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Benton Harbor board approves multiple personnel actions and budget payments; votes summarized
Summary
At its Sept. 11 meeting the Benton Harbor Area Schools board approved hiring steps for two candidates after closed-session background reviews, accepted separations and several hires, and approved July payments; the board recorded roll-call votes for each action. Trustee Gavin registered several dissenting votes.
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education on Sept. 11 approved a package of personnel actions and routine payments and recorded votes on several staff reports.
Board members voted to approve staff report HR1 to allow Brian Harris to proceed with the district employment application process as a maintenance technician through EduStaff after closed-session review of background information. The motion carried unanimously.
The board also approved staff report HR2 to allow William Gray to proceed with the employment application process as a youth advocate through EduStaff. The vote passed with Vice President Bowen recorded as abstaining; the remainder voted to approve.
During the meeting the board accepted several separations (staff report H1) and one retirement (H2), and approved a slate of hires (H3 and H4). H1 passed with Trustee Gavin voting no; H2 and H3 passed unanimously; H4 (third-party hires for partner schools) passed with Trustee Gavin recorded as opposed.
The business office presented staff report F1 and asked the board to approve July 1–31 payments totaling $1,550,189.89 across district funds (general fund, food service, sinking fund and student activity). The board approved the July payments by roll call vote.
The board approved staff report S2, authorizing the superintendent to pursue a professional development opportunity (AASA conference, March 6–8, 2025, estimated cost $2,625). That motion passed with Trustee Gavin voting no.
Votes at a glance - Agenda approval (consent agenda): approved (President Robinson yes; Vice President Bowen yes; Secretary Triplet yes; Trustee Rocket Martin yes; Trustee Gavin yes). - HR1 (Brian Harris — proceed with employment application through EduStaff): approved unanimously. - HR2 (William Gray — proceed with employment application through EduStaff): approved (Bowen abstain; Triplet yes; Robinson yes; Rocket Martin yes; Gavin yes). - H1 (separations list): approved (Gavin no; others yes). - H2 (retirement acceptance): approved unanimously. - H3 (internal hires/employment approvals): approved unanimously. - H4 (third-party/partner-school hires): approved (Gavin no; others yes). - F1 (July payments): approved unanimously; total $1,550,189.89 across funds as presented by the business office. - S2 (superintendent professional development — AASA conference, estimated $2,625): approved (Gavin no; others yes). - T1 (Ready Taekwondo contract for 2024–25 at Fairplain Elementary and Middle schools; Title I funding noted): approved unanimously.
Board members recorded substantive concerns and follow-ups on personnel and HR practices. Trustee Gavin pressed for more information on exit interviews and onboarding after noting turnover among central-office and program staff.
What’s next: Several items discussed at first reading — including a proposed student cell-phone policy — will return for further review and a second reading at a future meeting; staff were asked to provide requested clarifications and documentation for follow-up.
