Benton Harbor Area Schools Appoints Keith Sanders as New Superintendent

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.- Benton Harbor Area Schools has seen six superintendents come and go in the past decade. Now the district has its seventh official leader — after the school board appointed interim Superintendent Keith Sanders full-time last night.

Sanders gave ABC57 insight into his plans to improve Benton Harbor schools. We talked about his passion for student success, parent engagement, and what it means to be returning to the very hallways he walked as a student. But above all, he told me why taking on this role means so much to him.

“May not be the easiest place in the world to work, but when you're from here and you grew up here, graduated from Benton Harbor High School in the class of 1990. You won't find a more passionate person about the work that we're doing,” Sanders said.

Sanders brings 30 years of educational experience back to his alma mater, including work as a teacher, principal, and chief officer of school turnaround in Delaware. He says fixing the district starts with three core priorities.

“I think there are a couple things we got to address. We have to address the climate and culture of our school system. Just got out of a meeting this morning talking about the social emotional supports that our kids so desperately need,” Sanders said, “and then there's the number one piece, which is instruction. Our kids need high-quality teachers. Our teachers need support. Our families need support.”

Progress is already underway. Since taking over as principal last December, certified teachers in the district are up 25% — and he has an even bigger goal in mind.

“I think our kids deserve the best. I want certified teachers in front of every student in this district. I'm committed to that. That will not change,” Sanders said.

Sanders credits his staff for the success but says parent involvement is crucial.

“I think we have to really reevaluate how we engage parents. We need every parent in this city supporting the work that we're doing in our schools, and you're never going to make everybody happy, but I don't think you take a few people and create a narrative for the collective,” Sanders said.