RSU 71 hires new superintendent

Tue, 05/19/2015 - 11:00am

The School Board of Regional School Unit No.71 (Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Searsmont, and Swanville) announced its unanimous decision to elect Dr. Paul D. Knowles to become the next Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. Knowles, a Lecturer of Educational Leadership at the University of Maine at Orono from 2010-2014, previously was the Superintendent of Schools in RSU #11 for seven years.

Dr. Knowles has leadership and teaching experience as an assistant superintendent of schools, middle school principal, assistant high school principal and middle and high school teacher.

Dr. Knowles holds a Doctor of Education, Certificate of Advanced Study, a Masters of Education from the University of Maine at Orono and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maine at Farmington.

A 14-member Search Committee chaired by Ben Potter and made up of community members, teachers, administrators and School Board representatives carried out the search for a new superintendent.

David Crabiel, Chair of the RSU #71 School Board, thanked the Search Committee for its service in a news release.

“We are excited to have Dr. Knowles join our district,” said Crabiel. “The Board has worked tirelessly since January in a spirit of cooperation and respect always keeping the students first in our minds. Paul Knowles is a highly respected and experienced educator, leader, and scholar. We are confident that his leadership will help move our school system forward in meeting our vision and commitment for all children."

The School Board elected Dr. Knowles at its meeting on Monday, May 18, 2015. Dr. Knowles will take up his duties July 1, 2015.