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April 28, 2025

Dear Staff, Students and Community Members, 

As you know our Superintendent Jean Skorapa has announced her plans to retire effective October 1, 2025. The position of Superintendent is one of immense responsibility and influence,

shaping the educational landscape for our children and future generations. It is imperative that we engage in a comprehensive and inclusive search process to identify the most qualified candidate who aligns with our community's values, goals, and vision for education.

The RSU No. 5 School Board is inviting stakeholder members from the schools and communities of Durham, Freeport, and Pownal to participate in the search for our new superintendent. The Superintendent Search Committee will screen applications, interview the candidates, and provide feedback to the School Board for the final hiring decision.

This letter outlines the responsibilities, expectations, and important dates that will be required if you are interested in participating in the Superintendent Search Committee.

The Superintendent Search Committee will be composed of members of our Board, schools and communities. The School Board is seeking representation from the following groups:
a) Teachers and Staff, b) Students, c) Administrators, and d) Community/Parents. 

Based on expressions of interest, the School Board will select representatives to create a balanced make-up across towns, backgrounds, disciplines, and schools. 

Responsibilities and Expectations 

As part of the search process, the Superintendent Search Committee will: 

• Participate in a mandatory virtual training session on May 28^th at 5:00 p.m.
• Read and score applications (this will be done electronically through a secure portal); June 3^rd - June 6^th
• Interview first round candidates on June 10^th

The input from the Superintendent Search Committee is essential, however it’s important to remember the School Board will be responsible for making the final decision. 

Expressions of Interest

If you are interested in joining  the Superintendent Search Committee, please send a letter of interest to Ginny McManus at mcmanusg@rsu5.org no later than Friday May 9^th. Please note which group you would be representing: a) Teachers and Staff, b) Students, c) Administrators, and d) Community/Parents (please include the town you reside in) and a brief statement outlining your reasons for wanting to serve on the committee.  Selected members will be notified the week of May 12^th. 

Key Dates

May 9^th:  Letters  of interest in the committee due to Ginny McManus at mcmanusg@rsu5.org 

May 28 at 5:00 p.m. Virtual:  (Mandatory Training) Hiring Guidelines and Requirements

The training will cover federal and state employment laws, Maine’s continuous notice of nondiscrimination, and a review of RSU No. 5’s policies that outline the hiring of administrative staff. Confidentiality agreements will be reviewed and all who wish to participate in the process will be required to sign it.

June 10: First Round of Interviews These interviews will take place during the day and possibly early evening. Members of the Superintendent Search Committee  are required to attend all interviews to participate.

If you have any questions regarding the process, please contact me at ritchesonm@rsu5.org.

We look forward to working together in order to find another outstanding leader for our school district. 

Sincerely,
Michelle Ritcheson
Michelle Ritcheson
Chair, RSU No. 5 Board of Directors
ritchesonm@rsu5.org

Board of Directors approve a FY26 Budget at their March 26, 2025 Meeting

FY26 Board of Directors' Adopted Budget Brochure

There will be three opportunities for the public to ask questions about the Board adopted budget before the Annual Budget Meeting on May 14, 2025 and the Budget Validation Referendum on June 10, 2025. These “Q & A” sessions will be held as follows:

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Durham Community School
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Pownal Elementary School
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Freeport High School