JAY — A search committee will be formed to find an interim superintendent for Regional School Unit 73, school board acting chairman Michael Morrell announced Thursday night.
The announcement followed an hourlong closed-door session by the board.
On Jan. 10 the board accepted the resignation, effective that day, of Superintendent Todd LeRoy. His resignation followed weeks of turmoil after LeRoy removed high school Principal TJ Plourde as part of LeRoy’s plan to transform the middle and high schools into one secondary school.
Plourde’s position was eliminated and other principals within the district were to be relocated under the plan.
Morrell said at Thursday’s session, “At the last board meeting it was clear from public and board comments that they wanted to go with an acting, (then an) interim, and (then a) permanent superintendent. Scott (Albert) graciously stepped up for us (as acting superintendent). Now we need to find an interim.”
Morrell said a search committee would permit time for due process to conduct interviews and visit sites (if close enough) where candidates have been superintendents.
“Interviews with staff and students would see how they worked in their buildings,” he said.
The process will move slowly. “(We will) try to find an interim. From there (we will) interview for a superintendent,” Morrell said.
In other business, the board approved a board resignation and the hiring of a school social worker.
The board accepted the resignation of chairman Denise Rodzen, effective Feb. 8. Rodzen will remain on the board until June. She has notified Livermore Falls officials of the need to seek a candidate to fill the remaining year of her term.
Kristy Labonte was hired as a Spruce Mountain High School social worker for the 2018-2019 school year.
Friday morning, Plourde said Labonte would start in March after giving notice to her current employer. Her salary will be pro-rated.
This story will be updated.
pharnden@sunmediagroup.net
On Thursday night, the Regional School Unit 73 School Board announced a search committee for an interim superintendent would be formed. (Livermore Falls Advertiser photo by Pam Harnden)
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