RUMFORD – Summer vacation is over for John Bernard.

After taking advantage of some free time to go fishing, Bernard began his new job July 1 as athletic director at Mountain Valley High School and SAD 43.

Bernard accepted the position in mid-June.

In addition to running the athletic department at the high school, Bernard will also be responsible for sports at the middle school in Mexico.

“It’s certainly going to be a nice challenge,” Bernard said. “The fact that it’s a full-time position really interested me and it seems that it’s a good step at this stage of my career. I really feel fortunate to be working here because there’s a positive atmosphere throughout the Mountain Valley community and athletics is a passion of mine. Plus, there is a tremendous amount of support throughout the entire administration.”

The decision to seek the job was made easier with the easing of family obligations. His daughter Kaly will be a senior at the high school, while his son Jared is a junior at Maine. His wife Andrea teaches reading at Meroby Elementary.

Bernard has been employed by SAD 43 for more than 25 years as a physical education teacher. During his tenure, he has had an office located in the dungeons of the former Mexico High School, which is now the middle school. The new digs at Mountain Valley will have an added bonus.

“My office will be located on the opposite side of the (Puiia) gymnasium,” Bernard said. “I’ll be located in the old laundry room, but I really don’t think that I’m all washed up. There’s a lot of additional space, but the fact that it has a window is really pleasing. It’s the first time in 25 years that I’ll have a room with a view.”

Bernard credits the efforts by SAD 43 Superintendent Jim Hodgkin and Mountain Valley Principal Bruce Lindberg, along with the help of middle school principal Charlie Lever and Chris Decker. He admits that he’ll miss working with Elaine Michaud, who has taught physical ed ucation with him for over two decades, but the prospects of learning a new job is a welcome change.

“I’ve wanted John since the very start,” boys’ basketball coach Ryan Casey said. “He’ll do a good job. He’s very organized, plus he knows from having coached about how an A.D. does the job.”

The 1969 graduate of Mexico received a taste of the job when he was the dean of students at the middle school five years ago. At the time, the position also included being athletic director, which he found extremely rewarding. Two years ago, while recouping from back surgery, he did some soul searching and decided to take advantage of the opportunity, if the opening ever presented itself.

He replaces Chris Gorham, who served as interim AD after longtime athletic director Tim McInnis resigned during the school year.

“Besides being a full-time position, I feel that I have the skills necessary,” Bernard said. “I certainly don’t plan on stepping in and making any drastic changes. I need to familiarize myself with the job first, so it wouldn’t be wise.”

Bernard plans on taking inventory of all the athletic equipment. This will allow him to access exactly what’s needed for the fall season.

The evaluation of the coaching staff will be another priority. The Maine Principals’ Association requires coaches to meet certain requirements.

“Coaching is an important job,” Bernard said. “I need to make sure all the coaches have met the guidelines. I want them to teach the whole kid, so they develop the skills necessary to succeed on the playing field and become good citizens in society. I’d like all the student-athletes to represent Mountain Valley with class.”

Bernard is aware of the rigors associated with coaching. He guided the girls’ basketball teams at Mexico and Mountain Valley. His 1991 Falcons went 18-0 and won the Mountain Valley Conference title.

One of his first tasks will be filling the varsity girls’ basketball position.