With the “I’s” and “T’s” formally dotted and crossed, Paul Hartsig is once again an official employee of Dowagiac Union Schools.

The DUS Board of Education approved its proposed contract for the incoming superintendent during a special meeting Friday. Hartsig will officially begin his tenure as the district’s top administrator on July 1.

The contract signed by the board and Hartsig is for three years, from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2017. The board reserves the right to renew the contract anytime prior to July 1, 2015, and will automatically extend it for an additional year every year, unless the board notifies the superintendent otherwise prior to March 15.

Hartsig’s initial salary will be $120,000 per year, from the period of July 1 to June 30, 2015. After that period, the board shall decide on potential raises based off his yearly performance evaluation.

Hartsig will replace current superintendent Mark Daniel, who has served in the position since July of 2010. Daniel was signed to similar terms to Hartsig when he was first hired for the position, also beginning with a salary of $120,000.

Hartsig, a resident of Dowagiac, will be returning to the district for the first time in two years. The administrator had previously worked at Dowagiac Union High School for 17 years, first as an educator before becoming principal in 2004.

Hartsig has spent the last two years serving as principal of Bridgman High School. The DUS Board of Education announced their selection last month, after interviewing a pool of three other applicants for the job.