Quenten Clark marks 10 years as SAD 58’s superintendent of schools this month. A decade of service as a school superintendent in Maine these days is notable and newsworthy.

Clark took the helm of the northern Franklin County district in a hurry and at a time when the district was fraught with controversy and conflict.

His first few years were far from wine and roses. From an ugly book-banning debate over a novel some found offensive to attempts by towns to break away from the district altogether, Clark has had his share of challenges. Yet, under his leadership and the steady hand of a school board committed to the voters who elected them and those voters’ children, the district is in much better shape than it was in 1996.

We think it’s because Clark has never lost sight of why he’s in the pressure-cooker business of public education. “We’re able to be more flexible in meeting the needs of the students instead of meeting the needs of the school,” Clark told the Sun Journal earlier this week.

Students and their needs – Clark knows what counts. Clark has not only been flexible but also innovative, and his district will be one of the first to use biofuels – corn and possibly wood chips – as a heating source. He is also determined to sign his district up to get power from a proposed wind farm, if it’s built in the nearby mountains.

“Quenten has had a good run,” said Dale Douglass, the executive director of the Maine School Management Association.

A 10-year tenure isn’t anywhere near a record for superintendent longevity in Maine, but it is uncommon, Douglass said.

But the most remarkable thing about Clark’s run may be that while many administrators lose their shine after about a decade, Clark remains effective and popular, Douglass said.

“He still seems to be in an upward spiral, as opposed to a downward one,” he said.

Clark has been a leader on getting technology into his schools but has also made sure his staff possesses the skills to see students succeed in the application of that technology. A laptop without the knowledge to turn it on or the ability to use the software loaded on it may as well be a booster seat or a bookend. Improved tools and skills together have made SAD 58 a better school system.

Clark has also found ways – and money – to give students more. “My job is to find money to hire the right people,” he said.

Clark remains on an upward spiral because he’s innovative, flexible and tech-savvy. He demonstrates again and again his commitment to help teachers and especially students find success. Among other things Clark is a good communicator and seems to set high but obtainable goals, which his district has incrementally achieved.

“It appears right now that the district is thriving,” Douglass said.

Considering the always changing landscape of public education, the frequently changing demands placed on our schools from both the state and federal government, and ever-present taxpayer concerns, Clark has done well to remain on an upward spiral.

While on occasion we disagree with some of his policies or the policies enacted by the board he works for, on this occasion we congratulate the board and Clark: The board for keeping Clark around, and Clark for a decade of inspiring leadership.