SAD 46 set to discuss regionalization

DEXTER – SAD 46 directors voted last week to begin discussions for the formation of a regional school unit with several surrounding school districts.

The board has notified the Department of Education that it intends to meet with SADs 4, 41, 48, 68, Harmony, Willimantic, Bowerbank, Lakeview, Medford, Greenville, Shirley, Kingsbury Plantation, Beaver Cove and SAD 64 to discuss the formation of a regional school unit.

“What we’re looking at is more than one potential formation,” SAD 46 Superintendent Kevin Jordan said Monday.

The SAD 46 planning committee consists of Steve Foster, Fred Sherburne, Al Ross, Steve Crane, Jim Crane, Julie Wilcox, Shawn Lancaster, Steve Gudroe, Peter Devine, John Parola, Andy Seavey, Rodney Farrar and Jordan.

Directors last week also hired Sandra Emerson as assistant principal of Dexter Regional High School and Terry Wood as principal of Dexter Primary School and Garland Elementary School. Both were awarded two-year contracts.

Jordan said he was pleased with the caliber of the two women.

Emerson was Jordan’s assistant principal when he served as PCHS principal. “I know of her dedication to kids,” he said. Emerson works well with students, parents, teachers and community members, he said.

Speaking of Wood, Jordan said, “Terry is very outgoing. She’s so enthusiastic about her job.”

Emerson’s salary was set at $52,000 per year.

Wood, former assistant principal at Fort Kent Elementary and Middle School, will receive a salary of $60,000.

Last month, directors set Jordan’s salary at $85,340 and hired Lucy Mallar as director of special services at a salary of $67,900.

Directors voted to allow school officials to borrow up to $750,000, if needed to operate schools in anticipation of district revenues, and approved the $86,288 lease-purchase of computer equipment.