HOULTON, Maine — For the second time in two months, the RSU 29 board of directors have looked within for their next administrative leader.
DeWayne Morse, a long-time English/Language Arts teacher at Houlton Middle-High School, was named as the new assistant principal during a June 8 board meeting, according to Superintendent Ellen Halliday.
Morse fills the position previously held by Tim Tweedie, who was promoted to the role of principal in April.
“We’re excited to have DeWayne part of our administrative team,” Halliday said. “He is very student-centered and he is a name and face the students will recognize. He will be a great addition to our team.”
Morse first started teaching senior high English for the district during the 1999-2000 school year. Previous to that, he worked for Region Two School of Applied Technology for three years as an alternative education teacher.
“I can’t believe that 20 years have gone by so quickly in the classroom,” he said. “I can say that I have completely enjoyed each and every class I have ever taught over that time. Every single day was a pleasure. The students have always kept me lighthearted and inspired.”
Morse added he was excited to take on an administrative position for a number of reasons.
“First of all, the current administrative team in place at RSU 29 is an absolute dream team,” he said. “I know and respect every member, and I cannot wait to join them. Students come first for all of them. I have waited until the time felt right to apply for an administrative position, and the time definitely felt right. I’m humbled they are allowing me to join them.”
Morse added that in the past he has occasionally filled in for administration and loved visiting the various classrooms to see the things that were happening.
“I want to have discussions about teaching techniques and strategies for engaging all learners,” he said. “I think over the past 20 years I have also picked up a few strategies of my own that I would love to share with some of the newer staff members as well. I have been with the district for a long time now, and it feels like there is something really special happening with our current administrative team and our outstanding staff. I want to contribute to making RSU 29 the best school possible for each student we serve. I want our district to be the envy of every other in the state.”
