Michigan’s State Treasurer is hopeful that a deal can be struck between the state and the Benton Harbor schools to create a “viable and successful” K through 12 program in the city.

Treasurer Rachel Eubanks, along with her Deputy, the State Superintendent, and the Office of Partnership Districts discussed a new approach on Friday.

The idea is to engage the entire community by establishing a Community Engagement and Advisory Committee to develop an operating plan for the schools. If a resolution is agreed upon and adopted by the School Board, residents can expect the Committee to follow a transparent process of assessing the schools and crafting an operating plan.