RANGELEY – A former assistant superintendent in Unity has been named the new superintendent of Union 37, replacing Kenneth Coville, who resigned in January.

Mike Buckley was chosen during a meeting June 10. He will serve as superintendent of Union 37 and principal of Rangeley Regional High School for the coming school year.

Buckley was at SAD 3 in Unity for the past six years.

Joanne Chapman, chairwoman of the Superintendent Selection Committee, said Buckley was a good match. “We felt he would carry on all the good things that happen here. He has a background in the areas that his job would entail as superintendent and principal.”

Donald Salm, principal of kindergarten through Grade 8 and dean of students at the high school, said he is looking forward to Buckley’s arrival. “It will be good to have that piece of our staff in place,” he said.

Buckley said he has a history of working in small schools, “where you know everybody by first name.” He said he started his career in education as a high school biology teacher.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and secondary education from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in curriculum and administration from Chicago State University and a certificate of advanced studies from the University of Maine.

Buckley, whose official start date was still being negotiated, was at Rangeley to meet with teachers Monday during the last teacher workshop before summer vacation.

“The first thing I am going to do is to meet with everybody,” he said.