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Maine RSU 21

Maine Regional School Unit 21

Arundel · Kennebunk · Kennebunkport

Superintendent Search

RSU 21 Central Office

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. 

 

Click here to see the job listing.

Letter from Board Chair Matt Stratford to RSU 21 Community from May 6, 2025

Dear RSU 21 Community,

As you know, we’re in the process of hiring a new superintendent, and your voice is an essential part of this important decision. 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 are steadily moving forward on our timeline with the goal of having a new superintendent named by June 30. Please see below for the ways in which you can participate and share your input:

  • Join a Focus Group 

All focus groups will be facilitated by the New England School Development Council (NESDEC), the search firm selected by the RSU 21 school board to partner in the superintendent search. There is no need to attend more than one focus group and you do not need to RSVP. All information will be compiled by NESDEC and will be used to inform the candidate profile that will be used in the evaluation of candidates. 

  • Community Focus Group - In Person - Monday, May 12

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Kennebunk Elementary School, A-102 (board room)

For parents and community members. Staff welcome. 

  • Virtual Focus Group - via Google Meets - Tuesday, May 13

7:00 pm to 8:00 pm via Google Meets (link to come)

For all stakeholders. Staff welcome.

  • Complete the Community Survey

The superintendent search survey launched on April 28 and we already have nearly 300 responses. If you haven't already, please fill out the survey by noon on May 12. Your feedback will help shape the profile of our ideal candidate.

  • Volunteer for the Screening Committee

    The committee will review applications, conduct first-round interviews, and recommend candidates to the RSU 21 School Board, which is the hiring body for superintendents. If you're interested in serving, please fill out this form by May 12. Please note: this is a significant time commitment, with meetings currently scheduled for late May and the first two weeks of June. More details will be found at the link above.
     
  • Stay Informed

    Attend upcoming school board meetings and Search Advisory Committee meetings to hear regular updates and progress reports. You can also follow progress on the RSU 21 website on the Superintendent Search page. 

We truly value your engagement and look forward to working together to find the best leader for our schools.

Sincerely,
Matt Stratford
RSU 21 School Board Chair

 

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.

 

News: