By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac Union Schools District voters elected Greg Ferrier Tuesday to a four-year seat on the Board of Education that he was appointed to last summer when seven-year member Tina Haggin moved to Grand Blanc.
Ferrier, a 1981 Union High School graduate, prevailed by 30 votes over former teacher Susan Miller, DUHS Class of 1978.
Ferrier garnered 776 to 746 for Miller, according to the Cass County Clerk's Office.
William Leonard finished third with 219 votes.
Corinne Hoyt tallied 155 ballots.
Steve Newitt received 96 votes despite withdrawing from the contest.
Voters also renewed the 18-mill non-homestead millage for one year, 1,205 yes to 865 no, according to unofficial returns.
Ferrier said his goal in the coming four years will be continuing to keep the budget balanced despite potential state cutbacks.
The school board voted 4-0 July 19, 2004, to appoint Ferrier, 42, from six candidates, including Leonard and Hoyt.
Ferrier, 42, of 508 Bauer St., demonstrated continuing interest in the school district from which he graduated by serving eight years on Justus Gage Elementary School's improvement team during development of the new media center and classroom wing. He attended Kincheloe Elementary School. The son of Melvin "Mick" and Dorothy Ferrier, he has an older brother, Lee.
Dowagiac Rotary Club rewarded Ferrier's community involvement in May 2003 by naming him a Paul Harris Fellow and contributing $1,000 to its foundation in his name. The club's 1996-97 president joined Rotary in 1991 and helped bring circuses to town in 1992 and in 2002.
Ferrier attended Bob Jones University and sold insurance before joining on July 10, 1983, the C. Wimberley dealership, where he has been Salesman of the Year at least a dozen times.
He and Laurie (Rohacs) celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary April 9. They have three children, Tiffany; Gregory "Scott" Jr.; and Zachary.
The Ferriers also opened their home to two Rotary youth exchange students from Finland and Peru.
Board service presents an opportunity to help move his hometown forward.
Ferrier serves on the city Zoning Board of Appeals and the Electric Facilities Board.
He has also been active in Calvary Bible Church and Berrien Center Bible Church. His family began attending Sister Lakes Community Church last fall.During his brief tenure on the board, Ferrier said last Wednesday, he's been impressed with how well the school district and City Hall work together.
Another decision which pleased Ferrier was hiring Josh Bartz as band director to succeed Jeff Comfort. Bartz clearly "enjoys what he's doing."