Former City Manager Appointed To School Board

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Former Benton Harbor City Manager Darwin Watson is the newest member of the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education. At a Tuesday meeting, the board selected Watson to fill a vacancy created by the death of Stephen Mitchell last month. Board President Joseph Taylor told us Watson seemed to have the qualities the school board needs.

“We’re dealing with a financial deficit, we’re dealing with educational issues, and so we need someone who can get right on top of this,” Taylor said. “It was very important tonight, it was heartfelt because we lost our board president, but at the same time, we had a job to do.”

Taylor says Watson worked with young people as the city manager. Watson told the board during his interview he has the time to devote to the board’s many meetings because he makes his own hours now working as a consultant. He also said he was born and raised in Benton Harbor and is committed to the community, adding “quality education is a right.” Watson was sworn in following the meeting. His term runs through December of next year.

Pictured: Watson is sworn in following Tuesday’s board of education meeting.