At left: Pictured are (L-R) Board President Don Dulaney, Melinda Kintzele, Jim Kintzele, and Superintendent Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins with the first-ever "school board varsity letter". Right: MCEA President Phyllis Stark presented a special gift to Mr. Kintzele on behalf of teachers.
The Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees recognized Mr. Jim Kintzele, Sr. for more than 20 years of distinguished
service as a School Board Member and Officer, during their meeting on Tuesday, December 16th.
MCAS Superintendent Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins and Board President Don Dulaney presented him with a framed MCHS "school board varsity letter" during the meeting in recognition of his five terms on the Board. Many of the Board members thanked him for his service and shared reasons he has been an inspiration to them.
A lifelong resident of Michigan City, Kintzele is currently the Superintendent of
the Michigan City Refuse Department, a position he has held for the past 19
years. He served on the MCAS Board of Trustees for 20 ½ years. A longtime public servant, his first elected office was to the
LaPorte County Council, at age 21. He served on the Michigan City Common
Council for 16 years and has served on numerous City and County Boards and
Committees that have impacted our community.
For
the majority of his 20 years on the Michigan City Area Schools Board, he held
the office of President or Vice President. "Jim
has led our district through budget challenges, negotiations, high school
consolidation, strategic planning, school openings, school closings, referendums,
and more," noted Dr. Eason-Watkins. "He was key in the establishment of the JROTC program, the district’s
collaboration with the Open Door Adolescent Health Center, the development of
the Hours for Ours and Safe Harbor programs, and much more. He has been a
strong advocate of early childhood education, career and technical education,
dress for success, and the effective use of technology.
"Thank you for all you have done for generations of children in Michigan City!" she said. Following the meeting, Dr. Eason-Watkins hosted a reception honoring Mr. Kintzele, for Board members, the Kintzele family, and other special guests.