CAMDEN — The Five Town Community School District (CSD) and Camden-Rockport Schools (SAD 28) selected Dr. Leigh Anne Neal to serve as their next Superintendent starting on July 1, 2026. Neal’s selection is the culmination of a national search guided by educator and community input throughout the process. 

The announcement was made Feb. 4, following Five Town CSD regularly scheduled board meeting. The CSD and SAD 28 boards met in executive session Jan. 29. 

Neal was hired with a two-year contract at $170,000 per year.

“Dr. Neal shares the values we hold dear in our schools and in our communities," said Five Town CSD School District Board Chair Marcus Mrowka and Camden-Rockport Schools School Board Chair Brie Gutierrez, in a joint statement. "Throughout the selection process, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to what makes our schools special–outdoor and hands-on learning opportunities, promoting student agency, meeting the needs of all of our students, empowering our educators to lead and innovate, and putting students at the center of our decision making.

"She brings a wealth of experience to build on the strong foundation we have in our schools, deepen community connections, and continue to provide the world-class education our students deserve. We are thrilled to welcome her to our district and community, and we thank our educators and community members for their valuable input throughout this process.” 

The School Board launched a national search for a new superintendent last November, following the announcement that long-time Superintendent Maria Libby would retire at the end of the school year.

Community members and educators were able to provide their input and help shape the profile of the next Superintendent through an online survey and several listening sessions.

A Hiring Committee made up of Board members, administrators, educators, and parents reviewed all applications and conducted the first round of interviews. Finalists for the Superintendent position participated in site visits at all three schools and final interviews were conducted by the School Board. The Five Town CSD School Board approved Dr. Neal’s selection at their February 4 meeting, and the community had their first chance to hear directly from Neal during the meeting. 

“I am honored to join the Camden-Rockport Schools and Five Town CSD communities, where innovation, educational excellence, and a shared commitment to every learner are clearly evident,” said Neal. “Building on this strong foundation, my focus will be on strengthening a culture of belonging and advancing equitable practices that support student success across the district. I look forward to partnering with our dedicated staff and families to lead the next chapter of progress—ensuring every learner feels supported, empowered, and valued.”

According to the release, "Neal has extensive experience in strategic planning, communications, community engagement, and district operations in addition to her teaching and education experience. This provides our schools and district with a leader who combines strong instructional knowledge with a deep understanding of the critical financial and operational needs of a school district."

“During her visits to each campus, Leigh Anne quickly recognized what makes our schools so special," said Assistant Superintendent Jaime Stone. "I believe her diverse expertise and proven track record of connecting schools and communities will serve our district well in the years ahead. We look forward to her joining our crew.”

The Board will be announcing several opportunities to meet and get to know Dr. Neal over the coming months as she joins our community. You can watch a welcome video from Dr. Neal here. 

---

CAMDEN — When the Five Town CSD convenes Feb. 4, board members will consider appointing Leigh Anne Neal as its new superintendent, effective July 2026. The regularly scheduled meeting's agenda also includes a possible executive session to discuss a contract with Neal.

The pending appointment follows the announcement made last August by current Superintendent Maria Libby that she would be retiring from her current leadership position of the Five Town CSD (Camden Hills Regional High School) and School Administrative District 28 (Camden-Rockport K-8). The CSD comprises the towns of Appleton, Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport.

At the same meeting, to be held at Rose Hall at the Knowlton Street campus in Camden, there will be a presentation of the 2027 district budget.

Five Town CSD Board Chair Marcus Mrowka provided the following biography of Neal and said more information would be provided at the Feb. 4 meeting.

The biography follows:

"Dr. Leigh Anne Neal is a visionary leader with more than 30 years of experience as an educator. Currently serving as the Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the Shawnee Mission School District, she began her career as a special education and elementary classroom teacher. Throughout her tenure—spanning 26 years in district leadership and six years at the building level—Dr. Neal has championed innovation, early childhood education, and real-world learning to ensure students have the foundation necessary for lifelong success.

