BH School Board Addresses Public About Seawood Suspension

Saying that there are no allegations against his character, Benton Harbor School Board President Sharon James on Tuesday addressed the public about the suspension last week of district Superintendent Doctor Leonard Seawood. While James couldn’t reveal to the over 50 people in attendance at a committee meeting why Seawood is suspended, she said that the district is being run by his staff during his absence:

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James later told us that she’s been talking with Michigan Treasury officials who don’t believe the district is in violation of its consent agreement:

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James said that Assistant Superintendent Kristine Simons is handling Seawood’s duties, and that Treasury is reviewing the credentials of some possibilities to be acting superintendent while Seawood’s out. She did not have a prediction for long his absence would be, but promised the board would be open with the public about this matter once its investigation is complete. Seawood was not present at Tuesday’s meeting.