Benton Harbor School Board holds off on official superintendent search

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The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education is holding off on officially starting the search for a new superintendent. At a meeting this week, trustees debated whether to post the position or to continue on with Interim Superintendent Kelvin Butts and extending his contract. Trustee Elnora Gavin wanted to proceed with a superintendent search, saying it’s the board’s most important role.

“We have thousands of graduates from our school district who have not had an opportunity to apply for the position.” Gavin said. “They know many people and there are other folks who may very well take an interest in our district. We also owe it to our interim superintendent to post this position and allow him to apply for a permanent opportunity.”

Trustee Angel Crayton had similar thoughts. However, others felt more community input should be sought on what kind of candidate the district needs. Trustee Reinaldo Tripplett said the public hasn’t had its voice heard. In the end, a motion to start a search failed on a four to three vote. The contract for Interim Superintendent Kelvin Butts runs out June 30, and board President Dashuna Robinson said it can always be extended. The district has been without a superintendent since last year.