Committee approves 5-year plan to save Benton Harbor schools

The Community Engagement Advisory Committee approved a 5 year plan to restructure Benton Harbor Area Schools and keep the high school open on Monday evening.

The plan now goes to the Benton Harbor School Board and 2 different state agencies for approval.

The deal includes $10-million in emergency loan forgiveness by the state, selling or demolishing unused school buildings, hiring a new curriculum director, and more qualified teachers across the district as well as extra support programs for students and parents.