Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mission Statement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Benton Harbor Area Schools adds 'collaborative' to mission statement
Summary
The board unanimously approved staff report B1 to add the word "collaborative" to the district mission, after public comment asked how stakeholders were engaged in the drafting process.
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education voted Aug. 12 to revise the district's mission to include collaboration, changing the language to say the district will prepare students to be "both globally competitive and collaborative." Dr. Simone Griffin read the recommended language during staff report B1 and said the change was intended to emphasize teamwork, communication and collective success.
The revision followed public comment from community advocate Tiana Batis Wadell, who asked the board to clarify who helped draft the recommended mission statement and how stakeholders such as students, parents, teachers and community members would be consulted. "Can you provide clarity on who was a part of creating the recommended mission statement and are there other parts of the strategic plan that are currently being created?" she asked the board during the public comment period.
Trustee discussion focused on process and intent rather than substantive disagreement over the language. Trustee Gavin said she had not conducted a communitywide survey before proposing the change and offered to revisit the item if public concerns emerged. Secretary Triplet described the mission as a "living document" and noted that the board represents citizens who elected them to make such judgments.
After discussion, Trustee Doyle moved to approve staff report B1 and Vice President Bowens supported the motion. The board approved the revised mission by roll call vote.
The board did not adopt additional procedural requirements at the meeting for public outreach tied specifically to this mission change; several trustees said they would be open to further community input if needed. The board indicated work sessions and future agendas would be the vehicle for any extended stakeholder engagement or refinements.
