New principal a ‘good’ fit for Lake Region H.S.

A. Erik Good, pictured here in an undated photo at his previous school in Connecticut, was unanimously approved Monday night by the SAD 61 School Board as the new Lake Region High School principal.

A. Erik Good, pictured here in an undated photo at his previous school in Connecticut, was unanimously approved Monday night by the SAD 61 School Board as the new Lake Region High School principal.

By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Ted Finn announced last month he was leaving Lake Region High School for a principal’s job just a few miles east (Gray), a search for his replacement started immediately.

“We had a great candidate pool,” SAD 61 Superintendent Alan Smith told the school board Monday night.

Twenty-three candidates applied for the job, and four were interviewed.

A. Erik Good made the best impression.

Good was unanimously approved as LRHS’ new principal Monday night. Good told directors he “is excited to help” the school work toward a student-based education format, as well as continue revamping the teacher evaluation system. Most of all, he looks forward to “being part of the team.” Good hoped to return to a more rural setting, and Maine was the target after enjoying a summer place in Lincolnville for many years.

Good was the “building leader” — principal — of High School in the Community in New Haven, Conn. from 2010 to this past school year. He started at the Grade 9-12 magnet school in 2000 as an English teacher, and later served as an Academic Coordinator before moving into the role of principal.

His former students spoke highly of him, saying, “One of the toughest teachers in the school, but that’s good because he makes you do your best work. He’s fun, too.”

According to the school’s website, “High School in the Community was founded 40 years ago as a teacher-run school, making it the first small school alternative to New Haven’s large high schools. It is a strong, vibrant community in which students are encouraged to be independent, intrinsically motivated, and willing to play an active role in their own education and in the community.

”

Last year, HSC had an enrollment of 241, and a student-teacher ration of 8 to 1.

Good earned his bachelor’s of art degree in Theater Studies and German from Yale University in 1994; completed the teacher certification program at Yale in 2000; and earned his master’s of science degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University in 2009. This past May, he earned his certificate of Advanced Study, Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut.

Take care LRHS

Ted Finn used the SAD 61 website to reach out to students, parents and the community with weekly updates.

Sunday, he posted his final message as LRHS principal.

“Good Sunday Afternoon. Well, I’m not sure where July went, but as usual another summer is flying right along. My replacement has been selected and will be going before the (School) Board on Monday evening. My responsibilities are completed; my keys and laptop have been turned in; and my last official work day for SAD 61 was this past Friday (7/31).

“I want to thank those who stopped by or e-mailed me their best wishes — that meant a lot. I learned a great deal from my experience at LRHS, and I’d say for the most part it was a good ride. We went through so much together and I know how difficult it was for many to deal with the constant changes year in and year out. Despite yet another change coming your way with a new principal, I’m confident you will make him feel at home as he takes the helm this coming week.

“The timing is right, in my opinion, for this administrative change since LRHS has just started the NEASC process as it will give all parties the opportunity to work with/get to know the new principal before the visitation team arrives just over a year from now in October of 2016.

“Gray-New Gloucester High School is in the same conference as LRHS so I’m looking forward to seeing the Lakers again from time to time. I’m excited about this new chapter in my life and have been quite pleased with the warm welcome I’ve received at G-NGHS as I worked between two schools during the month of July.

“LRHS has a great opportunity to build a stronger school culture, and as I sign off for the last time, I would encourage all stakeholders to take responsibility and contribute as much as you can to build a more positive school culture. Share your ideas and suggestions; find ways to get involved; and work with the new principal to make LRHS the best it can be! Best of luck, Lake Region High School! Take care.”

Architects to make their pitch

Facilities Committee members will meet Monday with architects regarding the Crooked River School building project. The architects will present their ideas for both renovations and construction at the Route 11 building.

The school board authorized the district to “expend up to $50,000” for architectural expenses,

Administrators get new pact

Following an executive session, directors unanimously approved a new three-year contract for SAD 61 administrators.

Lake Region Vocational Center Director Rosie Schacht described negotiations as “smooth” and “very respectful.”

Terms of the new contract were not available at press time. Finance Coordinator Sherrie Small did note that the contract “did fit” under the recently approved budget.

The agreement marked the first time in years, Small said, that SAD 61 had all of its bargaining units under contract. The district has four units — Teachers, non-teaching staff, Ed Techs/secretaries, and administrators. Each unit is under three-year contracts.

Personnel moves

The following nominations were approved by the school board:

Kathleen Grossi as a Grade 1 Teacher at Stevens Brook Elementary. There were 25 applicants, six were interviewed.

Eli Clemmer as a library media specialist at Lake Region High School, replacing Deborah Gahm, who retired. There were six applicants, three were interviewed.

Stephanie Couture as an Instructional Coach at Lake Region Middle School, replacing Jeff Enman, who filled a one-year position. There were six applicants, four were interviewed.

Stephanie Farrell as a Math Teacher at LRMS, replacing Lila Theriault, who filled a one-year position. There were 17 applicants, six were interviewed.

Christopher Morgan-Janes as a Special Education Teacher at Stevens Brook Elementary, replacing Megan Dubois, who resigned. There were nine applicants, two were interviewed.

David Rathbone as an Elementary Technology Integrator at Sebago Elementary, replacing Laura Gurley-Mozie, who transferred to another position.

Sheri Truax as a part-time Day Treatment Coordinator (primary assignment at LRMS), replacing Deanna Meagher, who resigned. There were three applicants, one was interviewed.

Miranda Walker as a Grade 3 Teacher at Stevens Brook Elementary, replacing Jeffrey Brundage, who is on a one-year personal leave of absence to go abroad and teach in Japan. There were 19 applicants, one was interviewed.