Parents address the Benton Harbor School Board for the first time since a list of proposed cuts was released

October 20, 2010|By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

BENTON HARBOR -- It was the parents' and teachers' turn to tell Benton Harbor School Board Members their thoughts as the district explores deep cuts to keep its growing deficit in check.

Benton Harbor's financial situation is beyond words.

"We wish we didn't have to cut nothing," said Leroy Harvey, president of the school board. "That's not the case here."

As parents hung on to Harvey's every word, cuts, closures, and consolidation were the night's dirty words.

"If we keep cutting and cutting, we're not going to have anything left," said April Margaritis, who was concerned about the series of proposed cuts.

The one word they haven't heard from school officials is consistency.

"Make a decision where it works for everybody," said Stephanie Zabavski, who was also concerned about the series of cuts.

But a decision that pleases everyone is not likely to happen.

The board proposed 15 ways to save millions of dollars.

Among the cuts the Benton Harbor School Board will consider:

Closing Hull Middle School and eliminating the two administrative positions there to save at least $619,000.

Close Fair Plain Middle School.

Students from Seely McCord would merge with the Calvin Britain school.

School leaders propose $630,000 in layoffs that would affect staff at Benton Harbor High School.

Music transportation would be eliminated and custodial staff would be outsourced to a private company.

"The people know and understand we've had to make some hard decisions," said Dr. Leonard Seawood, superintendent of Benton Area Schools.

District officials will meet with the Michigan state treasurer this week to talk more about their budget deficit.

While the board is used to calling the shots, Wednesday night, the board had something else in mind.

They were going to listen.

For 30 minutes, the board divided parents and teachers into groups by school. Everyone offered their solutions, from making cuts at the Central Office to implementing the changes next fall.

Much to the parents' chagrin, Seawood said he would stick with his January deadline to begin changes, for now.

Some parents recommended selling extra property and putting certain grade levels in certain buildings.

As everyone worked to make cuts, they kept the students' best interests in mind.

It was an unconventional public hearing, but Seawood said his staff would benefit.

"We were very happy with the turnout and how the community responded," said Seawood.

The final words to parents and teachers, came from board members who told the audience everyone is in this together.

Margaritis, agreed.

"We can't look back," she said. "All we can do is look forward and see what we can do to make it a better place."

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