ORONO, Maine — The RSU 26 school board did an extensive search to find its new superintendent and ended up selecting someone who has worked for the department before, Brian McGill, school board chairman, said in a Thursday email.
“The search committee is excited to announce that we signed a contract with Meredith Higgins to become our permanent superintendent,” a letter sent to parents and community members states.
Higgins, who is serving as assistant superintendent and curriculum director in AOS 43, has 25 years of educational experience and was the curriculum coordinator in Orono for four years.
After leaving her Orono post, she was principal of a charter high school in her native Florida, before taking the job in 2016 at AOS 43, which serves 10 communities in the Milo, Howland and Enfield area.
“She brings a great deal of educational expertise, experience in educational leadership, and a collaborative working style,” McGill said.
Interim Superintendent Mike Tracy, a 17-year education veteran, was hired last July to replace outgoing Superintendent Joanne Harriman, who announced last June that she was leaving to become principal at Ella Lewis School in Steuben. A total of 11 people applied for the job.
Tracy, who initially was in the running, withdrew his name for personal reasons. He remains on the job until the end of the school year.
“We are very grateful for his hard work and many accomplishments in the district,” McGill said. “He will leave the district in an improved and strong place.”
The transition details are still in the works. Higgins is scheduled to start on July 1.