York Town News
Principal search moves forward as five more longtime educators plan to retire
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK - Five local educators, with a combined 120 years of service, will be joining Coastal Ridge Elementary School Principal Jane Stephenson in retirement at the end of the current school year.Stephenson announced earlier this year that she planned to retire from her post, and the search for her replacement is in full swing with a selection team in place that includes five staff members, two parents, a community member involved in the schools, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henry Scipione and York Middle School Principal Steve Bishop.
Last Wednesday, March 21, the School Committee members learned that process is going very well - but also expressed their regrets, and well-wishes, in acknowledging the retirement of five more familiar faces from the York Schools.
Scipione announced that the retirees are Kathy McGee with 25 years, Josette Ceglia with 19 years, Sue Koeppel with19 years, Jan Walsh with 31 years and Donna Bakke with 26 years.
"We clearly want to recognize the contribution that each of these folks has made," Scipione said. "Their presence will be missed in our schools … Their legacy is one of contributions to the York Schools and benefits to our students."
School Committee Vice Chairman Marilyn Zotos pointed out that, together, these five women have served the schools for more than a century.
The School Committee has readily acknowledged it is a bittersweet time for local schools with the departure of these teachers and the earlier announcement of Stephenson's retirement. Officials have spoken of her exemplary work in the district, while also wishing her enjoyment as she departs to focus on family - and the birth of two grandchildren expected this summer.
Stephenson has been working with the School Department in plans for the future of Coastal Ridge Elementary School.
"We've made a decision and have invited six people to come in as semi-finalists for interviews," Scipione said of the search for Stephenson's replacement.
Recommendations for finalists will follow, he said, with reference checks, site visits and meetings with local constituent groups.
At this point, he said, the selection committee hopes to present a recommended candidate at the School Committee's first meeting in May.
"The pool really looks strong," he said.
At the same meeting, the School Committee also discussed the status of the state's education regionalization plan.
"It's changing daily," Scipione said, noting there will be a York County School Boards meeting this Thursday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at York County Community College in anticipation of a plan to come from the legislature's Appropriations Subcommittee.
Scipione noted that there is room for some form of consolidation, with 180 school districts in Maine having less than 500 students and 74 with between 500 and 2,000 students.
"The bulk of this problem lies in school districts with less than 500 kids - and there are 180 of them," he said.
At this point, he said, the Appropriations Committee appears to be looking at a consolidation plan that would create 60 districts statewide, and not the 288 proposed by the Education Committee or the 26 in Gov. John Baldacci's consolidation plan.
"It's going to be a very interesting debate for York," he said, explaining that with approximately 2,000 students currently, the question remains whether York would be forced to consolidate if a new district size target comes out at 2,500 students.
For more on the education consolidation plans, visit www.yorkschools.org.
