Benton Harbor, Mich. — In the search for the district’s next superintendent, the Benton Harbor Area Schools (BHAS) Board of Education has unanimously selected three finalists to advance to the second round of interviews. The announcement follows the first-round interviews conducted during a special board meeting on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
After conducting interviews with five highly qualified candidates, the Board selected the three finalists based on their experience, innovative ideas, and alignment with the district’s mission and goals.
Board President Dashuna Robinson stated, “The Board of Education is extremely impressed with our second-round finalists. Each candidate brings a depth of data and systems-based educational knowledge, operational experience in finance and facilities, and visionary strategies concerning staff and student recruitment and retention.”
Superintendent Finalists:
Mr. Jeff Dase
Deputy Superintendent, Rock Island-Milan School District (IL)
Dr. Simone Griffin
Regional Director, Learnwell Educational Services (IL)
Dr. Dallas Lee
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and Opportunities, Elementary School District 159 (IL)
Final Interviews and Community Meet & Greet
Community members are invited and encouraged to meet the finalists during a Community Meet & Greet on Tuesday, June 24, at 5:00 p.m. in the Benton Harbor High School Library. Finalist interviews will immediately follow during a Board of Education meeting at 6:00 p.m.
As part of the interview, each finalist will deliver a 10-minute presentation on a topic of their choosing, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session with the public.
President Robinson added, “The Board of Education strongly values the voice and input of all community stakeholders. We are confident in our ability to select a transformative Superintendent for Benton Harbor Area Schools and look forward to introducing our candidates to the community on June 24, 2025. Please join us in the selection of the Superintendent who will elevate our district to new heights.”
Interim Superintendent Named
The Board also appointed Dr. Christopher Bernick, current Director of Special Education for BHAS, as Interim Superintendent to serve the district and assist with the transition during the final stages of the search process.
President Robinson continued, “The Board of Education acknowledges the effective leadership, integrity, and commitment of Dr. Chris Bernick and commends him for his willingness to support Benton Harbor Area Schools as Interim Superintendent during this brief transition. We congratulate Dr. Bernick on his unanimous appointment and look forward to him serving as an anchor for BHAS during this season.”
Superintendent Search Timeline:
The timeline for the remainder of the superintendent selection process is as follows:
June 24, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Finalists will return to take part in a public Meet & Greet. The community is encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
June 24, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Finalists will participate in second-round interviews at the Board of Education meeting. This meeting will be live-streamed.
June 25 - July 7, 2025
A comprehensive background check will be conducted on finalist candidates.
July 8, 2025
The Board anticipates announcing the selection of the next Superintendent, pending contract negotiations.
For more information and ongoing updates, visit www.bhas.org/superintendentsearch.