(5-25-22) The Coldwater Exempted Village School District Board of Education acted Tuesday morning to hire Mr. Douglas Mader as Superintendent of schools, effective August 1. Mr. Mader, who was awarded a three-year contract, is currently the High School Principal at Sycamore Community Schools. He succeeds Jason Wood, who recently became the new superintendent of the Brookville School District.

Mader’s thoughts on being selected-

“I am honored and humbled to be named the next superintendent of Coldwater Schools. I am thrilled to come home and serve the community where I grew up. I promise to be whole student-focused while being transparent and communicating in an honest fashion.”

The Board of Education has been conducting a superintendent search for the past seven weeks. The Board reviewed the credentials of 12 applicants, then conducted interviews for a first round of six candidates. In addition to the board interview, a committee of five community members also participated in the first round. The Board considered the written reactions submitted by committee participants before extending an invitation to the next round.

Three finalists were asked by the Board to return on May 18 for a second interview. While it was an extremely difficult decision, Mr. Mader impressed the Board immediately.

Jenn McCoy, Coldwater’s Treasurer

“He has the expertise in academics, curriculum and instruction, and will bring a problem-solving attitude an communication skills that will be a great fit for the staff and community.”

Jim Miller, board president, stated-

“We had some top-notch candidates apply for our superintendent position. All three of the finalists interviewed very well, and made it a difficult choice. In the end, it was Doug’s experience that made the difference. His background includes business operations, as well as educational experience in several different settings.


Mr. Mader has held his current position at Sycamore High School for the past 8 years after having served as the Kings High School Principal for another 8 years. Mader began his educational career in 1987 as a math teacher having taught in Celina, Lakota, and Sycamore High Schools, before moving into administration.


Mr. Mader is a graduate of Coldwater High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Thomas More College and his master’s in education administration from the University of Dayton in 1996. Mr. Mader has completed his coursework for a Doctoral of Education from the University of Kentucky, with only his dissertation remaining.

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