POLAND — Regional School Unit 16 Superintendent Tina Meserve isn’t going anywhere.

An outside consultant hired to investigate complaints about Meserve found no evidence that she’s acted unprofessionally, according to a statement from the RSU 16 board.

The board met Wednesday night to review consultant Ann Chapman’s findings.

“After conducting her review, Ms. Chapman has found no evidence that the superintendent’s actions have departed from the law, RSU policies, or board directives,” according to the statement. “While some individuals have disagreed with decisions Ms. Meserve has made, according to Ms. Chapman there are no credible allegations that she has conducted herself inappropriately or unprofessionally.”

In June, a group of community members told the school board they have no confidence in Meserve. They presented a petition signed by about 100 people asking for an independent committee to look into her performance. In response, the board hired Chapman, who works for the board’s law firm, Drummond Woodsum of Portland.

Chapman’s investigation didn’t just clear Meserve of wrongdoing, it also generated praise for her work as superintendent.

“The review conducted by Ms. Chapman has concluded that not only is Ms. Meserve aware of needs of the district, she works with the board, administrators, directors, teachers, and support staff to continually support student learning, fiscal responsibility, and district operations,” according to the statement. “The RSU 16 School Board would like to publicly acknowledge our continued strong support of Ms. Meserve as the educational and administrative leader of RSU 16.”

The complaints against Meserve were varied. At least one parent had expressed concerns that staff morale is poor, student bullying is not being addressed and that Meserve cut teachers and programs while earning a salary of $100,000 a year.

Meserve, who has served as superintendent for four years, denied the allegations. She could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday night.

“Ms. Meserve has been criticized for actions that the board mandated her to follow,” according to the statement. “As the superintendent of schools, it is her responsibility to implement Board policies and directives in her day to day administration of the district. Her decisions are always made with collaboration and input from the Board and she has a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities.”

In their statement, the board said it will continue to invite complaints and criticisms from the public “in the spirit of continuous improvement.”

“The RSU 16 complaint policy and collective bargaining agreements provide a process for addressing issues,” according to the statement. “The board and superintendent are committed to resolving issues that are brought to us, done in a manner that respects the law, our district policies, and the education and fiscal best interest of the district and its students.”

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