Islesboro Central School has hired a new Head of School, Charles (Chuck) Hamm. The Head of School combines the traditional roles of principal and superintendent. Hamm is one year away from his superintendent certification and will be mentored by Bob England, according to a news release from the school.

England has been hired as the interim, part-time superintendent and will assist Hamm as he adjusts to this newly developed role.

Hamm has been a long-time educator in RSU 71 in Belfast.

He has extensive experience in alternative education, having taught at Belfast Community Outreach in Public Education (BCOPE) the last three years and spent much of his 30 years in education as the director of the fine arts department at Belfast Area High School.

Some of his leadership roles include cochairing the recent successful accreditation process at BAHS; acting as tour leader of several photo safaris to Tanzania; managing his photography business; and spear-heading the referendum and construction of BAHS’ Fine Arts wing.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Maine College of Art in 1986 and was granted his master’s in educational leadership from the University of Maine in 2017.

Hamm currently lives in Searsmont with his wife and expects to move to Islesboro soon. When not fishing or hiking Maine’s waters and mountains, he can be found photographing the hillsides and wildlife of Maine, the release said.

Under Hamm’s guidance, ICS is rolling out an Instagram feed (https://www.instagram.com/icspathways/), is revamping the ICS website, and has changed the school’s email address to reflect ICS’s commitment to its Pathways program.

Pathways is a tailored approach to student’s education. It gives every student, K-12, an opportunity to have a personalized, team approach that takes into consideration student’s interests and learning styles. 

Hamm is also undertaking the large solar project in collaboration with Revision Energy.

This project consists of a solar array on the school property that will supply 40 percent of the school’s energy needs, shrink the school’s carbon footprint, and provide ample curriculum opportunities, the release said.

ICS continues to lead in the effort to create sustainable communities, particularly on the islands of Maine, the school said.

To reach Hamm, email chamm@icspathways.org or follow him on Instagram. More information can also found on Islesboro Central School’s website,  http://ics.islesboro.k12.me.us