I have lived in Dowagiac for almost 17 years now, and have become a fixture to this Grand Old City. It has come to my attention that the Dowagiac community is wanting input for the next Dowagiac superintendent.

First off I believe that the next Dowagiac superintendent should have a charismatic personality, one that is identical to our current superintendent’s. One that puts our students first but believes ultimately that every student should have the equal opportunity to succeed at the highest level, like Paul Harsig has demonstrated numerous times throughout his 22-year career with Dowagiac.

I consider Paul a valued friend and he was an awesome principal when I had him as mine eight years ago. He is a very good listener who gives valuable input on the toughest of topics.

I believe having a superintendent that is relatable with parents but is also approachable is important.

We need a superintendent who has an open door policy with his or her students, staff and faculty, one that is seen in and around our community enjoying what the Grand Old City has to offer. Finally, we need a superintendent that loves Dowagiac as much as Paul and I do.

Honestly, Dowagiac deserves nothing less than the best and ultimately someone who will always put Dowagiac first but will always make the best decisions for the town, its students and our teachers.

Being open-minded, optimistic and down with the trends of the 21st Century is true to what Paul Harsig continually did as superintendent here in Dowagiac. He’s a great guy and will be missed deeply but I hope they bring in someone who has the same core values Paul brought to the table for 22 years here as our superintendent.

You’re not just taking the superintendent job here, you are becoming part of a family and so I ask that the next Dowagiac superintendent be family-oriented as well. We are the Dowagiac Chieftains and we are #DowagiacUnited!

ANTHONY A-TRAIN DAVIS

Dowagiac