Benton Harbor Area Schools begin search for new superintendent

Dr. Simone Griffin submitted her resignation Monday evening, just submitted her resignation, after only one tumultuous year on the job.

ABC57 is working to learn how much money BHAS spent to recruit and hire Dr. Griffin.

So far, all we know is that in May of last year, the district disclosed the salary would be 150 thousand dollars with other incentives, but ABC57 hasn’t seen a copy of griffin's actual contract.

Dr. Simone Griffin was hired less than a year ago. A member of the district staff was able to send ABC57 a statement, saying in part that they wish Dr. Griffin the best in her next professional journey, and that the board will convene a special meeting to discuss the transition of the office. ABC57 went to the office to try and get more information from the administration staff but no one was there Tuesday. Dr. Griffin’s time with the district did not come without controversy. In November, the now former superintendent was caught on camera getting in the middle of a student conflict with a student inside Benton Harbor High School, seen on video throwing a student's belongings on the ground. It was an incident Dr. Griffin called regrettable and unfortunate. In addition, Dr. Griffin came under fire shortly after being hired, due to an investigative report which unearthed credible evidence suggesting Dr. Griffin failed to properly conduct investigations and document incidents at her previous job with Chicago Public Schools, where she worked for more than two decades.

One of the administration staff members who did respond said the board does not conduct media interviews before the entire board has a chance to meet.