If Wednesday’s interview was any indication, the public is firmly behind the school board’s choice for superintendent.

Dan Applegate received a lot of community support prior to his second interview with the Niles Community Schools Board of Education Wednesday evening.

Seven people in the audience — most parents or teachers — spoke in favor of the board hiring Applegate, who was one of three finalists for the job at the time.

Kelley Best, a teacher and parent, said she first got to know Applegate in his role as a coach for her son. She described him as kind, supportive and helpful.

“The district is ready for somebody we can trust and feel comfortable with,” she said.

Another supporter said Applegate is intelligent, articulate, compassionate and cares deeply about kids.

“I know Niles has a lot of healing to do and I can’t help but think that Dan is the right man for the job.

During Wednesday’s interview, board member Jeff Curry said it was remarkable that so many people would speak at a public meeting in support of Applegate as a candidate.

Applegate worked in Niles for 15 years, first as a psychologist with Berrien RESA and then as the district’s director of special education and director of instruction.

He left the district in 2013 to take a job as assessment and accreditation coordinator at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana.