ALSO READ: RSU 58 superintendent resigns
SALEM TOWNSHIP — Choking with emotion at times, longtime Mt. Abram High School math teacher Brian Twitchell told the Regional School Unit 58 board Thursday night he’s looking for employment elsewhere because of the worsening relationship between directors and teachers.
Twitchell, who has taught mathematics for 24 years at the school, said he has become disillusioned with the situation between the school board and school teachers.
He was sad about it, he said.
“It is only recently that I have begun to change my opinion of what the community and the school board seem to desire,” he told the board.
Teachers he has worked with over the past 24 years were dedicated and weren’t the hourly wage employees one unnamed board representative suggested in a recent Maine Labor Relations Board meeting in Augusta, he said.
“The board, and by the extension, the community appear to view the teachers as hourly employees,” he said.
Twitchell said he attended the University of Maine and received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1988 and a master’s degree in 1990. He started teaching in 1991 at Mt. Abram High School.
His classroom experience has expanded to include coaching the high school math team. He helped organize the annual Maine Math Meet for up to 95 high schools and more than 900 students.
The Maine Association of Math Leagues honored Twitchell by renaming the Crystal Trophy, the top award of the meet, the Brian Twitchell Award. In spite of his love of teaching math, he said, he was announcing his plans to seek other employment.
At times Twitchell’s voice broke with emotion as he addressed the board and his peers about the dedication of the teaching community.
“You know, the one thing all of these teachers had in common was that teaching was not a job to them; it was their life,” he said.
Teachers have been working without a contract for three years.
And two weeks ago, the school board was told a petition was being circulated that calls for Dan Worcester to step down as chairman. A total of 126 people from Strong, Phillips, Avon, Kingfield, Carrabassett Valley and Eustis had signed it, stating they do not have confidence in Worcester’s leadership.
Twitchell is the latest member of the RSU 58 staff to announce he’s looking to leave.
Angel Allen, the former technology director and part-time food service director, announced her departure earlier. Her last day is Friday.
Also leaving is Business Manager Luci Milewski.
Superintendent Erica Brouillet said applicants for Allen’s position have variety of experience levels and compensation requirements.
The board agreed to hire a temporary food service director until a suitable long-term candidate is found.
Board members continued budget preparations. They plans to sign the warrant at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, and hold a districtwide budget meeting at 6 p.m. May 28 at Mt. Abram High School. A budget referendum is scheduled Tuesday, June 9, at the polls in Strong, Phillips, Kingfield and Avon.
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