HODGDON, Maine — SAD 70 is searching for a new elementary principal following the resignation of longtime administrator Loreen Wiley.
Wiley came to SAD 70 in 1985 as a teacher and took a leave of absence from November 1992 until August 1993. When she returned to the district, she filled the role of part-time migratory teacher.
She became the assistant principal at Mill Pond Elementary School in 1997, and became the acting principal for the 1999-2000 school year. She officially was named principal for the 2000-2001 school year.
In her resignation letter, Wiley stated, “In light of some parents asking me about the status of my employment at Mill Pond School, I feel an obligation to explain my decision to resign as principal of Mill Pond School.”
Wiley wrote that 24 years ago she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which is triggered by stress.
“Fortunately, I have only experienced about three ‘flare ups’ during these 24 years,” she said. “At the end of May I began experiencing a ‘flare up’ with the autoimmune disease, which is my warning sign of potential health issues ahead. Although I signed a two-year contract with the district at the end of May, I felt the need to resign for health reasons.”
Wiley stated the decision to step down was not an easy one for her, but was necessary.
“I felt after 30 years in administration that I needed to focus on my health,” she wrote. “I will remain in education in some capacity because I love students and enjoy celebrating with them when they experience success.”
She added that she would miss the students the most.
“I always looked forward to going to school to see those smiling faces and to receive hugs from some of the students,” Wiley wrote. “It has been my pleasure to ‘team’ with you and support your children through my tenure at Mill Pond School. I look forward to watching your children develop into wonderful young people.”
Mill Pond Elementary School is a pre-kindergarten to sixth grade school in Hodgdon.
“Loreen was an effective and excellent principal who fulfilled many roles within the district like federal grant and special education IEP manager,” said SAD 70 Superintendent Stephen Fitzpatrick. “The new administrator will have big shoes to fill.”
SAD 70 is advertising the position and hopes to have a new elementary principal in place before the start of the 2019-20 school year.
