received clarification previously from Clark Hill about that and this was when Treasurer Kraton was on the board. Um but I can't remember the exact time frame because they're
edge of staff employees. We don't um control the hiring of the edge of staff employees, but I do think we we control the hiring of the creation of the position. Yes, ma'am. The creation and or the elimination of So, we control
the creation of the positions, but if they're positions that are that are outsourced, then because EDG staff is technically their employee, the board of education does not vote and the board outsourced athletics. Athletics is a
part of EDG staff. Correct. Wow. What? Wow. All of the coaches that they majority of the coaches are ed are paid through EDG staff. They're not Benton Harbor area schools employees. Like the cheerleading coach, she's not a Ben Harbor area
schools employee. Those are edges staff positions. Well, I'm so glad that we do write the policy as a board of education and we can make the necessary adjustments and recommendation. Thank you so much, Madam President. I call for the vote, Madam President. Okay, so we
as a reminder, we are on staff report two three. Wait, are we on H3? Yes, we're on two. I was correct. It's okay. All right. So, we uh the motion was made by Vice President Bowens
and supported by Treasurer Bradley. Secretary Tripley, can you please call the vote for staff report H2? President Robinson, yes. Vice President Bowens, yes. Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Bradley, yes. Trustee Rocket Martin, yes. Trusty Gavin, yes. Trusty Doyle,
yes. Motion carries. All right. Staff report H3. Employment of staff submitted for board consideration to approve the employment of staff in accordance with the rise school code and other general laws of Michigan. Facts and analysis under section 1120 of title one part A
requires a participating local educational agency to provide eligible students attending private elementary and secondary schools, their teachers and their families with title one services or other benefits that are equitable to those provided to eligible
public school children. their teachers and their families. Policy reference 2261 title one services and 3120/4120 employment of professional and support staff strategic plan goal reference personal personal leadership
and Harberry schools will recruit, hire, develop and retain the best staff to improve student outcomes. Today we have Lara Lewis in the position of proud professional at River of Life Schools. recommend action that the Benton Harour Area Schools Board of Education votes to
approve the employment of the four mentioned staff. Is there a motion to approve staff report H3? Mr. President, I make a motion that we approve staff report H3. Is there a second or support? The motion has been made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Treasurer Bradley. Any questions, comments, or
concerns? Hearing none from the floor. Secretary Triplet. President Robinson. Yes. Vice President Bowens. Yes. Secretary Triplet. Yes. Treasurer Bradley, yes. Trustee Rocket Martin, yes. Trusty Gavin, yes. Trusty Doyle, yes. Motion
carried. All right. Thank you to the board again for allowing um uh Director McDermott with the support of Vice President Bones uh with allowing the votes tonight so that we can make those adjustments to human resources as needed. I I wish a warm welcome to those
that are new um to Benton Harbor area schools and I wish those who are choosing to resign the best. So, we're going to move swiftly to uh superintendent topics. Uh first up, we have strategic plan update. I know that is in the packet. Dr. Bus, is there anything pressing in your update that
you need to provide tonight? No, ma'am. Okay. Up next is the master facility plan. Can you give us a a brief update regarding that? I know that you're planning to have an adjusted um timeline for us available at our next meeting and I am holding you to that
deadline. Um, anything pertinent to the M uh, Mast's facilities plan update that you would like to provide? I'm scared now. No, it off. No, ma'am. No, that was it. I I'll make sure I have your your your timeline and your your adjusted calendar at the at the regular board.
Don't say you're scared. I'll just pick it with you. Okay. I just there's not many things that I choose to be a stickler about at the table, but that one I cannot allow us to go any additional time without having some clarity as to where we stand on that. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Um, under old
business, we do not have anything particular under old business. However, I would like to notate that we have some policies um that will be coming before the floor. This is the first time that we've had policy changes.
