Major issues addressing the future of Benton Harbor Area Schools to be discussed at special meeting

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BENTON HARBOR, Mich – The future of Benton Harbor schools in its current form is uncertain. 

Sources tell ABC57 News the special meeting that the school district called for Saturday could address many pressing matters for the district. 

Last December the state law allowing the Department of Education’s School Reform Office was eliminated. 

The move means the cooperative agreement put in place installing Superintendent Dr. Robert Herrera could be invalid by July 1st

The deal took a portion of the decision making process from the school board placing it in Dr. Herrera’s hands to improve academic performance, reduce debt and stem declining enrollment, but now further changes could be coming. 

Benton Harbor native Veronica Burton says she doesn’t want to see a complete reorganization. 

“It’s not good for the kids they are already exposed to a lot in the first place so when they interact with the other kids they’re not even going to be able to grow in their own area,” Burton said.  

Sources tell ABC57 News that some Benton Harbor students could wind up being sent to neighboring districts as a part of a major restructuring. 

Benton Harbor resident Vincent Triplett says if it means better educational opportunities it might work. 

“I think it’ll be a good idea for the kids keeping them somewhat together, focused and organized,” Triplett said. 

ABC57 News will have a crew at Saturday’s to cover what the future holds for the districts approximately 3,000 students.  

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