Curt-Randall Bayer is leaving for a similar position

in Idaho.
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer

RUMFORD – Principal Curt-Randall Bayer joins a long line of former Mountain Valley High School principals at the end of the month.

Bayer submitted his resignation Friday. He will become principal of a high school of about the same student population in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Bayer, who had been principal at Mountain Valley for two years, said the students have been great.

“Whoever fills this spot will be very lucky,” he said.

This was Bayer’s first time in Maine. He came to SAD 43 from Washington state two years ago.

“People here are the salt of the earth, quality people. It’s a beautiful state with the best of both worlds, the coast and the inland forests and lakes,” he said. “I’ll miss the friendships I’ve developed over the past two years.”

Bayer said he decided to leave for both personal and professional reasons. Family members are on the West Coast and joining the staff of the Bonners Ferry high school will be a new challenge for his career. He’ll start off his tenure in Idaho in an old high school, but plans are under way for construction of a new one.

Also leaving the district by the end of the month is Assistant Principal Matthew Gilbert, who will become principal of Livermore Falls Middle School, and Superintendent Danny Michaud, who has not announced his plans.

“This is a good time for everyone to start fresh, with a new principal, superintendent and assistant principal,” said Bayer.

He said he plans to have a lengthy report finished on the school’s accreditation progress before he leaves the district.

With Bayer’s resignation, the district has lost six high school principals in the past nine school years. Michaud served one year from 1994-95, Howard Johnson held the position for one year, followed by interim principal Charles Lever, who is the current Mountain Valley Middle School principal. Next came Don Wetmore, who headed the school for 18 months, followed by Tom Rowe, who came out of retirement from the district to serve for two years.

Michaud said he plans to meet with district administrators to work out a transition process and to discuss possible plans for interim leadership at MVHS. Deadline for applications for Bayer’s position is July 2. For Gilbert, that deadline is June 18. Michaud said several people have applied for Gilbert’s position.

Michaud said he was aware that Bayer was looking for another position. “He has secured a position that is a good fit for him. I wish him well,” he said.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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