Coldwater Schools Leaders Highlight Growth, Success and Community Support

Coldwater Schools leaders say strong academics, athletic success and growing enrollment continue to set the district apart.

During a recent appearance on Spectrum, Superintendent Doug Mader said Coldwater remains a small school district producing big results. He said the public conversation around education often does not reflect what is happening in communities like Coldwater, where attendance, achievement and school culture remain strong.

Mader said local public schools are doing more with less, pointing to high achievement, low discipline numbers and efficient operations with a low administrator to student ratio. He said extracurricular activities also play a major role in helping shape the culture and climate of the district.

Athletic Director Eric Goodwin said Coldwater enjoyed a strong winter sports season, with both the boys and girls bowling teams finishing as state runners up. He also highlighted a state podium finish in swimming and another trip to the state wrestling tournament.

Goodwin said those accomplishments continue a long tradition of success. He noted Coldwater has had 205 individuals join its Ring of Honor over the last 28 years.

Both administrators said community support remains a major part of what makes Coldwater different. Mader said rural schools often serve as the center of the community, with people of all ages showing up to support students in academics, athletics and other activities.

Looking ahead, Mader said Coldwater is planning for continued growth. He said enrollment has risen from just under 1,400 students less than four years ago to more than 1,500 today, with projections showing the district could top 1,700 students within the next three or four years.

To prepare for that growth, Mader said the district is putting together a 10 to 15 year plan focused on infrastructure, technology and staffing. He said several projects are already on the way, including replacing outdated chillers, paving a parking lot, reworking the circle pickup drive, installing new carpet in the middle school and replacing windows in part of the elementary building.

Mader said the goal is to make sure students continue to have a safe and comfortable place to learn while protecting what happens in the classroom.

Goodwin also said Coldwater is seeing strong participation in spring sports, especially track, where junior high turnout has reached 99 students. He said numbers matter in a small school because they help build strong teams and keep programs competitive.

He added that multi sport participation remains a major part of Coldwater’s approach. Goodwin said student athletes are encouraged to stay involved in multiple activities, and he noted that many students also balance sports with band, choir and other school organizations.

The district also used the conversation to point out staffing needs. Goodwin said Coldwater is always looking for bus drivers, while Mader said substitute teachers and other support positions would also be a big help.

Both said the district’s success comes back to a shared focus on students, strong relationships and a community that stays deeply invested in its schools.