Now that the debt Benton Harbor Area Schools owes to the state of Michigan has been forgiven, district leaders are looking to the future with new optimism.
Speaking to Benton Harbor City Commissioners this week, new Superintendent Kelvin Butts said he’s committed to making the district the best in the county. He said that will take the work of parents and the whole community.
“As far as the students, I’m asking each student to commit to having pride, personal responsibility in their efforts by being active participants in their learning and acting as responsible individuals within our learning community,” Butts said.
Butts said the ongoing issues faced with the boilers in the schools are being addressed.
“I can tell you we have an RFP and we have a firm that we are currently working with and project the time to have those installed in the high school and Fairplain East Elementary School is June, 2024.”
Butts said the district has a backup plan in case the boilers fail this winter, adding the buildings are warm now.
Looking ahead, he said the administration is working on a facilities plan as he believes the district has moved beyond its current facilities. He’ll be presenting a proposal to the board of education soon.
Now that the district’s debt is wiped away, it can seek things like bond projects with more reasonable rates.