um well this many policy changes that are within this new committee structure. So the policy committee is trying to determine the best way to go through those. U Miss Singer do you remember off top about how many there were
about 25 to 30 policies. So, I'm trying to frame the best way I know to um reflect those to to get those updated with the board. More than likely, what I anticipate is that the policy committee will more and I have not shared this with my counterparts, but I think it
would be in our best interest to have our own meeting of the three of us in public with the documents printed so we can go through everything ourselves. And then once we have gone through and determine what it is that you know what concerns or questions or clarifications we need we'll be better equipped to come
before the full board and we may have to have a policy meeting in itself to get all of that done or chop it down and do so many at a time but we have quite a heavy load. Um so I wanted to pressage that to the board so that you all are aware that that is great work that's coming ahead. Um madam yes can can our
uh according to our our policy when we talk about our policy can we have those sent out and do the reading do our reading can be in you know independent everyone can have access to the well so the thing is everyone can be sent the policies in advance so that you can do
your home which homework which will happen but then we still have to do two meetings where we sit and and read them before Yes sir. So, I did speak with uh Chris Rice from Neiola. He did say it was up to the board to change the policy
to a one read instead of a two read. So, the the board has that flexibility. So, the board has a flexibility to only require one one read and I do think we received that clarification before that we could do that. I strongly suggested that we not because the changes that we're making are changes that will
impact the board indefinitely. And I know sometimes given our heavy schedules, some of us may not be able to go in and do the homework. And so I don't feel as comfortable with us coming into one meeting and taking a read, not having confirmation that everyone has
had an opportunity to review them. However, it is the will and liberty of the board if that is a change that you would like to make. Um, and that can be part of a future conversation. I guess that can be a policy we can review. Um, if you all Dr. of us. If you can send me that particular policy that we have that
notates two reads are required, we can have a discussion as to whether the board wants to change that policy or not. That can be part of the work we do. I think it'll be good for the policy committee to discuss first and meet. Okay. Before we do anything like that, but we will send those policies out. Um,
Miss Singer, if you can get those out this week to the board, give them an overwhelming amount of time to go through each of those. Um, and then that way when we come back, everyone will have ample time to have reviewed those. Um, would that be considered the first read? I need you to speak in the mic.
Could that be considered the first read if we Not from home? No. Okay. It has to be before the public. So, it's record of it. All right. Um, new business. I have nothing um remaining for new business. Up next, we have open public comment. Is
there anyone here for open public comment at this time? All right. I guess that's because everybody took the time to speak earlier today on items that weren't on the agenda. Up next, we have superintendent announcements and comments. Dr. Bud, so
I think I addressed this earlier. The principles were involved in the budgeting process. We'll have small group meetings with board members as did previously to gauge thoughts. Uh we're planning to have a theme each month for the remainder of the school year for recruitment and retention and enrollment focusing on students in the different
schools with the different commercials and highlights of different schools. We'll be updating the recruitment and retention plan as noted. Um again I'll be getting in touch with uh C2 uh AE for the master facilities plan
uh updated calendar. So that part of of the my comments is is u that's all I have for that part. Okay. So I do have a second part to my
comments I like to read to the board if you would. Dear Steam board, with much reflection, I have decided to conclude my service with the Ben Harour Area School District and will not be seeking a contract renewal. I am profoundly thankful for the three years I have
spent working alongside you to advance the district. We have achieved significant milestones and I'm certain the district will continue to th continue to thrive. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the board, students, faculty, staff and community for allowing me to lead and shepherd
during both prosperous and challenging times. The lessons learned here have been indelible and enlightening as I consider my next professional chapter. I am resigning my position of superintendent as of June 30th, 2025. All right. So, um as it stands, Dr. Buts
has provided um a resignation as of June 30th, 2025. Um and I have officially received this in writing as well. Um, so at this particular time, I would ask if the
board would prefer to give feedback um to the statement provided or there can be an amendment made to the agenda to allow for a vote to accept his resignation, but I'm more than welcome to allow conversation prior. I say we make an amendment to
take a vote on it. Is that a motion? I make a motion that we amend the agenda to take a vote to accept the superintendent's resignation. Is there a second and support? Support. The motion has been made by Treasurer Bradley and supported by Trustee Gavin that we amend
the agenda to allow for a vote to accept the superintendent's resignation as of June 30th, 2025. And again, this is just to allow for the amendment of the agenda. It's not the actual vote to
accept. Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the amendment. Hearing none, Secretary Tripley, can you please call the vote for amendment of the agenda? President Robinson, no. Vice President
Bowens, yes. Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Bradley, yes. Trusty Rocket Martin, no. Trusty Gavin, yes. Trusty Doyle, yes. Motion carries. All right. So, the motion has passed to allow us to
de amend the agenda to allow for a vote to accept the resignation of the superintendent of schools, Dr. Kelvin Buts, as of June 30th, 2025. Is there a motion um to approve? I mean, is there a motion to accept the
resignation as noted? So move. Is there a second in support? Second. The motion has been made by Trusty Doyle and supported by Trustee Gavin. Any questions, comments, or concerns from the board at this time? Trusty Rocket Martin. Yes. Uh Dr.
