Fitzpatrick resigns SAD 29 post

Steve Fitzpatrick
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — As of Thursday, July 1, the SAD 29 school district is without a permanent leader after Steve Fitzpatrick stepped down from his position as superintendent.
    Fitzpatrick, who served as the district’s superintendent since July 2004, announced he had agreed to a “voluntary conclusion” of his employment at the board’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday, June 22.
    “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, both professionally and personally,” Fitzpatrick read from a prepared statement. “This district is a unique and special place to work. I am proud to have been part of a superlative educational team in the Southern Aroostook area and take please in the accomplishment of our district.”
    Fitzpatrick’s contract for employment expires on Wednesday, June 30.
    His replacement, at least on an interim-basis, will be Peter Edgecomb of Caribou, beginning July 1. Edgecomb is currently serving his third term in the Maine House of Rep-resentatives, representing District 4 in Caribou. He is a graduate of the University of Maine in 1963 and is a retired teacher and superintendent. Edgecomb has served as interim superintendent in SAD 70 prior to the hiring of current superintendent Bob McDaniel.
    Fitzpatrick said Tuesday that he yet to be contacted by Edgecomb, but added he would “leave the door open” if the interim superintendent wanted to discuss any school business with him
    In his prepared statement, Fitzpatrick said he would be “exploring opportunities to move closer to his family” downstate.
    Fitzpatrick has long-standing ties to the greater Houlton community, having served for 23 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal for neighboring SAD 70. He grew up in Houlton, graduating from Houlton High School in 1973 and the University of Maine in 1977.
    “It has been a privilege to work with caring teachers, support staff, and administrators who serve our communities and children extremely well,” he said. “In turn, I would especially convey heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who have supported the work that I love for so many years.”
    Fitzpatrick said his decision to leave was not an easy one and had been about six months in the planning.
    “My decision was extremely difficult to come to and was not done in a light manner,” he said. “It really came down to a point where it was obvious that I needed to make a change.”
    Fitzpatrick will receive a compensation package of roughly $20,000, which includes unused vacation and sick time.
    His future plans involve seeking employment in the southern part of the state.
    “All of my children with grandchildren are south of here,” he said. “So right now, I am doing some reflection on what’s next for me.”
    “I want to thank you for your service to the district,” board chairman Liz Anderson said. “It’s been a pleasure working with you. I wish you the best.”
    Houlton Elementary School principal Candace Crane echoed those sentiments.
    “I want to extend my thanks to Mr. Fitzpatrick for his support in the five years that I have been principal,” Crane said. “He has been very child-oriented and we have reaped many benefits from him. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”