JAY — Retired administrator Gilbert D. Eaton III has been hired as interim principal of Jay High School, Superintendent Robert Wall said Wednesday.

Easton, of Livermore Falls, will start on Tuesday, Oct. 13. and be paid $308.65 per day he works through June 30 with no benefits, Wall said.

Eaton is well known in the education field having served as principal of Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Mt. Abram High School in Salem Township and most recently as principal at Skowhegan Area High School in Skowhegan before retiring in 2006. Eaton also served as assistant principal and athletic director at Mt. Abram High School and as a classroom teacher for nine years at the Kingfield Elementary School. He has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in education administration.

The Jay School Committee opted last week to hire an interim principal rather than a long-term principal due to budget concerns in the next few years.

“He met the criteria we had for an interview. We were looking for someone who had experience and the qualities that support a positive school climate,” Wall said. “I think the process we are dealing with here involves a practical solution based on economics and our desire to have a positive educational atmosphere.”

Eaton’s wife, Grace Eaton, is a guidance councilor in neighboring Regional School Unit 36 in Livermore and Livermore Falls.

dperry@sunjournal.com