Superintendent Search

Welcome Dr. Martin Grimm - RSU 21's New Superintendent

Dear RSU 21 Community,

The RSU 21 School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Martin Grimm as our next superintendent of schools. Dr. Grimm will officially begin his three-year contract with RSU 21 on September 1.

Following an extensive three-month search process conducted in partnership with the New England School Development Council, Dr. Grimm was selected from 15 applicants after a comprehensive review process that included community input and multiple rounds of interviews.

Dr. Grimm brings over 25 years of leadership experience in K–12 and higher education to RSU 21. Most recently, he served as Director of Student Activities and Athletics for Prince William County Public Schools, the 34th largest school district in the nation. His previous experience includes serving as principal at two large high schools in Fairfax County Public Schools, where he was recognized for creating supportive school environments and advancing student achievement.

Please see the attached press release for Dr. Grimm's complete background and qualifications.
We invite you to join us in welcoming Dr. Grimm to our RSU 21 family and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on our students, staff, and community.

Sincerely,
Matt Stratford
RSU 21 School Board Chair

 

Letter from Board Chair Matt Stratford to RSU 21 Community from May 21, 2025

Dear RSU 21 Community,

Thank you for your interest in our 2025 superintendent search. Selecting the next leader of our school district is a significant step for our school community, and we’re committed to ensuring the process is transparent and inclusive. We appreciate the feedback you've provided through the online survey, which received 480 responses, three focus groups held in mid-May, and engagement with the board along the way.

We are steadily moving forward on our timeline with the goal of having a new superintendent named by June 30. Please keep checking this page for updates.

Sincerely,

Matt Stratford

RSU 21 Board Chair

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Community Focus Groups

Three Community Focus Groups were held in mid-May 2025. 

• Staff Focus Group - May 12
• Community Focus Group - May 12
• All Stakeholder Focus Group - May 13

Community Survey

A community survey was available online from April 28 to May 12, 2025. 

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RSU 21 Superintendent Search Committee Charter

 

Established pursuant to Policy BDE – Board Committees and Advisory Committees

Purpose:
The Superintendent Search Committee is established as an advisory committee to drive the search process for RSU 21’s next superintendent.

Roles and Responsibilities:
The Committee is responsible for guiding and coordinating all aspects of the superintendent search process. This includes working with the selected search firm, coordinating stakeholder engagement (such as forums, surveys, or focus groups), supporting the development of key materials (e.g., job description), and facilitating Board involvement at each stage (e.g., candidate review, interviews, or final selection). The Committee will solicit ongoing feedback from the full Board and provide regular updates through public meetings and executive sessions, as needed. The goal is to ensure the process is inclusive, transparent, and aligned with district goals and timelines.

Membership:
The Committee is composed of School Board members appointed by the Board Chair.

• Megan Michaud (chair)
• Leah Bares
• Abigail Spadone
• Rachel Kennedy-Smith
• Mandy Cummings

Duration:
The Committee will remain active until a long-term superintendent is successfully hired and in place, or until the Board votes to disband it.

Reporting Requirement:
The Committee will report to the Board at regular intervals, including during public meetings and executive sessions, as appropriate.

 

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News:

• RSU 21 seeks community input for new superintendent search