District to promote special ed coordinator 

Despite the recent resignation of its director, Dowagiac Union School’s Pathfinders Alternative and Adult Education Program remains on track when it begins the fall semester in September.

Former Director Oralia Cooper will remain with the program through Sept. 30, working with the district’s special education coordinator Sara Park, who will succeed Cooper when she officially steps down, said Superintendent Paul Hartsig.

“Our goal is to get everything up and running and to make sure we have an effective program in place,” Hartsig said. “We feel pretty good about [Cooper] stay on board until Park takes over.”

Park was one of the candidates the district considered promoting to the position after Cooper announced her retirement earlier this year. The board selected former Dowagiac Union High School Principal Pieter Hoekstra as her successor in the spring.

Hoekstra departed from the district on Aug. 11, however, in order to take a position with the State of Michigan. In spite of the loss, Hartsig said his administration was able to quickly implement a new plan for the leadership of the alternative education program.

“[Park] is excited about the new position,” Hartsig said. “She has some great ideas, she’s motivated, and she has a great skill set.”

Dowagiac Schools has run the Pathfinders program for the past 15 years, providing instruction to students who are 16 or older. It is designed to carve a path for students whose needs or schedules prevent them from earning a high school diploma or GED through traditional schooling.

“It’s a fantastic program, and it really serves our community well,” Hartsig said.

Students interested in enrolling are encouraged to contact the program at 269-782-4471.