To the editor:

I would like to ease any fears that Sister Lakes Elementary is under consideration for closure.

The board did have discussions about another possible school closure last year as enrollment continued to decline and the state made severe cuts in school funding.

Those discussions were necessary to understand how the district might survive if the state continued to take dollars away from education.

Led by our excellent administrative team, with the support of our hard-working teachers and staff, we found ways to reduce costs by $1.6 million without closing a building and with only a single teacher layoff.

This year we are excited that enrollment seems to be just about the same as last year and funding has also leveled off.

To add to the worries about Sister Lakes, Matt Severin moved to the Middle School to fill a vacancy and to apply his tremendous skill and energy to his particular area of expertise:  middle school .

Then, with Peg Stowers’ retirement, the board wanted the incoming superintendent to have the opportunity to help choose the new principal at Sister Lakes.

This took some months to accomplish.

Rest assured the board is very proud of Sister Lakes Elementary and the unique relationship Dowagiac Schools share with the Sister Lakes community.

Principal Hart came to Dowagiac to take Sister Lakes to the next level — to be one of the finest elementary schools in Michigan.

The board will support Principal Hart in her endeavor and we look forward to the great accomplishments of our students.

Sister Lakes Elementary is a special place  (all three of my children also received a great education there).

The board has NO intentions to give up this educational jewel.

Larry Seurynck

President, Dowagiac

Board of Education