William G. Zemer, an elementary school principal in Durham, was named the new superintendent of SAD 63, the Airline CSD 8, and Dedham Monday night.

Zemer should start his position within a month’s time, according to Lionel Alley, chairman of the search committee and the SAD 63 board of directors. The superintendent will receive $54,000 a year.

More than 30 applications were submitted for the position which was advertised in the Bangor Daily News, the Boston Globe, and the Maine Sunday Telegram. Applicants included present and former superindentends, assistant superintendents and principals from Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Virginia.

“He came to us highly recommended,” said Alley. Zemer is a caring man of excellent character who operates on an open-door policy with students and staff, Alley added.

His qualifications suit the needs of the district, said Alley. The Durham school is similar to those in the district because it serves students in kindergarten to grade eight, Alley said.

Zemer replaces Sandy Ervin, who became Bangor’s assistant superintendent July 2.

Zemer will be responsible for five schools in the communities of Clifton, Eddington and Holden (SAD 63); Dedham; Amherst, Aurora, Great Pond, and Osborn (Airline).