Benton Harbor Area Schools
Office of Special Education
269-605-1281
The Benton Harbor Area Schools (BHAS) Special Education Department is responsible for the
supervision of programs and services for students with disabilities who qualify for special
education. The department is responsible for the development and updates to the
Individualized Education Program or IEP document for each student identified for programs
and/or services. Additionally, the department is responsible for providing a safe and secure
location for maintaining and archiving documents.
The department ensures compliance with federal mandates relating to the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), and State of Michigan mandates as outlined in
the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE). In accordance with the
state’s Child Find guidelines, the Benton Harbor Area School District is responsible for servicing
students from ages 0 through 26.
The BHAS Special Education Handbook is designed to provide clear and concise guidelines
and expectations for all district employees. The handbook provides explanations, definitions,
and processes for administering the appropriate services for students with IEPs and their
families.
Finally, special education is in place to provide additional services, support, programs,
specialized placements or environments to ensure that all students’ educational needs are met.
Often, special education is understood and discussed in isolation; however, these services and
programs are administered through the general education framework. Benton Harbor
administrators, teachers, and staff are encouraged to become familiar with special education
programming, services, and guidance to ensure that all district and school processes are
aligned.
EVERY STUDENT IDENTIFIED FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
ARE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL EDUCATION POPULATION!
Executive Leadership
Lorinda Robbins, Director of Special Education
Email: Lorinda.Robbins@bhas.org
Dr. Christopher Bernick, Assistant Director of Special Education
Email: christopher.bernick@bhas.org