Dowagiac Union School District board elects officers, names banks and legal counsel

At its annual organization meeting the Dowagiac Union School District Board of Education elected a slate of officers and approved several administrative appointments. Stephanie Tucker moved to appoint Rob Igas as board president; the motion was supported and the board voted in favor. Christina Carpenter was named vice president, Tucker was appointed secretary and Tracy Hatcher was named treasurer after separate motions and seconds.

The board adopted its 2024–25 meeting calendar, keeping regular meetings on the district’s previously used schedule and continuing board workshop-style meetings in lieu of small standing committees. The board also named depositories for district funds, including Huntington Bank, Honor Credit Union, Michigan Liquid Asset Fund, Michigan CLASS, Fifth Third Bank, First Source Bank and Edward Jones, and authorized specified district officials to manage checking and investments in accordance with board policy 6144 (financial investments).

Administration recommended the appointment of outside legal counsel and a posting designee under the Open Meetings Act. The board packet listed a Lansing-based firm identified in the packet as 'Trun law firm' and Clark Hill of Grand Rapids as counsel options and designated the superintendent or the administrative assistant to the superintendent to post meeting notices as required. Stephanie Tucker moved to approve the group of administrative items (items a–f) as listed; the motion was supported and carried.

The organization meeting was adjourned and the board immediately called the regular monthly meeting to order.

What happens next: The newly elected officers will preside over regular board business and workshops under the adopted calendar; the appointments for depositories and counsel will remain in effect for the 2024–25 school year unless revised by future board action.