Newitt one of five candidates
Published 11:04 am Wednesday, February 16, 2005
By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Reviewing results of last fall's survey convinced school board candidate Steve Newitt that "the two major areas to focus on were staff communication and teamwork and communication with the community."
Newitt is among a field of five candidates for a four-year seat on the Dowagiac Board of Education May 3, including incumbent Greg Ferrier, Sue Miller, Corinne Hoyt and Bill Leonard.
Before enrolling their daughter, Hunter, 5, at McKinley Elementary, Newitt "shopped around for the best school" after she completed Inside Track at Justus Gage, including private schools.
Newitt's perception of Dowagiac Union Schools is also shaped by working for Cass County 12 years in August as one of four juvenile probation officers.
Former Dowagiac band director Ken Schutter of Mr. K's Wearhouse has been named community services coordinator for Building Restorative Communities.
Newitt worked for Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare System before becoming a probation officer.
He grew up in Berrien County in Galien, where the high school from which he graduated in 1974 recently closed.
He lived on a farm in a "suburb" of four families clustered together.
His father was an electrical engineer for the federal government. His mother worked at the Bank of Three Oaks. He is the younger of two sons. His older brother is a graphics engineer in Michigan City, Ind. Newitt himself has some background in printing.
Newitt attended Southwestern Michigan College and Indiana University South Bend (IUSB). He studied mechanical engineering and parks and recreation and worked as a ranger at Warren Dunes State Park in 1983.
He also has a farm business, "Punkin's Patch" (a pet name for his daughter), marketing blueberries from a one-acre plot.
The former Niles resident married Rana (Lechlitner), a 1985 DUHS graduate in 1996. She operates Guardianships and Alternatives.
They met through their court associations with a little bit of matchmaking by county Treasurer Linda Irwin.
The Newitts live on Yaw Street in Silver Creek Township.
Newitt is a man of varied interests. He's wrapping up 20 years in the Army Reserve and has participated in the Memorial Day parade each of the four years the Masons of Peninsular Lodge 10 has organized the May event.
He also enjoys woodworking, hunting and riding his motorcycle.