Anguish in Benton Harbor as years of mistakes lead to a school's likely demise
BENTON HARBOR—There is a glass case at the main entrance to Benton Harbor High School filled with state championship trophies. That case is just for the school’s basketball teams. Walk down the cracked-floor hallways toward the main office, and there are at least three more trophy cases recognizing the school’s illustrious past.
But along the same hallways are signals of the school’s uncertain future. Signs, orange poster board taped to white plaster, are hand-written in black marker. “Keep our school open,” pleads one.
“I just feel like yall shouldn’t close down the school,” reads another. “Because what other high school gonna accept us?”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants this community’s one high school to close and students to be dispersed among as many as 10 other area schools. The Benton Harbor School Board has until June 14 to approve a plan to close the high school or risk dissolving the entire district.
Read more: https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/anguish-benton-harbor-years-mistakes-lead-schools-likely-demise