DIXFIELD — The RSU 10 Superintendent Search Committee voted unanimously this week to reopen the search for a new leader of the 12-town district.

Committee Co-chairman Jerry Wiley said the six applicants forwarded from the Maine School Management Association did not meet the requirements to oversee the district.

“We’re looking for the right candidate,” Wiley said. “I’m not surprised. There are a lot of positions open now.”

The position was advertised in several newspapers, as well as online. Ten people requested application packets. The Maine School Management Association, which is assisting with the search, forwarded six applications to the committee. No interviews were conducted.

The deadline for a fully completed application is now May 10. All applicants must send material to the MSMA in Augusta.

Wiley said once the new batch of applications is reviewed and submitted by the association, the Search Committee will begin sifting through them about a week after the deadline.

The need for a new superintendent was prompted by the resignation of Thomas Ward, effective June 30. He led RSU 10 since its beginning four years ago and headed up the former SAD 21 for six years prior to that.

He begins work as the superintendent of neighboring RSU 9 in Farmington on July 1.

Wiley said an interim superintendent may be needed to bridge the gap between Ward leaving and a new permanent superintendent coming on board. He said most superintendents provide a 90-day notice prior to leaving.

RSU 10 comprises the towns of Rumford, Mexico, Roxbury, Byron, Canton, Carthage, Peru, Dixfield, Buckfield, Sumner, Hartford and Hanover and serves about 2,800 students.