WASHBURN, Maine — SAD 45 Superintendent Ed Buckley is stepping down and Dr. Elizabeth Ervin is taking his place. July 1st was her first day as Superintendent, and July 6th was her first day working in the district.
Dr. Ervin has a substantial educational background as well. She received her bachelor’s degree from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire and earned her master’s degree at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
In addition, she received a doctoral degree in education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Ervin’s doctoral dissertation involved a program evaluation of a core reading program for third-graders.
Dr. Ervin also possesses a significant amount of experience in various educational fields. She started her educational career at an elementary school in Gardner, Mass. Ervin spent five years at this school, starting as a teacher and eventually being promoted to a position as district literary coordinator. She also worked in Athol, Mass. as an elementary and middle school principal, eventually moving to the position of assistant superintendent.
“I love school,” said Ervin. “I went to school in Houlton, Maine, and the education I received at that school was simply the best. Back then, most people knew me by my maiden name as ‘Liz Nelson.’”
“I remember having a great conversation with a principal, who is now retired,” recalled Ervin. “He said that if you want to have an impact on 25 or 30 kids, then you should stick to teaching in the classroom. He then told me that ‘if you want to make a greater impression on more young students, then you should consider going into the administration field.’”
After teaching in Massachusetts, Dr. Ervin is happy to have an opportunity to return to Aroostook County.
“I like the size of Washburn’s district,” said Ervin. “With 400 students, I am able to get to know the community much more easily. So far, everyone here is extremely helpful, friendly, and kind. Anytime someone from the school comes to introduce themselves, they always ask me if there is any way they can help.”
Dr. Ervin adds that, although SAD 45 already has a number of plans set in motion, she is excited about the future, particularly the implementation of Proficiency-Based Education.
According to the Maine Department of Education, Proficiency-Based Education is “any system of academic instruction, assessment, grading, and reporting that is based on students demonstrating mastery of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn before they progress to the next lesson, get promoted to the next grade level, or receive a diploma.”
“I am just thrilled that Washburn has given me this opportunity,” Dr. Ervin concluded. “I look forward to meeting more students and members of the community.”
