Kenneth Coville had been working in Union 37 for seven and a half years.
By Caroline King
Special to the Sun Journal

RANGELEY – Superintendent Kenneth Coville resigned at Tuesday night’s School Union 37 committee meeting.

“Change is the one constant in life, and the time has come for me to seek new challenges and opportunities,” he wrote in a letter.

“The events of this evening were not a surprise,” he said after the meeting. “It was my choice to resign. I have been here seven and a half years, and it is time for me to move on.”

The committee voted Dec. 9 to not renew Coville’s contract, but Tuesday night rescinded that after a 70-minute executive session with its attorney, Daniel Rose.

“The superintendent has agreed to tender his resignation July 30, 2004. The committee accepts his resignation and wishes to express its appreciation for the dedication and good service that the superintendent has provided to the communities of Union 37,” the motion to rescind stated.

Teacher Robin George said teachers at the meeting offered strong support for Coville and his work with the staff. “He could always look at a problem from all sides with great logic and fairness. I have always been impressed by him. He is extremely analytical and extremely helpful to new teachers.”

Chairman Harold Schaetzle said the union may consider restructuring the position.

“I don’t have a plan,” he said. “It has been on my agenda to consider.”

Committee member Joanne Chapman said, “We must work on this diligently and never hurry. We need to take our time.”

“It would be valuable for the board to seek the input of those who work here and the parents who have chosen to educate their children in Rangeley,” George said.

Chapman said, “I am concerned about the dissension we have on this board. We have to learn to work together.”

“The goal must be to evaluate the position,” Schaetzle stressed.

In prepared comments after the meeting, Schaetzle said on behalf of Union 37, “We are pleased that this matter has been resolved by the superintendent’s choice to resign at the end of 2004. We appreciate the hard work and good service that Superintendent Coville has given to our children and our schools in the seven years he has worked here. We wish him great success in the future.”

Coville, who lives in Wilton, said he appreciated the opportunity to work with the Union 37 staff.

“I have been very happy with the progress made while I’ve been here. I have had the great opportunity work with many fine faculty and staff in developing an educational program where every student has the opportunity to succeed and to reach for his or her dreams.”

The committee has scheduled a public work session with Ron Barker of Maine School Management at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Rangeley Lakes Regional School.

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