Although only separated by about 14 miles, Niles and Dowagiac are certainly unique cities that each has its own character, heritage and strengths. Both also shared a critical need to invest more resources into their children’s future and, by extension, the progress of their distinct communities.

Each city faced significant challenges providing the best education possible due to aging school facilities and dwindling funding from the state.

That changed earlier this month for Niles and could change in November for Dowagiac.

Niles citizens stepped up by approving two levies that will generate approximately $40 million. These funds will allow the Niles district to provide upgrades to security, energy efficiency, technology and infrastructure at buildings throughout the district. It will also allow the school system to close outdated facilities.

Dowagiac voters may have the chance to do the same later this year. While the committee is finalizing the exact millage for each proposal, the bonds — if approved by the school board, Lansing, and finally by voters — are expected to raise more than $35 million to go toward improvements to the security, cooling, and ADA-compliance of the district’s high school and four elementary schools, as well as to its athletic facilities.

We urge school and community leaders in Dowagiac to rely on the experience gained in Niles and reach out to officials there for input, guidance and feedback. The margin of victory was very slim and we know there are things the Niles bond supporters would have done differently if they were forced to lead a campaign over again.

It would be beneficial to all concerned to share notes in order to give this initiative the best possible chance of passing.

There will be lots of talk about the levies in coming months, but we hope organizers don’t overlook the “bond” that collaboration and shared ideas could forge between two proud cities that share more commonalities than they do differences.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.