HODGDON, Maine — First-grade students at Mill Pond Elementary School will soon have a new teacher to become familiar with after Christmas.
The SAD 70 school board Monday evening learned that Melaine Drew had been chosen as a long-term substitute for one of two first-grade classes. She will replace Linda Callnan, who is retiring at the end of December after 35 years with the district.
Mill Pond Principal Loreen Wiley said she reached out to Drew and asked her if she would be willing to serve as a long-term substitute for the remainder of the school year. Drew is a certified teacher and has worked in the district for several years, filling in where needed.
“She readily embraced this position,” Wiley said.
Starting Monday, Dec. 15, Drew will start taking a more active role in the classroom as Callnan transitions toward retirement.
“My utmost concern is for the students and the transition,” Wiley said. “Sara Deveau will be supporting her in literacy and writing to help make the transition smoother for the children.”
In other business, the board heard a presentation from first-year Jobs for Maine Grads instructor Joe Fagnant on how the program has gone so far this school year.
The board also learned it received a favorable audit report, with no findings of concern by the auditor.
Joel Oliver urged his fellow board members to help volunteer at the school’s concession stand for basketball games as part of the Sports Boosters. The number of volunteers has dropped dramatically this season, making it difficult to have enough people to cover games.
Members of the community are also welcome to volunteer at the concession stand. Anyone interested in doing so should contact Lori Lenentine at 532-3015.
The next regular meeting of the SAD 70 school board is set for Monday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.
