The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education is inching closer to selecting a new district superintendent.
The board hosted a public meet and greet and second round of interviews with its three finalists this week, and each was given ten minutes to make their own presentation.
Jeff Dase, the deputy superintendent of the Rock Island-Milan School District in Illinois, said Benton Harbor Area Schools can help students improve their low test scores by better understanding the data and how each individual student learns.
“I want to get down as much as possible to those groups of students and those individual students who are actually performing and now let’s try to replicate that,” Dace said.
Dr. Dallas Lee, the assistant superintendent of educational services at Elementary School District 159 in Illinois, laid out six priorities for Benton Harbor schools, one of which was focused on financial management and physical properties.
“We have a $24 million reserve, but aging buildings and rising costs require urgent, disciplined investment in what matters,” Lee said. “The priority, ensure fiscal stewardship, operational discipline, and trusted follow through.”
Dr. Simone Griffin, the regional director of Learnwell Educational Services in Illinois, said the district has to work with parents and ensure a sense of respect for teachers among the students.
“We’ve gotten to a place in our society where the teachers are not a friend, and they’re not respected like they used to be,” Griffin said. “We have to make sure that’s where we start.”
Board Trustee Trenton Bowens said he found reason to support each candidate.
“Mr. Dace brings a calm demeanor,” Bowens said. “Dr. Griffin brings that It Factor. Dr. Lee reminds me of President Obama giving a great speech, and makes you believe again.”
The board will meet again on July 8 to select a new superintendent. Trustee Reinaldo Tripplett said he’s looking forward to finding out who the new district leader will be, adding whoever it is, Benton Harbor Area Schools is going in a great direction.