Buzz, I hate that you did that. You were um an excellent superintendent. Uh I've sat under many super I've worked under many superintendents and I must say you are one of the best. Um I hate to see you go but I do wish you well in
your uh coming endeavors and um and it is a great loss. I want to make that really clear. It is a great loss to our district. It is the stability. It is the the you are the the anchor that we
needed for such a time as this. and I'm sorry to see you go, but I do wish you well and I understand because when you take the kind of abuse uh that you've been taken, I understand. So, um good
luck to you and and thank you for the integrity, the character that you've shown uh at the table. I I appreciate that and you have been um an example of
what professionalism looks like. Thank you. Any other comments from the board? Madam Secretary, uh we'll go to Treasurer Bradley and then Secretary Triplet. And I would uh like if everyone if everyone everyone could have an opportunity to speak if you prefer not
to, that's perfectly understandable. So we'll go to Treasurer Bradley. Um I would say that I am not happy. Um you know but I understand that you know business has to be taken care of.
Um you know being on this board um first term four years so going on five years doing this work. Um you see a lot of changes come and go. You've I've worked under three four superintendents now. um
yep uh one interim at the time and uh there's work to be done and whenever you have a leadership change at the top it trickles down um whether it be at the board level at the superintendent level it trickles down back into the um into
the academics and everything else and it's unfortunate that you know some can't see that uh will hurt us instead of working to fix what is wrong or looking into uh the goals that we have
to put in place in order for things to work. We have to have stability in order for us to grow, in order for us to um build new buildings, pass bonds, you have to have stable leadership. And that's that's my whole thing. So, Dr. Buts, um whatever the outcome of this
next vote is, we thank you for your service. Um I appreciate you. Uh thank you for taking the time. if I have concerns or if I have ideas, you're quick to do that. You have an awesome team behind you working with you um in order to get things done. And people
have to understand that um things are not a sprint. Everything can't be done quickly. Uh things are a marathon. You know, things take time, change takes time. And so, uh thank you, sir, you know, for the sacrifices that you've
done. Um and it's very appreciated. All right. Secretary Triplet, I believe your hand was raised. Yes. Uh Dr. Bus, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you myself. I remember we're going through our transition. You were a
principal at Fairplane Junior High and you sent us an email and you said, "I have the credential." And we were um in the process of uh our previous superintendent getting ready to transition. And I just like to take this
opportunity to thank you for stepping in and for leading us during that transitional period. I appreciate, you know, of everything that you've done. And I too would like to, you know, say um
that sometimes it's important to know when and what it is that we must do and most importantly for ourselves. Um I would like to take this opportunity to wish you the very very best. think you
are an amazing person and I can sit here and say it just a hilarious um in there. Um and I just want to tell you thank you and I'm glad I had an opportunity to meet you and work with
you in this evening. Thank you so very much. Any other uh trustee Gavin? I prefer to write my thank yous. I like to think through what I want to say. Um, I want to thank you for your service,
Dr. Buts. Um, I don't believe that there was any abuse. I think that's a little dramatic. I think that we all have a role and a responsibility to hold each other and ourselves accountable to our students and our families and our
community. And I want to thank you for your service. I will take some time to reflect on the things that I am grateful for and I will put that in writing um to you. Um thank you. Any other comments
from the board? Vice President Bowen. Um I wrote a statement. Um is it okay if I read it, Madam President? Sure. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am
proud to set before you to highlight the incredible progress we have made as a community with Bitton Harbor Area Schools. Our journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and a shared vision for a brighter future. Together with you, Dr. Buts, we have accomplished
so much. It's essential that we celebrate these achievements by looking ahead to the opportunities that await us. First and foremost, let's acknowledge the remarkable increase in our student academic scores. This progress is a testament to the hard work of our educators, the dedication of our
students, and the unwavering support of our families. We are not just raising numbers. We are raising aspirations in nurturing a love for learning that will carry our students far beyond the classroom. We have forged important partnerships that are transforming our
