Benton Harbor leaders voice their opposition to the state of Michigan's plan to shut down Benton Harbor High School

BENTON HARBOR, Mich – The Benton Harbor community and city leaders travelled to Lansing to voice their opposition to the state’s plan of closing Benton Harbor High School.

The group included Mayor Marcus Muhammad, former Benton Harbor High School administrators, and concerned citizens.

“We are here today to get in front of it all and to appeal to Governor Whitmer that there is a better way,” Benton Harbor’s Mayor Marcus Muhammad said.

The state’s plan primary plan is to close Benton Harbor High School and shift the district to a K-8 school district.

The state states their goal is to refocus attention on students in a downsized district, address the $18-million dollars of debt and to correct the lagging academic performance in the school district.

“The $16 million dollars of debt we haven’t benefitted from it, we didn’t cause it so we shouldn’t have to pay for it and the children shouldn’t have to pay for it I’ve did my research there are plenty of schools in debt with way more money than our school is the debt can be forgiven turn around plans can be worked out,” Benton Harbor High School alumni and parent Apollonia Williams said.

Monday night the Benton Harbor Area Schools school board released a plan on Monday night called the third option which calls for a partnership with the state of Michigan, to address the school districts debt and to address the lagging academic performance numbers.

Benton Harbor High School alumni Damarco James believes there are many success stories in Benton Harbor if they’re given the opportunity and resources.

“I know of great things that have come from Benton Harbor High School I know the strength and pride that has been instilled and what that institution has the capability of and has historically given to the world,” James said.