Possible Return Of Local Control To BH Schools

bhhighschool5-16
bhhighschool5-16

Could local control be returning to Benton Harbor Area Schools? It’s possible. State School Reform Officer Bill Pearson tells us lame duck legislation approved by state lawmakers eliminated language related to the School Reform Office. If it’s taken strictly, then the SRO, and therefore the cooperative agreement governing Benton Harbor Area Schools, would end on July 1. District CEO Robert Herrera told Benton Harbor school trustees last week they need to be prepared for the possibility of a return of local control. Pearson says he’s waiting for instructions from the Michigan Attorney General’s office on what last year’s legislative change means. Currently, under the cooperative agreement, Herrera runs Benton Harbor schools under the oversight of the state while the board of education serves an advisory role. Pearson says he’s hoping for clarification on what’s next from the AG within the next month.