HODGDON, Maine — Scott Richardson, superintendent and special education director for SAD 70, will be stepping down at the end of the school year.
Richardson made the surprising announcement at the conclusion of Monday night’s monthly school board meeting, after an executive session.
“The board will begin the process of determining what is in the best interest of SAD 70 in seeking an appropriate replacement for both the superintendent position, as well as the director of special education,” Richardson said. “They will be advertising once they have determined that direction.”
Richardson stated he was open to the option of working for the school district in some capacity in the future, if it was determined to be in the district’s best interest.
No action was taken by the board after the executive session was completed.
Richardson became superintendent at SAD 70 March 3, 2014, when he took over for Robert McDaniel. At that time he was working as the special education director for RSU 50, but had previously spent time with SAD 70 from 1995-2005 when he worked as director of special services and assistant high school principal.
Richardson said he was looking forward to retirement. “After 40 years, it is time,” he said. “I am ready for a more flexible schedule.”
Joel Oliver, board chairman for SAD 70, said the announcement did not come as a surprise for him personally, as the two had talked about it in passing, but the rest of the board was not aware it was coming.
“We have enjoyed working with Scott and have accomplished a lot in the past three years,” Oliver said. “Everything from the transfer of middle school students to the high school, to renovations at the high school, I would say we have done more in the last two or three years than we have in the 15 years prior.”
Oliver said he has enjoyed his working relationship with Richardson and will miss his discussions on school-related topics with him.
“We wish him well in his retirement,” Oliver added. “I know he and his wife are looking forward to retirement.”
The board will begin the process of finding a replacement at its January meeting and will likely have to look at hiring two separate individuals — a superintendent and a special education director.
