RUMFORD – The SAD 43 board never expected to get all three administrative positions filled before the start of the school year.

But on Monday night, with three weeks to go before students start arriving, the third, and final position was hired at the first meeting presided over by newly appointed Superintendent James Hodgkin.

Stephen Saunders became Mountain Valley High School’s new assistant principal, replacing Matthew Gilbert, who left earlier in the summer to become principal of Livermore Falls Middle School.

Saunders, originally from Bethel, now living in Wayne, has 25 years of educational experience. He has taught secondary Spanish, served as assistant principal at Orono High School, and most recently has worked for the state’s Department of Education in an educator’s certification program.

He received a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., and a master’s degree from the University of Maine.

Saunders joins Principal Bruce Lindberg who was hired to lead MVHS late last month. He was given a two-year contract and will begin his new job on Aug. 11.

“I never thought we’d have a full administrative staff before school starts. Hats off to everyone for their hard work. We’re fresh and ready to go,” said board Vice Chairwoman Linda Westleigh, who filled in for Chairman Arthur Boivin.

Also appointed Monday was Jeanne LaPointe as the district’s new director of nutritional services. She replaces Martha O’Leary, who left SAD 43 for a similar position at a nearby district.

Hodgkin said LaPointe, of Rumford, has more than 20 years experience in food service, with her most recent position at Ledgeview Living Center in West Paris.

Other appointments were those for two high school mathematics’ teachers, Nathaniel Vlahakis and Joseph Mahar; and Dick Perry as a guidance counselor at MVHS.

With the resignation of high school Spanish teacher Jennifer Whittemore Monday night, Hodgkin said five teaching positions have yet to be filled. They are: high school Spanish and high school physics, sixth-grade middle school and two special education positions. Two educational technician positions are also vacant.

eadams@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link