2024 MASA Fall Conference

Benton Harbor Area Schools (BHAS) is a large, urban school district working to unify its community under a shared vision for a brighter future. In recent years, BHAS has faced declining enrollment and economic challenges. In collaboration with design partner C2AE, BHAS is creating a facilities master plan to guide the district’s next bond, which will focus on modernizing existing buildings. But before the vote, BHAS needs to inspire the community and restore district pride. Together, representatives from BHAS and C2AE will walk through their rebranding and rebuilding efforts in Benton Harbor, explaining how to get started with a facilities master plan, convincing the community of why the work is important, and when to use a master plan to initiate a bond campaign. Takeaways: 1. Attendees will learn how to inspire community engagement and support for their district. 2. Attendees will understand how one school district is focused on modernizing existing spaces to embrace the future without losing its legacy. 3. Attendees will learn why, how, and when economically marginalized communities should consider rebranding and rebuilding through a facility master plan.