ORONO – Union 87 Superintendent Tom Perry has announced his plan to retire in July and the council is accepting applications for the position.

Perry has worked in the Orono school system for the last 33 years, and is in his seventh year as Union 87 superintendent.

The school committees from Orono and Veazie are serving as the search committee, according to Perry.

“I’m assisting them in any way I can, but this is really an issue that the school committees are running,” Perry said.

Employee forums have been held for staff members to provide comment on the characteristics they would like to see in a new superintendent. Community members also are being given an opportunity to provide comment on the process.

The Orono School Committee will hold a public forum to hear residents’ comments on the search for a new superintendent during their regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Orono Town Council chambers.