district. Our recent strides in the partnership agreement We have made tremendous progress from the installation of a new gym floor to the track field to the boiler replacement. These developments are crucial for fostering a healthy
lifestyle, encouraging teamwork among our students. In addition to enhancing our facilities, we're bringing back drivers ed, a significant step in ensuring that our students have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed on the road ahead in life. Access to education is vital and we are
committed to pro providing our students with every advantage possible. Our commitment to lit literacy has led the establishment of small libraries and classroom further enriching their learning environment and encouraging a culture of reading. With these resources, we are bringing the district
back to a place where every child can explore the world through stories and knowledge. Moreever, we are expanding our horizons for our students with the Black College Tour giving them experiencing and open doors and opportunities that many of our students may have never considered, allowing them
to envision themselves in higher education and beyond. We are preparing them with the robotics competition in STEM fields and equipping them with the skills needed for the future. Excitingly, at Fairplane Junior High, the students are getting ready to go to
Washington, DC, where students will have a chance to see monuments and historical sites that they have only read about. These experiences will deepen their understanding of our nation history and instill a sense of pride in their heritage. I would like to highlight the
expansion under your leadership of our alternative learning program, Kate. This program has the potential to be a gamecher for our community. Offering tailored educational opportunities that meet the diverse needs of our students with the right support. We can ensure
that every student has a pathway to success. As I reflect on the progress, I want to take a moment to express my heartful gratitude to you. Dr. Buts, I am forever grateful for your leadership during this crucial transitional period. When we needed a steady hand, you
stepped up and guided us with integrity and vision. Your dedication to our mission has made a lasting impact on our community and I thank you for all that you have done. To the community and the board, let us embrace this moment of transition as a
chance to reflect our accomplishments and dream about the future. The resolve of Benton Harbor area schools is stronger than ever. And I believe that together we will continue to build a bright and successful future for all of our students. Thank you. God bless
Arbor. Trusty Doyle, did you have any comments for this evening? Yes. I just want to thank Dr. Buzz for his service and wish him the best. Okay. So, I will begin by saying Dr. Buts, I am grateful to you. Um, you came
in as a principal. You went through the rough and the thick in Fairplane Middle School. And in the position when we needed a superintendent, you stepped up to the challenge. I feel as though you have been a fighter through this entire
time. You have withstood concerns from the public. Um, personal vendettas of nature of sorts that I would indicate. You've received positive feedback from the board of education, but sometimes
often the voices of the public have rang stronger than the positive feedback from the board of education when it as it relates to social media and things of that nature. You've been here through moments of board uh turmoil and recalls,
stay focused on the work. And so I just want you to know that I am not at all um happy about the resignation and I know that you are fully aware of that. I feel as though um you were brought here for a
season. You have served us graciously through that season. We've seen phenomenal changes with the partnership agreement improvement in our academics despite what some may say. And so I just want to thank you again for your efforts and your support. um and being willing
to be a team player with the board of education and going through changes with your staff as well. And so I look forward to the remainder and the duration of your contract through June 30th because we are still a governance
team. And so I am still committed to doing the work with you throughout the remainder of this school year to ensure that you are able to have a strong and ethical close out and transition. One that puts the students in the best
interest um put puts the students at your best interest with moving forward. So I thank you. I'm saddened by the res resignation of course, but I thank you for your time and I wish you the best with your future career and I look
forward to seeing what district you may pop up in next. So, with that being said, Secretary Triplet, can you please call the vote for the acceptance of the resignation of the superintendent of schools, Dr. Kelvin Buts, as of June
30th, 2025? President Robinson, no. Vice President Bowens, yes. Secretary Triplet, yes. Treasure Bradley, no. Trusty Rocket Martin, no.
