SABATTUS – Robert Connors, who for years was school superintendent in Lewiston, has come out of retirement to serve as interim superintendent for Union 44, which includes Wales-Sabattus-Litchfield schools.

Connors is serving for the coming school year. He retired the Lewiston job in 1998 after 21 years in that post. He replaces Susan Hodgdon, who has taken a superintendent position in New Hampshire.

Joan Thomas, a member of the Litchfield School Committee who served on a committee to recommend an interim superintendent, said principals and teachers they talked to told them “we’ve gotten gold” in Connors.

Connors’ experience and his reputation impressed school board members, Thomas said. “To have someone with his credentials, we’re very lucky.”

Connors was not interested in the post permanently, she said. Having his service for a year will buy time for the district to hire, Thomas said.

Union 44 superintendent’s salary is $92,000, plus $12,000 in benefits.