The school district released a brief statement on Wednesday, saying a complaint was made on Monday involving several employees. They were then removed from their duties immediately. In an additional letter sent to families, Superintendent Simone Griffin says allegations involved school employees and a Benton Harbor High School student. Three contracted employees have since been terminated and another staff member is on unpaid leave. Michigan State Police are now investigating the allegations.

Further details of the inappropriate conduct in question are not being released, but Griffin encourages anyone with more information to email her directly at [email protected].

The full letter sent to parents can be read below:

At Benton Harbor Area Schools, the safety, security and well-being of our students and school community is our top priority. I’m writing to provide an update regarding an allegation of inappropriate conduct involving school employees and a Benton Harbor High School student.

On Monday, Oct. 27, school administrators became aware of an allegation of inappropriate conduct involving a member of our support staff and a high school student. We immediately launched an internal investigation into the matter consistent with our school policies and procedures. We also contacted local law enforcement.

As a result of our initial review, a support staff member has been placed on unpaid leave and three contracted employees have been terminated. We are cooperating with the Michigan State Police Office in their investigation and will continue to do so. Our internal review is also ongoing and active, and I encourage anyone with information regarding this matter to contact my office directly at [email protected]. At Benton Harbor Area Schools, we take all reports of inappropriate or potentially illegal behavior or misconduct seriously and thoroughly investigate any such allegations or reports.

I understand this update may come as a shock and disappointment to our school community. Please know these alleged behaviors do not reflect the vast majority of our amazing school employees who work hard every day to provide a quality education to our students and conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism. Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of all Benton Harbor students, and we are committed to maintaining a secure, supportive learning environment that helps them succeed.

We will provide updates as information becomes available and appropriate to share.

Sincerely,

Simone Griffin, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Benton Harbor Area Schools