Webb chosen to lead schools in Bangor

BANGOR – The Bangor School Committee’s search for a new superintendent came to a triumphant end Wednesday night, based on the praise the nominee received from all seven panel members.

Betsy M. Webb, who has served as Bangor’s assistant superintendent since 2005, was the committee’s unanimous choice.

Webb has accepted a five-year contract, which kicks in upon the retirement of current Superintendent Robert “Sandy” Ervin on July 1. Her starting pay was set at $125,000 a year, which Ervin said was commensurate for a Maine school system of Bangor’s size.

In nominating Webb for the post, committee member Christine Szal said Webb’s “enthusiasm for learning and the educational process is contagious. She personifies our department’s goal of inspiring lifelong learning.”

Chairwoman Phyllis Guerette agreed.

“Here in Bangor, we have very high expectations and I am confident that Mrs. Webb will – to use that very familiar phrase – meet and exceed our expectations.”

Webb said she was grateful for the committee’s confidence in her ability to be the department’s next leader.

“I am honored to be the next Bangor superintendent,” she said.

“This school department has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and every day we are extremely proud of our students,” she said. “They continue to perform at high levels and make significant contributions to this community and to areas far beyond.”

Despite the challenges presented by today’s rapid pace of change, Webb said she was confident the Bangor school system would continue to achieve success because it has “the proven formula for success.” That formula, she said, includes the “consistent visionary leadership of our school committee and our administration,” outstanding faculty and staff, a supportive community, involved parents and committed and hard-working students.

She looked forward to “working with all to carry on the tradition of continually reaching for that next level of success.”

Webb, whose education career spans 25 years, was one of three qualified candidates for the post, according to Guerette.

Before Ervin recruited her for the Bangor schools’ No. 2 post, Webb served as a principal, technology coordinator and superintendent in Brewer.

She also held a range of teaching and administrative positions in SAD 68, which serves Dover-Foxcroft, Charleston, Monson, Sebec; at Thornton Academy in Saco; and in the Wells-Ogunquit school district.

Webb holds a certificate of advanced study in educational administration from the University of Maine, a master’s in educational administration from the University of Southern Maine and a bachelor’s degree in business-computer education from Husson College, which in 1998 named her Outstanding Young Alumnus.

She also is the product of a family of Bangor educators. Her mother, Christine MacGregor, is a former principal of Fourteenth Street School. Her father, Bruce MacGregor, is a Husson coach and professor.