Investigative Report reveals Benton Harbor Superintendent mismanaged student incidents during tenure with Chicago Public Schools

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — New details have emerged regarding Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Simone Griffin, who has come under fire from parents following a hallway confrontation with a high school student earlier this month.

ABC57 News has obtained an eight-page investigative report from Chicago Public Schools, where Griffin worked for 23 years, alleging mismanagement during her tenure there.

According to the document, dated January 20, 2022, investigators concluded:

“Credible evidence does exist to support the allegation that Ms. Simone Griffin, the Principal assigned to Austin College and Career Academy High School, failed to properly conduct investigations and document incidents.”

Griffin served as principal at Austin College and Career Academy High School for 12 years. The report states she did not follow required CPS policies between 2019 and 2021.

Investigators cited late entry of incidents, missing follow-up documentation, and failures to report certain cases within mandated timeframes. Officials first flagged concerns after an email revealed inconsistencies in the student records system.

During her interview with investigators, Griffin said she did not recall who entered many of the incidents and explained that she and her staff were still adjusting to the reporting system. The report concluded there was a lack of communication between Griffin and staff regarding disciplinary incidents, including cases involving bullying.

It remains unclear whether CPS took disciplinary action against her following the investigation.

In a statement provided to ABC57 on Nov. 24, Chicago Public Schools said:

“Chicago Public Schools (CPS) holds all employees to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct. When credible concerns about employee behavior arise, the District acts swiftly and decisively.

CPS is firmly committed to maintaining safe, ethical, and supportive learning environments for every student and staff member. The District continually reviews and strengthens its safeguards, including robust ethics training, oversight procedures, and accountability measures to protect our school communities.

While CPS does not comment on specific personnel matters, litigation or active investigations, the District follows a consistent process when allegations of misconduct are reported. Employees found to have violated Board policy are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination."

Griffin began a three year contract with Benton Harbor Area Schools in July. Earlier this month, she acknowledged the confrontation with a student that was caught on camera, calling the incident “regrettable and unfortunate.”

ABC57 has reached out to Benton Harbor Area Schools multiple times but has been denied an interview. The district declined to comment on the CPS investigation Monday.

A board member asked whether the board was aware of the allegations also did not respond to that question.