Benton Harbor School Board Rejects Plan That Would Save School, Whitmer Calls It A 'Setback'

LANSING (CBS DETROIT/AP) — The Benton Harbor school board has rejected a tentative agreement that would have staved off the closing of the city's high school.

During a special meeting Tuesday, the five-member board unanimously rejected a resolution calling for it to work with the state of Michigan on the proposed deal.

Board president Stephen Mitchell said school officials want to work with the state, but need to have "trust and collaboration" before a deal is made.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the Benton Harbor school board's surprise decision to reject a tentative plan to potentially avoid the closure of the district's main high school is a "setback."

Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown said Wednesday that board members have sent a "troubling signal" to parents that they are "unwilling to negotiate in good faith" to address the district's academic and financial challenges.

Whitmer had expected the board to approve a resolution Tuesday calling for it to work with the state on the proposed deal. Board members could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.

State officials have warned that the entire district might be dissolved.

A previous "cooperative" agreement between the state and Benton Habor ended Sunday due to the repeal of a section of Michigan law.