It’s a story that has been rumbling through the whisper network in Michigan’s Great Southwest for at least the last 36-hours or better and some details finally broke today when the Michigan Department of Treasury announced what they are calling “a bold proposal to get Benton Harbor students on a path to success and help the district take steps toward resolving their debt.”
Today state of Michigan officials met with Benton Harbor education leaders to discuss the plan.
Officials report that last year, in 2018, only 3-percent of Benton Harbor Area Schools third graders could read at grade level, and zero eleventh graders were deemed college-ready over each of the last five years. The district is more than $16-million in debt, with $700-per student being spent to pay back debt every year.
To help Benton Harbor students get on a path to post-secondary education, the State of Michigan and community partners have proposed a plan to expand opportunities for Benton Harbor students from Kindergarten through Eighth grade and suspend operations at the high school and alternative high school. Under the plan, starting in the 2020-2021 school year, high school students would be able to attend one of eight local high schools in their area or get a CTE focused education and earn college credits in partnership with Lake Michigan College.
State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks says, “There’s no question that this will be an adjustment for Benton Harbor families, but this is the best solution to serve students and get the district on track to resolving their debt,” and she adds, “Sitting back and doing nothing is not an option. We’re proud of the solution we’ve put on the table and believe it’s a much better option than what has happened in the past, where districts have been completely dissolved or converted to a charter system. This way, we can ensure K-8 students can get the skills they need and area high schoolers can get on a path to post-secondary success. The governor is ready to work with the Departments of Treasury and Education as well as the local school board to work on this solution and put our students first.”
Interim State Schools Superintendent Sheila Alles says, “Our primary concern is for the children of Benton Harbor.” Alles adds, “This proposed plan helps focus everyone’s efforts on improving academic outcomes and providing brighter futures for Benton Harbor kids. This is a critical time, and the students need the opportunity to move forward.”
Meanwhile, a group of 10 superintendents and educators from the region says, “As educators, we all share a responsibility to ensure every student can get a quality public education. We stand by ready to serve the Benton Harbor community and help every student thrive and build a future for themselves here in Michigan. We’re ready to work with everyone who wants to help.” That group includes: Berrien Springs Public Schools, Bridge Academy, powered by Kinexus Group, Bridgman Public Schools, Coloma Community Schools, Eau Claire Public Schools, Lake Michigan College, Lakeshore Public Schools, Niles Community Schools, St. Joseph Public Schools, and Watervliet Community Schools.
The State of Michigan plan requires approval from and partnership with the school board. The plan will include transportation for high school students at no cost to families.
Following the message released from the Treasury, Michigan Education Association President Paula Herbart released a statement of her own on the issue, saying, “Above all else, we need to make sure Benton Harbor’s students get a quality education that prepares them for life after school. Unfortunately, given past decisions, Benton Harbor’s dedicated educators haven’t always been provided the tools to be successful. For too many years, they’ve been shortchanged both in terms of resources – like quality books, curriculum, training and technology – and compensation.
“While the proposal put forth today is not ideal, it’s the best solution for students and families – far better than closing down Benton Harbor’s schools and leaving that community, its students and its school employees without options.
“This is a bold solution that will put Benton Harbor students on a path to success. The MEA is ready to partner with our local members, the local school board, surrounding districts, Lake Michigan College, and everyone else who wants to ensure Benton Harbor students and educators can thrive.”
“The mission of the MEA is to ensure that the education of our students and the working environments of our members are of the highest quality.”
Stay tuned for more.
