Benton Harbor Area Schools is officially beginning the search for a new superintendent.

The school board met on April 17 to discuss the next steps to find a superintendent. Board President Dashuna Robinson expressed a few of the characteristics she feels the board should be looking for in a quality candidate.

“Characteristics that we’re looking for is prepared and committed to lead Benton Harbor Area schools through a successful turnaround process given the district’s challenges,” Robinson says. “Someone who possesses excellent people skills, possesses the leadership skills required to respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by an ethically and culturally diverse community, recognize the importance of racial equity, inspires trust, has high levels of self-confidence and optimism.”

The board also wants candidates to have at minimum of a doctorate or master’s degree, the ability to help increase enrollment and retain families and students, and 4 to 5 years of classroom leadership experience.

The superintendent search committee, consisting of President Dashuna Robinson, Secretary Reinaldo Tripplett, and Trustee Stephanie Rockette-Martin, will be tasked with doing background work and bringing back to the board recommendations. 

The board will select the HYA Corporation consulting firm to help with the search, which includes recruitment and finding external candidates.

The superintendent’s base pay would be $150,000, including financial incentives.

The board will need to find a candidate to fill the role soon, as current superintendent Kelvin Butts contract expires on June 30. Berrien RESA will take over the search if the position is not filled by that date.