Benton Harbor Area Schools has launched a survey to find out what residents believe should be done to improve the district’s facilities.

Speaking to the Benton Township Board of Trustees Tuesday, Superintendent Kelvin Butts asked that officials spread the word to the community so the district can get as much input as possible. He told us with the large number of both closed and open buildings BHAS has, there’s a lot to consider.

“We’re trying to see whether or not we want to repair some buildings, consolidate buildings, build new buildings,” Butts said. “So this is our road map to see what conditions they’re in, number one, and then to make a decision on how we plan on moving forward.”

Butts said he hears a few things from residents when it comes to the facilities.

“For the high school of course, they would love to see it remodeled, restored to its original glory. Some of the buildings, like our closed buildings, they want us to remove them because some of them are really debilitated. And then some of them that are not as far gone, what can we do to bring them back?”

Butts says now that the district’s debts to the state have been forgiven, and now that it’s no longer operating with a deficit, undertaking facilities improvements will be far easier. He promised residents the administration and school board will be prudent and responsible with how they make spending decisions.

The goal is to have the first part of the survey done around February, and then to release a second part shortly after.

You can take the survey by scanning the QR code below.