ALAN SMITH (right) was unanimously approved Monday night by the SAD 61 School Board to be the district's next superintendent of schools. He is pictured with Finance Coordinator Sherrie Small (left) and School Board Chairman Janice Barter. (Rivet Photo)

One of the first jobs Alan Smith undertook upon graduating from college was as a physical education teacher for Grades 6 to 8 in Bridgton.

Thirty-nine years later, Smith has come full circle.

He will become Superintendent of Schools for SAD 61 on July 1, succeeding Dr. Kathleen Beecher.

SAD 61 School Board Chairman Janice Barter announced at Monday night’s meeting in the Great Room at Lake Region Vocational Center that a search committee received 16 applications and five potential candidates were interviewed. In the end, the committee recommended Smith for the post. The school board unanimously voted to hire Smith, who was in attendance Monday night.

Smith was presented a three-year contract with an annual salary of $117,500.

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity,” Smith told directors. “I am looking forward to working with all of you.”

Smith completed the administration master’s degree program at the University of Maine at Orono in 2001 and the C.A.S. degree program in administration at UMO in 2007.

Presently, he is the superintendent of schools at RSU 68, which includes the towns of Charleston, Dover-Foxcroft, Monson and Sebec (the district touches two counties, Piscataquis and Penobscot). The school district is a Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 system with about 1,005 students and three schools. The district contracts with Foxcroft Academy, a private high school.

Prior to taking the RSU 68 post in 2009, Smith was superintendent of schools at Union 90 (Milford) from 2006–2009. The school system is a Pre-K to Grade 8 with an estimated 423 students and two schools.

Other educational experiences included:

2002–2006, Principal at Dexter Middle School.

1994–2002, Grade 8 science teacher/assistant principal (duties) in Augusta; Grade 8 team leader and advisor; science curriculum team; and middle school science department lead teacher.

1989–1994, Alternative Education coordinator and teacher in Gardiner; developed first alternative/behavior program at SAD 11 and advisor/advisee programs; classroom consultant for at-risk students.

1982–1988, industrial chemical sales/consultant, Diversy Wyandotte Corp. and Oakite Products Inc.

1976–1982, Physical Education and Health teacher at Union 113 (East Millinocket).

1975–1976, Physical Education teacher, Grades 6-8 in Bridgton.