Advisory Committee To Release Turnaround Plan For BH Schools This Month

bhhighschool5-36
bhhighschool5-36

The much-anticipated turnaround plan for Benton Harbor Area Schools being drafted by a state-proposed advisory committee will soon be released to the district’s board of education. At this past week’s school board meeting, Benton Harbor Area Schools Community Engagement and Advisory Committee liaison Denise Whatley-Seats told fellow trustees the committee’s recommendations will be presented to the full board on March 17. Superintendent Andrae Townsel told WSJM News he’s optimistic.

“I’m very proud and I’m very excited to be a part of this team and a part of the committee,” Townsel said. “I think everyone’s putting their best foot forward, doing what they can to revitalize the district.”

Townsel has been sitting in with the Community Engagement and Advisory Committee. The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education will have about 30 days to consider the turnaround plan. Whatley-Seats also said on Tuesday there will be a couple of town halls so the public can learn more. She mentioned March 24 as a possible date for both. The Community Engagement and Advisory Committee was proposed by the Michigan Department of Treasury after an initial pitch by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to close the high school proved unpopular in the community. Board President Joseph Taylor said Tuesday he’s interested in learning what the committee has to say.