Benton Harbor school officials say no deal is reached with the state of Michigan

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Benton Harbor School Board has yet to approve a compromise plan to keep the Benton Harbor High School from being shut down by the state.

A decision was expected at a special meeting held in Benton Harbor Tuesday evening but the school board says an agreement was never reached, contradicting the state who released framework through the Governor's office of what they called a tentative deal.

"In my entire 40 year professional career I've never been we have never been the entire board has been treated by the representatives from the Governor disrespectful intimidating and lying," Benton Harbor Area Schools school board member Dr. Patricia Rush said.

What the state calls a tentative agreement includes benchmarks the state said the school district had to reach including hiring a qualified Superintendent and CFO, hiring more certified teachers and balancing the budget all within one year.

"We are no longer asking to talk to any surrogates we wanna sit downface to face with her with our community to address the issues that are going on," Pastor Maurice McAfee of New Bethel Baptist Church said. 

The state mentions on their website that they intend to have a plan finalized by the end of July but Benton Harbor Area Schools school board members say that is unlikely.

"I have strongly wanted to work with the state but based on the actions of the past week I no longer think that is possible," Rush said.