Benton Harbor Schools May Have Acted Prematurely With CEO Pick

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The Benton Harbor Area Schools board of education may have acted prematurely in announcing the selection of Dr. Robert Herrera, the superintendent of South Haven Public Schools, as the district’s new CEO. Herrera has issued a statement saying he has not been offered a contract and has not received assurances from the Michigan Departments of Education or Treasury regarding the legalities of creating the CEO position at Benton Harbor. He does confirm he’s been working with BHAS on a consultant basis, using personal leave time.

Herrera says he’s honored to be requested by Benton Harbor to help, but there “are many factors and components that still need to be addressed” before he will consider taking the job. He also says the decision would be a difficult one, as he calls it a “privilege” to lead South Haven schools.

Here is Herrera’s full statement:

Dear South Haven Public Schools Community,

At this time, I would like to provide you with an update regarding my understanding and perspective on the current situation at Benton Harbor Public Schools and my involvement.

As you know, Benton Harbor Public Schools has recently been faced with a variety of challenges, both academically and financially. Due to my expertise in school improvement and reform, I was recently approached by the Michigan Department of Education School Reform Officer to assist Benton Harbor Public Schools in their partnership agreement with the Michigan Department of Education.

With the consent of South Haven Public Schools, I agreed to serve as a consultant for Benton Harbor Public Schools to the extent allowed through my personal leave time.

Just recently, Benton Harbor has come to realize the necessity of amending the agreement to allow the Michigan Department of Education and Treasury to designate a CEO over the district. In a motion made at yesterday’s Board of Education meeting, the Benton Harbor Board motioned to amend their partnership agreement with the Michigan Department of Education and requested that I be designated as CEO.

At this time, I have not been offered a contract from Benton Harbor Public Schools and have not received assurances from the Michigan Department of Education or the Treasury regarding the legalities of the creation of such a position.

Although I recognize the unique position and am honored to have been requested by the Benton Harbor Board of Education to assist, the reality is that there are many factors and components that still need to be addressed by the Michigan Department of Education and Treasury before I can consider my involvement.

Since accepting the South Haven Superintendent position six years ago, my family and I are grateful to be a part of this community. I can truly say that the support and generosity demonstrated by the stakeholders of South Haven Public Schools has been second to none. Each day, I feel privileged to work alongside the outstandingly dedicated and capable staff at South Haven Public Schools in serving the students of this district who have made such an impact in my life.

If I were offered an alternate position outside of South Haven, the decision would be difficult and would require a great deal of reflection and consideration. Looking ahead, if the time came to consider such an opportunity, the South Haven community would be notified and updated throughout the decision-making process.

Thank you, again, for your partnership and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (269) 637-0500 or by email at rherrera@shps.org.