LIVERMORE FALLS – SAD 36 directors voted unanimously Thursday to hire Judith “Judy” A. Harvey as the district’s new superintendent.

Harvey, of Hallowell, is superintendent of SAD 50 in Thomaston, serving since 2002. That district includes Georges Valley High School.

Harvey’s salary is $105,000 for the first year of a two-year contract, interim Superintendent David Wallace said. The second year’s pay will be negotiated later.

With a benefit package that includes health insurance for her and her son, life insurance of three times her salary, and dental insurance, the total package is worth $119,000, Wallace said.

Her starting date is July 1, but she will be in the district that serves Livermore and Livermore Falls working with Wallace at times before then.

Chairman Ashley O’Brien said, “She was the first choice of the candidate screening committee.”

Seven candidates applied for the job.

Former Superintendent Terry Despres resigned in January.

The committee thought Harvey had some great things she could offer this system, O’Brien said.

“She is a breath of fresh air,” Director Denise Rodzen said, a sentiment echoed by others.

What impressed Director Elaine LaPointe was that after the school board chose her, Harvey came back to stand in the doorway and told the board “they won’t be sorry.”

According to Harvey’s resume, she has a bachelor of arts degree in education from George Washington University, a master of science degree from the University of Southern Maine and a certificate of advanced study in leadership from the University of Maine.

Harvey’s education career includes being a gifted and talented teacher, an adjunct professor at USM where she taught graduate courses for teachers, learning results coordinator for Augusta schools and principal at Hodgkins Middle School in Augusta.

Harvey also previously owned a clothing business and was a state director of public affairs information in California, and assistant product manager at KeyBank in Augusta.

Harvey was unavailable for comment Thursday night.