Benton Harbor school officials take steps to change the district's future

BENTON HARBOR, Mich – Benton Harbor Area Schools trustees took steps on Tuesday to lay a foundation to take the school district in a new direction. 

Michigan Governor Whitmer’s administration has state in multiple plans and responses to the school district that the district must hire a “highly qualified” Superintendent. 

The school board hired recruiting firm Ray & Associates to lead the search for a permanent Superintendent. 

“We’re at a state of turnaround, we must meet certain mandates so we really need a highly qualified turnaround type specialist,” Benton Harbor Area Schools school board Vice President Joseph Taylor said. 

The Benton Harbor Area School district is three weeks removed from passing their latest proposal which includes benchmarks to decrease suspension and expulsion rates along with increasing academic performance. 

The school board announced at Tuesday’s meeting that they will meet with state representatives in Benton Harbor on Friday. 

“They said we want to come and talk to Benton Harbor Area Schools about our recommendations of the partnership,” Taylor said. 

Friday’s meeting will take place in the Student Commons of Benton Harbor High School at 5 p.m.