RANGELEY – School Union 37’s board has voted not to extend Superintendent Kenneth Coville’s contract beyond June 2005.

The contract extension was discussed in a closed-door executive session. Voting against the extension were Harold Schaetzle, Rick Godaire, Larry Carrier and Russ Brooks.

Favoring it were Joanne Chapman, Mary Sheehan, Elizabeth Abbott, John Benoit and Barbara Kierstead. But their five votes lacked the weight to carry the motion.

The four opposing representatives’ weighted vote carried 868 to 557. Rangeley Plantation with 119 votes, Lincoln with 46, and Magalloway with 37 weren’t represented.

Coville requested a reason after the but none was given.

Schaetzle, chairman of the union board and Rangeley’s school committee, said, “I may want to restructure the position” of superintendent. Schaetzle indicated a desire to review the administrative structure, but said the matter “had not been discussed by the union board.” There have been no immediate plans to formally examine the structure or to solicit public comment on the superintendent’s position.

Following the meeting, Coville said, “I was surprised by the turn of the events. There had not been any request to play this on the meeting agenda or to discuss any restructuring of administrative positions I am going to keep doing my job.”

Coville added, “I look forward to continuing to serve as the superintendent as we move through the year.” The contract extension contract could be revisited in December 2004.

John Benoit of Sandy River Plantation, a member of the Union 37 board, said, “I think it is very unfortunate. I was disappointed and disturbed by the atmosphere and the lack of manners displayed.” Benoit praised Coville, saying, “I feel Ken has real strengths in areas where you want strengths in a superintendent. His knowledge of school law and his management of the facility and the school budget. He is head and shoulders above the crowd.”

Benoit said, “Rangeley members (of the union) plan to restructure Ken’s current contract. I am fearful when people act like a bull in a china closet. I am hoping for some guidance from the attorney general to avoid litigation it was my understanding that there was the intention to change his current contract.”

The next meeting of the board is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School.

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