The announcement of Paul Hartsig as the new superintendent of Dowagiac Union Schools came a pleasant surprise to many.

Hartsig, a long time veteran of the district, was selected by the board of education after only a single round of interviews. The current Bridgman High School principal will succeed Mark Daniel in July.

We agree with the board’s decision to go with the former Dowagiac Union High School principal, especially given the relatively short turnaround period the district will have between top administrators.

Back when Daniel announced his impending resignation earlier this year, we expressed our desire to see the district make a smooth, decisive transition between superintendents in the coming months. We believe that Hartsig’s selection is a strong step in the right direction.

The fact that Hartsig already has nearly 20 years worth of experience working with Dowagiac students gives him a huge advantage in overcoming the sizable learning curve that would await a superintendent coming into the district for the first time. He also has experience working with many of the principals and other senior administrators he will soon be responsible for.

Most importantly though, Hartsig has a real investment in the success of the school district, outside of his own career. Not only does his wife work as an educator at Justus Gage, but their three children are also enrolled in school there. With those stakes on the line, we’re certain he has plenty of incentive to see the district succeed.

We wish Hartsig luck in the coming weeks, as he winds down his time with the Bridgman schools and prepares for his reintroduction to the children of Dowagiac.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Craig Haupert, Ambrosia Neldon, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.