Trusty Gavin, yes. Trustee Doyle, yes. Madame President, the motion passes. All right. We wish you the best, Dr. Buts. Um, we still have board member announcements and comments. Um, so everyone has made a
comment as it relates to Dr. Best and his resignation provided, but you all still have a window of time to give a com a general comment and it is 9:59. So I think our closing time was standard 10:00. Is that right, Trusty Gavin? Yes. So we didn't do too bad. I'm glad that I
removed the training because we would be here for another hour. So uh, Trusty Gavin, you can start us off. I I I really want to thank everybody for coming out. Um I am a person who um appreciates
hearing all sides and I'm also a person who hears the voice of the voiceless, the ones who didn't come out. And I take all of that in. I um am
hoping that we can create a an environment in which everyone has a right to speak without that speech being labeled as attacking unless it's an
attack. Um that speech is not being labeled as abusive unless it is abusive. Um, I think that it's important to listen to the voices of the people, what they have to say, how they feel, their
experience without demeaning them, demeaning their dignity, cutting them off. And I saw that happen to Tiana today and that concerned me.
Um, she has a right to speak. She cares about our children and she said what she said. And so sometimes we have a tendency to say, "Well, both sides were wrong." No, she had a right to speak. And
so I support her right to speak. Um, and I think that, you know, we just have to create a safe space for that. I am grateful um to our staff, our
employees, our students for their achievements. And I am so looking forward to what's possible for Ben Harbor Area Schools. We deserve the best. We deserve the best. And so I'm
looking forward to that best manifesting. And I believe that the best is yet to come. I believe that we do need to reach out to um our community members who are
qualified and see if there's a way to get some support for transition. Um I think that we need to make sure that we have some type of assistant in place. So in just in case Dr. bus is not able to make it to
our required meetings so that we can ensure that we are in compliance with the partnership agreement. I'm not going to talk much longer. I know everybody's looking at the clock like, "Oh, they did not put a clock on on Gavin." So, I'm going to go ahead and
close out. I'm just really grateful for this space. And Dr. Bus, I meant what I said. I will write a letter of gratitude. I'm just a person who prefers to think it through um and give you something that you can have um to review. Um so I'll turn it over to to
the rest of uh my colleagues. I'm just looking forward to what's possible uh with our community and with our staff and with our children. Trusty Doyle, I'll pass. Pull your mic forward, please. I'll pass. Thank you. Okay.
Trusty Rocket Martin. And I'd ask that you pull your mic forward. Yes, ma'am. My turn. I believe in calling a spade a spade. I know what I heard. I know what I saw. I know what I experienced. And I'll
reiterate, I thank you, Dr. Buts, for the character you displayed when you were attacked. I thank you for the um the professionalism you displayed when you were
attacked. And there's no other way of saying it. And some of you that sat right over at that table, you felt attacked also. So I um like I said, I believe in calling a spade a spade. And I know what
being attacked looks like. and I could only imagine what it felt like even when it was done to folks out there. So, um, with that being said, I'm not going to bite my tongue because, um, we have
bills to pay because of a tax on people. So, um, I'll leave that at that. And, uh, Dr. Buts, you have my my blessing. Go with God. May he raise you up to be greater than you
are. And we had perfection. I'm not going to say I'm saying in a sense that we had somebody that knew our district that could work with us that tried to to do what you asked them to do. And we were making the
gains. Our test scores did rise. In fact, um, the MLK did make the gains that we were told they did not make. The state of Michigan said they did. So, our district is on was on is on the road to
recovery. And I'm hoping that we can keep that that momentum going and that we will always um not have to look back and say, I wish we hadn't done what we did. So, uh, with that being said, thank
you again and, um, I wish you well. Uh, thank you, Trusty Rocket Mine. Up next, and and thank you, Trusty Gavin, if I didn't say thank you as well. Up next, we have Treasurer Bradley. Um, well, here we are
again, back to square one, cuz be nice, Matt. Be nice. Be best. As Melania says. Um um here we are at square one. I'm going to try to stay positive.
