By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

Dr. Mark Daniel, the 13-year principal of Blue Ribbon Leo, Ind., Junior-Senior School, will be offered the opportunity to take Dowagiac to the “next level” in his first superintendency.

The Board of Education voted Monday night at the middle school to enter into contract negotiations with Daniel after three board members visited his community and Albion, home of another finalist, Fred Clarke.

The last two candidates were narrowed down in 80 hours from 26 original prospects and six selected for interviews. Three were given second interviews, including Storm Lairson of Reese.

Board member Larry Seurynck said, “Each of the three would have made a very respectable choice as superintendent … the process has been an inspiration … This decision is the most important of our tenure. With this recommendation, we launch Dowagiac’ moon shot. We begin a three-year journey to bring all Dowagiac Union School test scores to state average or above. We begin an era where failure is not an option for students or our staff.

“We owe success to our community, our staff and, with the greatest urgency, to our students. To initiate this endeavor, I recommend Dr. Mark Daniel to lead the Dowagiac Union Schools.”

“Mark Daniel will lead us to the next level,” board President Randy Cuthbert commented.