GUILFORD – Paul Stearns, 48, of Guilford was selected Tuesday as the new SAD 4 superintendent. The district encompasses the towns of Guilford, Abbot, Sangerville, Parkman, Cambridge and Wellington.

Stearns, who has verbally agreed to take the position, was offered a two-year contract and an annual salary of $68,000. He was one of a handful of candidates interviewed for the position. Stearns holds a master’s degree in educational administration and a certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership.

“We’re glad to have him on board,” Larry Davis, SAD 4 chairman, said Wednesday. About 20 candidates applied for the position.

Stearns, a Hampden native, served in a variety of posts at SAD 4 before leaving the area to serve a three-year stint as principal at Valley High School in SAD 13.

For the past four years, Stearns has been principal at SeDoMoCha Middle School in SAD 68.

His wife, Melissa, is a teacher at SAD 4. The couple’s two children, Sara and Benjamin, are college students.

“I’m looking forward to the professional opportunity,” Stearns said. “I have mixed emotions because I’m leaving an excellent school system in SAD 68 with wonderful people, yet I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”