HODGDON, Maine — SAD 70’s search for a new leader is moving right along, according to information presented at Monday’s board meeting.
Board Chairman Estela Lane said the search committee has spent a significant amount of time reviewing applicants. Through their research, the field of candidates has been narrowed to three people with whom the district will seek more information and, most likely, interviews.
Interim Superintendent Clayton Belanger is encouraging the board not to rush through this process, though.
“He’s encouraged us to take our time and find just the right candidate,” Lane told the board. “He [Belanger] has also agreed to stay on here as long as we need him.”
Belanger, who is a retired superintendent from SAD 24 in Van Buren, began work in the Hodgdon district after longtime leader Bob McDaniel resigned from the post in June.
In other board action, a spending freeze was approved to curb any unnecessary expenses.
“This just means that we will be watching upcoming expenditures,” explained Belanger. “And will be making no major purchases.”
The board also OK’d a transfer of ownership for the Region 2 building. The district — pending approval from the state Board of Education — will officially own the building. No specific plans for it have been set, but the board did agree to form a building committee. Board members William Fitzpatrick of Hodgdon and Gordon Ledger of Amity volunteered to serve on the new committee.
Scott Richardson was also hired to work in the district as interim special education director. Richardson will work on an as-needed basis. He is already the special education director for RSU 50.
The next meeting is slated for Monday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.
