RUMFORD – Next week, SAD 43 Superintendent James Hodgkin will make a presentation on laptops in the classroom in the prestigious halls of Oxford University in England. This appears to be a first for a Maine educator.
His presentation will be among 20 from elementary, secondary and college leaders from all over the United States and Canada. And, according to the listing of speakers who have done presentations over the years, he’ll be the first one from Maine.
“I hope to share what we’ve been doing in the state and the district with laptop computers,” he said. “That’s probably why I was selected.”
With the addition of laptops for grades 11 and 12 this coming autumn, SAD 43 will be one of only a few districts in the state that are providing laptops for every student from grades seven to 12. Hodgkin said the district will have enough for sixth-graders as well, but those pupils won’t be allowed to take them home.
It was just by chance that the opportunity came up to go to England: He received a brochure from Oxford University inviting applications.
When he submitted his idea, he was selected. On Thursday, he will fly off to England. The conference begins Sunday and continues through July 22.
The symposium will be on the campus of the university’s St. Antony’s College in North Oxford.
He said he isn’t concerned about the recent bombings in London, but he is a bit apprehensive about presenting at such a prestigious school.
“I’m excited, but a little nervous,” he said.
The district will foot the $2,500 bill for attending the symposium. Hodgkin will pay the costs for time taken before and after the symposium, and the additional money needed for his wife to fly to England with him.
During Hodgkin’s absence from the United States, SAD 44 Superintendent David Murphy will be responsible for SAD 43. Under state law, whenever a superintendent is out of the country, another superintendent must cover.
In reality, Hodgkin told school board members Monday night, SAD 43’s curriculum coordinator, Gloria Jenkins, will handle the day-to-day responsibilities of the office while he’s gone.
“This will be an interesting chance to hear from colleagues from all over the country,” he said.
Hodgkin became SAD 43 superintendent in August 2003. Previously, he had been principal of Monmouth Middle School for four years. He also has served as principal of Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, Maranacook Community School and Leeds Central School. He was an assistant principal and athletic director at Tripp Middle School in Turner.
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