Twenty-four candidates have applied for the position, according to SAD 46 Superintendent Kevin Jordan.

Jordan said Monday that Sandra Emerson, who holds the position now, has been approved by directors to become the new physical education teacher at the Dexter Primary and Middle Schools.

“We are currently looking for an assistant principal to take her place at the high school,” Jordan said. “Obviously, the middle of the year makes it a little tough, and current financial reductions from the state of Maine in this current budget certainly are an issue that we have to consider also.”

Early last month, directors had planned to bring former Principal Bruce Bailey in as a long-term substitute for the assistant principal. That arrangement was financially more than the board was comfortable with, Jordan said.

Until a new assistant principal is hired, Emerson will remain in that post, according to Jordan. He said Eric Day, a former Dexter student and UM graduate, will fill in as the physical education teacher.

Jordan said directors have the option to hire someone for the remainder of the year or hire someone who would begin next fall. “We’re exploring all opportunities right now,” he said.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Tuesday, January 05, 2010 edition of the Bangor Daily NEWS and is used here with permission."