Dr. David Harnish, who has guided Martin Public Schools through a renaissance period and many changes, will retire from his post at the end of the 2018-19 academic year.
Harnish, who came to Martin five years ago as principal/curriculum director with New Lothrop Area Schools, told local school board members in February that over the last year he has become tired, with the workload, and is concerned about his health.
Harnish succeeded Bill Miller, who had been a part-time superintendent, but Harnish took on the school chief’s job as well as principal at the high school and junior high.
His greatest accomplishment in the eyes of many will be the bond construction project to establish all school district buildings as solar-powered, one of the first of its kind in Michigan.
Harnish told board members he believes the district would benefit from a part-time superintendent and a full- time middle/high school principal. He indicated he feels that this is a bigger need, as oppose to a superintendent, insisting the superintendent’s position is the easier of the two.
He informed members he would be available to work part-time and still make a third of his current income (FAC) and would be happy to work as a part- time superintendent for the district.
The board voted to accept his resignation and has established a timeline for a search for his replacement.
Trustee Melanie Conley said was one of the most “hands on” superintendents that had been in this district and thanked him for his years of service.
“Self-care is important! He has done a lot of hard work over the past few years.”
Indeed, Harnish was caught by area media performing maintenance and grounds duties over the past summer, doing things such as painting.
Vice President Vince Tuinstra said he “has been through four superintendents and never met one who worked as hard as Dr. Harnish. Dr. Harnish brought life back to the community and district. David has been a visionary for the district. The solar project happened because of David, the curriculum happened because of David, and the bond project happened because of David. He helped get us to the next level.”
Treasurer John VandenBerg said, “The district at one point was on the brink of closing the doors and now look at what a great facility we have! All seven board members need to brainstorm together to decide the direction the district should go with the recent resignation of Dr. Harnish.”
