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Superintendent considers reinstating principal as community advocates and critics speak at board meeting
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Simone Griffin said she is considering reinstating Leonard Morant as principal; public commenters made competing claims about district leadership, citing staff safety, due process, and calls for accountability and unity.
Superintendent Dr. Simone Griffin told the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board on Nov. 11 that, after reviewing feedback from staff, students and community members, she is "announcing consideration for the reinstatement of Mr. Leonard Morant as principal of Benton Harbor High School." She said any action would reflect a commitment to student academic growth, safety and trust.
The announcement came amid public comment both alleging concerns about district administration and urging support for Mr. Morant. Derek Bishop said students feel unheard and raised concerns about mental‑health supports; he also said he had heard that the superintendent had engaged in an "aggressive, vulgar, disrespectful cursing tirade" with a student and that a student (identified as Shamaya Davis) had been moved quickly, which he said could implicate due‑process issues. Bishop said he was seeking video evidence and urged the district to act swiftly if the allegations were accurate.
A separate public commenter who identified herself as Darla's mother gave an extended statement in support of Mr. Morant, describing his 18 years of service to the community and arguing that recent district actions did not align with publicly stated commitments to transparency and site‑based leadership. She alleged instances of district administrators entering buildings without notice, conducting evaluations without principals’ knowledge and creating a climate of fear for some staff.
Board members used closing remarks to call for unity, accountability and healing. Several trustees expressed support for Dr. Griffin while also acknowledging the need for process and due diligence. During the meeting the board authorized the president and vice president to meet with the superintendent and deliver correspondence on behalf of the board; the board also moved into and returned from closed session earlier in the agenda (no public vote or reinstatement decision was recorded).
There was no public vote to reinstate Mr. Morant during the meeting. The superintendent’s statement and public comments were recorded in the minutes; the board said follow‑up would occur through the superintendent’s office and board leadership.
