PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – A familiar face is back on the job to help oversee SAD 1’s business office.
At the Jan. 3 school board meeting, directors appointed Charles Anderson as the district’s new business manager.
Anderson, who occupied the same position from 1982 to 1994, takes over for Jeff Bearden who resigned last month to become the new superintendent for SAD 35 in Eliot/South Berwick.
With 36 years of experience in business administration, Superintendent Gehrig Johnson said Anderson is a “known quantity.”
“Charlie was running our finances when we ran into hard times under Gov. John McKernan,” said Johnson. “We had to reduce a number of positions over two years, and Charlie kept us financially straight.
“With the situation that we’re in [having the position vacated during the schoolyear], he’s probably the best at this point in time to come in and help us,” he said. “Charlie is one of only a few people we could bring in who would not miss a step.”
Since leaving the district in 1994, Anderson has been consulting schools regarding financial matters. More recently he has been advising Van Buren and Ashland schools.
Director Robert Cawley expressed concern that if Anderson continues to consult other districts, he wouldn’t be able to devote the necessary attention to SAD 1.
“This is a 40-hour a week position,” explained Johnson. “What he does on his own time is up to him. We have a lot of employees who have outside interests.”
Director Paul Saija said the district is “very, very fortunate” to have Anderson come back.
“He is an excellent time manager,” said Saija, “and I don’t think his outside interests will interfere with his work in the district.”
Anderson, who resumed his duties Monday, was appointed for two years. Johnson said his annual salary will be $65,000, prorated.
Also at last Wednesday night’s meeting, directors appointed Kathy Allen to the position of food service director.
Allen, who was one of nine people to apply for the job, has been the director of food services at The Aroostook Medical Center for the last 10 years.
“Kathy is highly recommended,” said Johnson. “While she may not be familiar with the school’s program, she knows food preparation and has 27 years of experience.”
Allen, who will begin her new job after giving TAMC two week’s notice, replaces Farzi Katkhordeh, who resigned recently to join her husband in Raleigh, N.C.
Since Allen doesn’t have both the food service manager’s license and dietician credentials, Johnson said TAMC will overlook the district’s menus for nutritional purposes.
“We have a backlog of dozens of menus that we know meet all of the nutritional requirements,” said Johnson. “If there’s a new meal, and I’m sure Kathy will want to try new things now and then, we’ll run it by the dieticians at TAMC.”
Allen was also appointed for two years, with an annual salary of $46,500, prorated.
Earlier in the meeting, committee lists were circulated. Serving on this year’s curriculum committee will be: Barbara Ladner, chair; Robert Cawley, Curtis Culberson, Sue Cook, Rebecca Duprey and Julie Freeman.
Negotiations committee: Brandon Roope, chair; Brent Buck, Lucy Richard and Terry Sandusky.
Building and grounds committee: Paul Saija, chair; Jim Bubar, Brent Buck, Torry Eaton and Lori Kenneson.
Vocational committee: Terry Sandusky, chair; John Johnston, Michele Green, Brandon Roope and Paul Saija.
Finance committee: Curtis Culberson, chair; Robert Cawley and Lori Kenneson.
The next regular SAD 1 board meeting is tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Pine Street Elementary School.
