JAY – A Milo man was chosen as the new principal of Jay High School for a variety of reasons, including his educational leadership, the superintendent said Wednesday.
The School Committee appointed John Robinson as principal on Tuesday night and gave him a two-year contract with a starting salary of $70,000 for the first year.
Robinson, the current principal of Penquis Valley High School in Milo, was one of 16 candidates who applied for the position. The initial review committee interviewed four candidates and eliminated one candidate before the other three were interviewed by a nine-member interview team.
“I think most important was we saw him as an educational leader who promotes the success of all students,” Superintendent Robert Wall said Wednesday. “We also felt he was an experienced educational leader interested in the success of all students. He also promoted a very strong school culture.”
“I think we’re very pleased to have him on board,” Wall said.
Robinson drove 2 hours for the interview with School Committee members Tuesday. He and his wife of 34 years, Maggie, a Title I teacher, plan to look for a home in Jay, Robinson said Tuesday. The couple have four grown children, including a daughter who lives in Farmington.
Robinson, who grew up Brewer, has worked 34 years in education. He has held education positions in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine.
“I’ve always been brought up in the eastern part of the state,” Robinson said. “There are really two Maines. Things are going on in consolidation … which are pushing small rural schools in a direction they don’t want to go in. I still think small high schools can do a better job in personalizing education.”
“I thoroughly enjoy going to work every day,” Robinson said. “I enjoy the kids and the adults I have to work with.”
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