Benton Harbor, Mich. — Benton Harbor Area Schools (BHAS) is proud to announce that Fair Plain East Elementary School has been officially removed from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Partnership Agreement, as recognized in the state’s 2024-25 Michigan School Index results released on November 20, 2025.
Fair Plain East is among 68 schools in Michigan that exited state support this year because of improved student outcomes. This achievement reflects years of progress, collaboration, and student growth.
“Being removed from the partnership agreement means our school’s hard work is paying off,” said Jordan Wright, Principal of Fair Plain East Elementary School. “Our teachers have poured their hearts into our students by staying late, supporting each other, and always putting students first. Seeing our students’ test scores improve and knowing we did this together is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited for our future and grateful for the dedication of everyone here.”
Fair Plain East’s success is rooted in teamwork, consistent data-driven instruction, and strong community engagement. The school implemented targeted supports like afterschool tutoring, professional collaboration, and regular progress monitoring, while drawing on staff expertise and insights gained from statewide education conferences.
“Consistency and teamwork made all the difference,” Wright added. “Our teachers met regularly to share ideas and track student progress. We used data to guide teaching and kept students informed of their progress. Because of everyone’s effort, we’ve grown a lot as a school, and we are so proud of this accomplishment.”
District leadership praised the Fair Plain East team for setting a model of continuous improvement. “Fair Plain East’s achievement is a testament to what we can accomplish when educators, students, and families work together with a shared vision for success,” said Dr. Simone Griffin, Superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools. “This milestone reflects the momentum of our entire district. We’re building a culture of excellence where every school, every classroom, and every student can succeed.”