Um first of all, let me say this. Um when it comes to this table and we make decisions, we can't have it two ways. Um next thing is um courage is not the absence of fear. I'll make this quote. It is choosing to move forward
despite it. As leaders, we often have to take leaps of faith. We step into unknowns, make unpopular decision, and take responsibility when things go wrong. Um, so with that being said, you know, now we have to get ready. I'll decide if
I'll be a team player and show up for the state training. So, I'll just leave it at that. Um, but, um, yeah, to say the least, I am disappointed. Things are going the right direction. Few people feel things aren't going the right direction. That's all I have to say. God bless.
All right. Up next, we have Secretary Triplect. Please notate uh Vice President Bradley is exiting as of 10:07 p.m. I know he also has to get on the road bright and early, so make sure we notate his exit. Secretary Triplet, I am so glad that
people have prayed for the spirit of containment as I have. Um, I I am I'm so grateful that I got to see all of those
faces tonight. And it ain't no one side. and they know I just got a chance to see all of these faces as I look around this room. I'm not a
politician. I don't know anything about politics, politics or polit. I serve for the board of education. I have no aspirations other than my um entire life
work. Um and that's for the children of Ben Harvard. I have never taken it personal. I've looked in some of your faces. I've seen you and you've seen
me, but I saw it. I didn't really know the workings behind the scene. I didn't know how things actually work in certain places and spaces because I've never been quite
privy to it because this is the first time I ran for public office. And so I was very unfamiliar with it. And so tonight I asked God just to show me and he did.
He showed me. And so I want to say to the citizens of Benton Harbor, my number one priority is your children. I'm not connected to anybody. Cuz guess what? They don't have any
problems not being connected to me. Okay? And so I I I want to I want to say that again to Dr. Bus, thank
you. I have no nothing, no thoughts in my mind about anything because I was the person that put it on the table for Dr. Bus to come here. Okay. And so for
me as I close out and I look because see people think that you operate the way that they are. So if they think it's dirty it might be a little dirt with them. We're not going to always agree. and you know to make uh uh I saw
people come up here that had an opportunity to make a difference and they did not. I saw people come up here who were to take children out of our district. I mean loads and loads of
children out of our district. I've I I've seen I I've I've seen people say I I don't have any any back thoughts or anything because I never waver and I never will waver in my commitment to Benton Harvard area schools. I don't have I don't have
a story where I took this one over here, I did that. I didn't do this. I I don't have any of that. Triplet, please wrap up your I will wrap it. I sure will. I'm going to be at everything. Dr. bus. I am so looking forward to you
closing out with the respect and dignity that you possess. Okay. And um I'm looking forward to us having an amazing transition plan. I know the partnership agreement.
um did not possibly did not see how this would look for a district if if a superintendent resigned. But this right here would give them another aspect of how they can continue to help districts. And so I'm not afraid about
that because I know that we have people in place that's going to be there to support us in this transition. It's not just one person. I know Dr. of us will attest to this because it's been amazing teachers. It's
been amazing staff members that have held their feet to the iron and the grind and they don't often get the recognition. So I want to say thank you to all of you to every last one of you because none of us went in those
classrooms those test scores went up because of our teachers. those all those good things that happened to us happened for a reason and I know we'll be able to move forward um Tiger Nation second to none. Thank
you. Thank you, Vice President Vice President Bowen. The Bible tells us in Matthew 19:14, "But Jesus said, "Sepher little children and forbid them not to come unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven."
