NORTH HAVEN — After the resignation of its superintendent in June, North Haven Community School filled the position with a permanent hire in September after briefly having an interim superintendent. 

Now, the small island school will be searching for a new principal. 

New Superintendent Hired 

At its Sept. 3 school board meeting, the board unanimously approved the hiring of Judith Harvey as its new superintendent following the June resignation of Robert “Bob” England. 

Harvey, a part-time superintendent for the island school, has a wealth of educational experience thanks to serving as a superintendent (10 years), assistant superintendent (five years), middle school principal (three years) and a teacher (over 12 years). 

According to a job advertisement for the position, the part-time position requires two days per week with an overnight on the island. 

Locally, she served as superintendent of the former SAD 50 (which included schools in Thomaston, St. George and Cushing), School Union 69 and Edna Drinkwater School in Northport. 

Most recently, Harvey had spent one year in retirement, but missed having involvement in a school leadership position. 

She said she had no interest in full-time work, only part-time and the North Haven position opened just as she began to seriously consider a return to the education field. 

“I've always been intrigued by working in an island school,” she said of why she decided to accept the position. “I want to continue to focus on student achievement so that island students have the very same opportunities for their future as off-island students.” 

She noted this can be challenging with a small population; however, a small population, she noted, can yield important benefits such as a low student-teacher ratio to create personalized learning experiences. 

“It is essential that we continue to emphasize rigor in all subject areas, as well as exposure to the arts,” she said. “Taking advantage the the island's rich environment should be an integral part of every child's education, as well.” 

Lyford Beverage, who has five decades of educational experience, had served as interim superintendent of North Haven until the hiring of Harvey. 

Principal Resigns

After one year on the job, North Haven principal Kenneth Spinney II has resigned with his last day on job being Oct. 11. 

Prior to his time on the island, the education veteran had spent time serving schools in Pittsfield, Bangor, Portland, Wells-Ogunquit and Falmouth. 

Reach George Harvey at: sports@penbaypilot.com.