The Benton Harbor Area School Board has put up anonline survey for people to weigh in on a state plan that proposes major changes for the district.
The online survey asks parents, district staff and community members to voice their opinion on the Michigan Department of Treasury’s plan.
At the end of last school year the state presented a plan to close Benton Harbor High School in an effort to lower the district’s debt and focus on the education of K through 8 students. The community fiercely opposed that plan.
The new plan from the state department of treasury would create an advisory committee made up of community and state leaders. The committee would assess the problems in the district, meet with consultants and the community, and come up with solutions.
Community members at the meeting voiced concerns about the makeup of the board. They suggested that a teacher, local pastor and others could be added. They were also concerned about the state’s follow-through. Several agreements between the district and the state have been started, but none have yet been finished. State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks said the state is going for a community-based approach this time.
The school board is looking for input on the state’s committee plan. They ask that responses be filed by next Wednesday, August 28th.
Contact Jennifer at jweingart@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @jen_weingart
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