Staff Spotlight: Mike Dowdy, Lake ESSC

By Chris Mitchell '95

Every week throughout the 2025-26 school year, Granite City Community School District #9 will be highlighting a staff member for going above and beyond to give students a positive experience.

This week's staff spotlight features Mike Dowdy.

Dowdy is completing his second year as principal at Lake Educational Support Services Center (ESSC) after spending the first 16 years at Coolidge Junior High School. He spent 10 years as a social studies teacher at Coolidge prior to transitioning to six years as assistant principal.

Dowdy discusses his leadership journey, the meaning of "Lake Life," the impact of summer school, and the relationships that make Lake ESSC a special place for students and staff.

You spent the majority of your career at Coolidge Junior High School as a teacher and assistant principal before becoming principal at Lake ESSC. How has that transition shaped your leadership style over the past two years?
Every day at Lake is a learning experience for me, but honestly my leadership style has not really changed. I want to help students find success in any way that I can, regardless of my role.  I do this by consistently and persistently finding ways to help them meet the goals and expectations we have set for them.  I did this as a teacher and assistant principal, and will continue to do this as Principal at Lake.    

You oversee K-7 Summer School at Lake each year. How is the atmosphere different during the summer, especially with younger students filling the building, and what do you enjoy most about that experience?
Summer school at Lake is an extremely enjoyable experience for me.  Having spent my whole career at Coolidge I was definitely nervous about getting the younger students.  That has turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the year.  Seeing the young kids come in with so much energy and excitement has been extremely rewarding and such a great way to kick off summer.  The part I enjoy most is seeing the genuine excitement they have for anything from a high five to a prize off the “Woot Woot Wagon”.  It has truly been rejuvenating for me each summer to work with the younger students. 

Many people talk about "Lake Life." What does that phrase mean to you, and what do you enjoy most about working with the students and staff at Lake ESSC?
The term “Lake Life” certainly means many things but for me it mostly means community.  I feel that every person here is bought in on the idea of helping kids.  This resonates with the students and they feel the love and support from all of us.  While they may not always agree with us, they at least begin to understand that we are all on the same team.  This helps build trust that we are here to help and support.  What I like most about working with the students and staff at Lake is seeing the relationships being built over time.  Many times, students come here not on great terms and watching the amazing staff we have welcome them and bring them in is great to witness and be part of.    

You were a collegiate wrestler at Illinois College. What lessons did wrestling teach you about discipline, perseverance, and leadership, and how do those lessons influence you as a principal today?
Without a doubt wrestling provides many life lessons that translate to any career path a person could take.  I truly believe wrestling is the greatest sport there is because of the discipline, hard work, and personal responsibility it requires.  Dan Gable famously said, “Once you’ve wrestled everything else in life is easy.”  While every day at Lake is not easy, the work ethic that wrestling requires has helped prepare me to take on all challenges. 

What are some of the successes you are most proud of during your time as principal at Lake?
There have been many successes in my time at Lake.  On a day-to-day basis it is always rewarding to see students meet the goals we have established for them.  We have had a great amount of success in helping students improve their ability to control their emotions and this is always great to see.  The creation of a STEM and computer lab and organizing a Career Fair have also been big successes that are a great benefit to the students.  Seeing our students walk across the stage at graduation every year is also an extremely rewarding experience and a sign of the success of this program.

What are some of your hobbies, interests, or favorite activities outside of education?
My hobbies include watching my daughter play volleyball, watching my son play baseball, and getting lost on my side-by-side with my wife. Those seem to take up the majority of my time. With the limited free time I have I enjoy fishing and shooting my bow.

If you would like to nominate a deserving staff member, please email: information@gcsd9.net