RUMFORD – James D. Hodgkin was unanimously approved as SAD 43’s new superintendent Monday night at a starting annual salary of $78,000.

Hodgkin, most recently principal of Monmouth Middle School, has been working in education for 19 years, 17 in administration. This is his first position as a district superintendent.

“They were all outstanding candidates,” said Betty Barrett, long-time SAD 43 board member. “With all the new administrators at the high school, we felt he could handle it.”

Board Chairman Arthur Boivin, who was looking for a self-assured candidate, said Hodgkin came across very confidently.

Hodgkin began his career at Embden Elementary School as a teacher, quickly advancing to principal. He also served as assistant principal and athletic director at Tripp Middle School in Turner, principal of Leeds Central School, Maranacook Community School, Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, and for the past four years, principal of Monmouth Middle School.

Hodgkin was given a two-year contract with no probationary period. However, Barrett said he or the district could terminate the contract within 90 days.

Hodgkin beat out semi-finalists from Virginia and Maryland. More than 20 qualified candidates applied for the position over the past few months.

“I’m glad to be on board and am looking forward to the challenge. The whole process has been exciting,” he said.

Hodgkin received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Maine at Farmington, and master’s degree in educational administration and certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership from the University of Maine.

He and the board will be busy over the next few weeks finding both a principal and an assistant principal for Mountain Valley High School.

Seven applicants have submitted applications for principal and 12 for assistant principal.

A screening committee, comprised of board members, administrators, high school staff, Hodgkin and two parents of high school students will soon meet to interview candidates for principal. A finalist should be presented to the board at its July 21 meeting. Any high school parent who wants to be part of the screening committee is asked to contact the superintendent’s office.

After a principal is hired an assistant principal will be named.

Hodgkin replaces Superintendent Danny R.P. Michaud who ended his eight-year tenure as leader of the district on June 30. Hodgkin will begin his new duties by Aug. 1.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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