The head of the state’s teacher’s union is supporting the proposal to close Benton Harbor High School after the coming year. Michigan Education Association President Paul Herbart says the proposal is not ideal, but is the “best solution for students and families” adding it’s “far better than closing down Benton Harbor’s schools and leaving that community, its students and its school employees without options.” However, that isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. If the Benton Harbor Area Schools board of education votes down the proposal, state officials say the Legislature will have to step in. In previous instances, they have moved to completely shut down struggling districts. Herbart goes on to call the proposal from the state “a bold solution that will put Benton Harbor students on a path to success.” She adds the MEA is ready to partner with all 8 districts in the area which will be taking in Benton Harbor students starting in the fall of 2020.
