The Curriculum Coordinator has resigned as the superintendent search continues.
By Daniel Hartill
Staff Writer

POLAND – Leaders accepted the resignation of School Union 29’s number two administrator Thursday, even as the search continues for a new superintendent.

Curriculum Coordinator Christine Chamberlain said she is leaving because she has grown tired of controversy surrounding the union office. She also cited as reasons her job’s grueling schedule and a desire to be around children again.

“That’s really why I got into education in the first place,” said Chamberlain, a former elementary school principal. She has agreed to be principal at Hall-Dale Primary School in Hallowell.

Her departure is scheduled for the end of June, the same time that current superintendent, Robert Wall, is due to leave.

“We’ll deal with it because we have to deal with it,” said union board member David Griffiths, the only member to comment on Chamberlain’s departure. Griffiths supported her initial hire and said she did an “excellent job.”

He believes she is leaving, in part, because of “relentless, often picky, public attacks” on Wall. He told the board Thursday the attacks made everyone who worked for Wall feel like a target.

Chamberlain declined to talk specifically about the controversy, but she said she worked well with Wall.

“I think we made a good team,” said Chamberlain.

The union board plans to meet again within the next two weeks to discuss the future of the Chamberlain’s former position. Options include the hiring of another curriculum expert or an assistant superintendent.

Any change in job role could be determined by whomever fills the superintendent position. On Tuesday, April 15, the board plans to interview three candidates for Wall’s job. All are from Maine.

dhartill@sunjournal.com