Benton Harbor board approves Proximity Learning contract to fill teacher vacancies

The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board voted Oct. 14 to approve a contract with Proximity Learning to provide live, certified remote teachers to classrooms that currently lack permanent instructors. The board approved staff report S1 after administrators and the vendor clarified billing and transition terms.

Superintendent Dr. Simone Griffin introduced the proposal as a way to stabilize classrooms in high‑need subjects such as math, science, special education and electives. Dr. Michael Robinson, senior vice president of strategy for Proximity Learning, described a model in which a certified remote teacher delivers synchronous instruction from offsite while an on‑site facilitator manages classroom activities and behavior.

Why it matters: the district reported roughly 18 vacancies across grade levels and subjects. Trustees said Proximity’s model could reduce reliance on day‑to‑day substitutes and provide daily instruction from teachers who meet certification requirements. The administration presented pricing in the staff report (noted in the contract as per‑section monthly rates and one‑time setup and training fees) and said funding will come from the district’s general fund.

Board concerns and assurances: trustees pressed the company on two contract points—(1) a five‑month minimum and early‑termination language in the draft, and (2) whether the district would be billed only for services actually delivered. The vendor said placements could be spun up within seven to ten working days and committed to drafting practical transition language (a 30‑day transition/addendum was discussed). The company also said it maintains its own pool of remote substitutes for extended absences and that the district must provide a physically present staff member to supervise the room if a facilitator is absent.

Implementation details: Proximity said facilitators need not be certified teachers (they can be long‑term subs, district paraprofessionals or teachers‑in‑training) and that its remote teachers become the teacher of record for grading and lesson planning. The company will coordinate certified-licensure reciprocity and participate in district PLCs so remote staff align with local curriculum.

What’s next: the board approved S1 by roll‑call vote after the vendor and administrators agreed to provide clearer line‑item pricing tied to the district master schedule and to include contract language clarifying termination and transition obligations. Administrators said they will circulate an addendum and a staffing map showing which sections will be covered under the contract.