The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has held its first meeting with new CEO Robert Herrera at the helm. About three weeks after he took the position with the Michigan Departments of Education and Treasury overseeing him, Herrera on Tuesday night filled the board in on what he’s been up to. Those matters included forming a new partnership with Western Michigan University to help with teacher development. He told WSJM News that will be a big change.
“I think having that level of support is extremely valuable and actually bringing Western’s technical expertise to change up the teaching and learning environment,” Herrera said. “Within the district, it’s going to be a big shift in the climate.”
Herrera said he wants students to see a new learning environment when they return to class for the new academic year.
‘Our teachers will have so many more resources and materials and supports to work with,” Herrera said. “I’m hoping that the students will see there are more opportunities for them to engage in the lessons.”
Herrera told the board he’s approved a new language arts and math curriculum. The costs were high due to the number of students who are behind, but Herrera said the curriculum piece is vital. He’s also working to ensure there are metrics established for evaluations of all staff.