And when I think about that scripture, it means a lot to me. But I also understand that democracy is a bloody sport. And we may not like it. We're watching it right now. People voted for somebody, they didn't like the other candidate. And we're suffering. Some
people are thriving. We have to respect. And I feel like the level of respect if we're going to call a spade a spade and call people out, make sure you're pulling a moat out of your own eye because there several people watching. I
also want to say to openly state you will sabotage the partnership agreement is dangerous, naive, reckless, and irresponsible. Listen to what they say, but watch what they do. Three years ago,
when Dr. Butts came as superintendent, we got the email that he had the qualifications, I was out in my car getting ready to drive off because I came to this meeting thinking of something different. Secretary Triplet told me, I won't tell you what he told
me, but I got pulled in and was told I needed to come back to the table. I think we're looking at this and we have to understand that it's not personal. Sometimes this is life. A contract has
expired. The individual has decided not to apply for a renewal. We go on and explore the options. But one thing we're missing the point is Dr. Buts was a transitional leader and sometimes you have to have
and acknowledge that transitional leader to stabilize the ship, stabilize the school district. And he's done that. He's helped us, prepared us to be able to move to the next level. And I am excited about that next level. I am
excited about what we're going to do. Um, and I respect every single one of us, but I also ask that you respect us. Someone text me a whole essay. And it's not about his side or her side. It's about the children of Bitten Harbor
side. And if we say we love the children and if we say we care for the children, take your emotional self out and let's look at the children. We had all of these people here on Facebook. I watched a child get kicked in the head and
dragged at the park. Not one of them said anything about that child. Not one of them mentioned about the child. What message are we sending if we say we care for the children, but they're not in our focus? Thank you and God bless you all.
It's difficult to find words in this moment because I have a dual accountability and responsibility to be not only an individual trustee as myself, but I also hold the accountability as being the sp the spokesman um a spokesperson of the board
of education. And so there are often moments where as a trustee I would I would say a lot more than I would say at this particular time as president of the board. And so what I will say is again I am grateful for the
season that we had the leadership that we had to help us in getting the district turned around. Um as I voted no, it is because I wish that you were here to continue to help us in pushing that the district forward. And so I am accepting at this particular time the
board of education's majority vote to accept your resignation because as president and as a spokes spokesman of the board um I am required to do so. But I also want to make it fully clear um that I wish that you were staying with
us for another period of time. And so um as I've stated, I wish you the best um in your future endeavors. I um am wanting the board to be extremely flexible in its schedule moving forward because there's great work um that comes
ahead. Not only do we have to make sure that we're meeting our training obligations and and part uh governance team meeting dates for the partnership agreement. We have to make decisions as it relates to our financial budget. And we also have to begin conversations as
to what the next superintendent of Ben Harvard area schools will be like or who that person may be and what the search process will potentially be like. And so I'm asking that you all in making this decision as a uh board of education are aware of that because if we are not all
committed to this work moving forward, there is no way that we will be able to guarantee the success of the district and ensuring that we have the best available person feasible to do this work moving forward. I would also like to note that I have um expressed to you
all previously that this would be my last time or last year serving as the president. And so as we are and not this particular night but you know this this year. So as we are um discussing transitions and things of this nature. We have a transition of a superintendent
where we'll have to be making a new person or selection as of July 1st. But just reminding you all that I have requested that someone else or another board member look forward in the in the next year to being president. And so if
that is something that you are interested in, I just want to take this time as a reminder that you might want to let me know that so that we can get you all geared up to become trained on being the president of the board of education. And so we'll be um moving in in new directions um as far as our
leadership is concerned in the next coming year. So I appreciate you all. We want to make sure we stay focused on all of the great work that's ahead. Um and I thank you all for your time and your patience in our meeting tonight. So at this particular time, I'll ask is there a motion to adjourn? Madam President, I
make a motion to No motion to adjurnn. Motion to adjurnn. I thought you All right. Is there a second in support? The motion has been made by Vice President Bowens and supported by Trustee Gavin. Any
questions, comments, or concerns? Hearing none, Secretary Triplet. President Robinson, yes. Vice President Bowen, yes. Secretary Triplet, yes. Trusty Rocket Martin. Trustee Gavin, yes. Trusty Doyle, yes.
Motion carry. All right. This meeting is adjourned as of 10:19 p.m. 10:19. Yeah. Okay. Okay. No problem. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Yeah.
They not the