The state of Michigan has announced a series of meetings that have been scheduled to address the future of education in Benton Harbor. This follows a plan announced earlier this year in which the state proposed closing Benton Harbor High School. Now an advisory committee is taking input on options.
You can read the state's release below.
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Benton Harbor community members are encouraged to save the date and plan to attend upcoming community outreach meetings hosted by the Benton Harbor Community Engagement Advisory Committee.
“The Community Engagement Advisory Committee is about finding comprehensive community solutions to the academic and financial issues facing Benton Harbor Area Schools,” said Deputy State Treasurer Joyce Parker, committee chairperson. “I encourage all Benton Harbor area residents to attend an upcoming meeting session so we can gather input from community members. We want to hear from you.”
The Community Engagement Advisory Committee outreach meetings are scheduled as listed below. Light refreshments will be provided.
- Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Noon - Benton Harbor Public Library, 213 E. Wall St.
- Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. - Benton Harbor Public Library, 213 E. Wall St.
- Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Noon - Benton Harbor Public Library, 213 E. Wall St.
- Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. - Benton Harbor Public Library, 213 E. Wall St.
Additional outreach meetings will be announced in the future.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding agreed to by the Benton Harbor school board, Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Department of Treasury, residents can expect the committee to engage with community members and review enrollment, academic programs, capital needs and other issues as members work openly and transparently.
The committee will provide an assessment of the school district in 90 days and an operating plan with recommendations toward creating a viable K through 12 education system in six months.