"Known for a collaborative approach, Dr. Neal excels in strategic planning, communications, and community engagement. While her career is anchored in the belief that every decision must center on the needs of students, her expertise extends well beyond the classroom. She has successfully overseen critical operational areas—including sustainability initiatives, telecommunications, and wide-area technology infrastructure—providing her with a systems-focused lens and a holistic understanding of complex district needs.

"An award-winning communicator and educator, she has been recognized by the National School Public Relations Association and received the Clyde U. Phillips Award for Distinguished Service. Dr. Neal holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Baker University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University, and Bachelor’s degrees from Southern Methodist University and Avila University.

"Dr. Neal is dedicated to advancing a culture of academic excellence and personalized learning that prepares every student for the challenges of the future."

Neal has a website.

Full agenda

Five Town CSD

Regular School Board Meeting

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

7:00 P.M.

AGENDA

POSITION EMPLOYEE POINTS BONUS AMOUNT

Amnesty International Suzanne Aldridge-Peacock 1.5 0% $136.26

Spring Play Director Drew Albert 24 0% $2,180.16

Spring Play Tech Director Kailey Smith 23 0% $2,089.32

1. Call to Order

2. Adjustments to the Agenda

3. Public Comment on Items not on the Agenda

4. Minutes

a. Approval of the January 7, 2026, Regular School Board Meeting Draft Minutes.

b. Approval of the January 7, 2026, Special School Board Meeting Draft Minutes

c. Approval of the January 9, 2026, Emergency Joint School Board Meeting Draft

Minutes

d. Approval of the January 12, 2026, Emergency Joint School Board Meeting Draft

Minutes

e. Approval of the January 29, 2026 Special Joint Board Meeting Draft Minutes

5. Student Recognition

a. a. Scholastic Art Gold Key Awards, invited to exhibit their works at the Scholastic

Scholastic Art Gold Key Awards, invited to exhibit their works at the Scholastic

Art exhibit at Maine College of Art & Design in Portland during February

Art exhibit at Maine College of Art & Design in Portland during February

i. Py (Ravita) Nakjaoren

ii. Chloe Egan

6. Consideration of Leigh Anne Neal as New Superintendent starting July 1, 2026, Possible

Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRSA § 405(6) (A) to discuss a contract.

7. Stipend Nominations

8. Possible Approval of Proposed Scholarship

a. Dale Hueppchen Scholarship Fund

9. Possible Approval for Requested Travel

a. Jazz Band to University of New Hampshire, March 13-14

10. CHRHS Phone-free Update – Cooper Marshall

11. Possible Approval of 2026-27 School Calendar

12. FY27 Proposed Budget Presentation

13. Student Representative Report

a. Seren Landfair, shadowing of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows

14. Board Chair’s Report

a. Winter Board Retreat recap

15. Superintendent’s Report

a. Immigration Preparation Update

16. Administrative Reports

a. Jaime Stone, Assistant Superintendent

b. Jess Yates, Special Education Director

c. Jen Curtis, CHRHS Principal

17. Standing Committee Reports

a. Finance – Met January 7, minutes attached. Meets before the School Board meeting on February 4, 2026.

i. Finance Update – Finance Committee Chair

b. c. Joint Personnel – Has not met.

Joint Policy – Met December 16, amended minutes included in packet.

Second Reads

DFA Revenue from Investments

JFABD Admission of Homeless Students Procedure

JFABD-R-R Admission of Homeless Students Procedure

JFC Dropout Prevention

JICK Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention in Schools

JIH Questioning and Searches of Students

JIH-R Questioning and Searches of Students – Administrative Procedure

JJE Fundraising

18. Board Advisory Committee Reports

a. MCST

19. Future Agenda Items

a. Counselling Supports

b. Midyear Strategic Plan Update - March

c. Substance Abuse Prevention Efforts – Early Spring

d. Post-Secondary planning Update – Spring

e. Community as a Learning Lab Highlights from the Year – Late Spring

20. Adjourn