For the third time since 2013, the Mascenic Regional School Board is seeking a new principal to head the high school.
The district is currently advertising for both a principal and vice principal at Mascenic Regional High School. Principal Thomas Marshall, who was hired last June, replaced Thomas Kelly, who was also in the position a short time – only two years – before moving to the SAU office as the director of student support services.
Vice Principal Matt Underwood also took on his job last year; he was hired in March.
When contacted, School Board Vice Chair Earl Somero declined to comment on whether Marshall or Underwood had resigned, or whether the board had decided not to renew their positions for the coming year, referring questions to Chair Jeff Salmonson. Salmonson did not return a call for comment by press time.
Last year, Boynton underwent a similar turnover in its leadership, hiring both a new principal in John MacArthur and promoting Vice Principal Elizabeth Pogorzelski from within in the same year after both spots were left vacant.
In the past during principal searches, the School Board has solicited a pool of candidates that are reviewed by committee.
The principal is directly under the district superintendent in the chain of command, and is held to the current policies of the school board, as well as state and federal regulations. With assistance from the vice principal, they are responsible for developing the school budget, programs, academic schedules and staff evaluations, according to postings for the positions.