OXFORD — Longtime curriculum director Kathy Elkins will stay on part time next year to handle federal grants during the transition to her replacement, SAD 17 Superintendent Rick Colpitts said.

Elkins, who took the position in 2002, will stay into the 2014-15 school year.

“Kathy agreed to stick around for 88 days to handle all the federal grants we receive, Title 1, Title 2 and other grants, because the new curriculum coordinator has not had the experience in that,” Colpitts said.

Elkins part-time status was approved by directors Monday night. They also approved Colpitts’ recommendation of Heather Manchester to fill the curriculum director’s post.

Manchester works at RSU 16 in Poland, where she has 15 years experience as a teacher and instructional leader. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and classical civilization from Wheaton College; a post graduate certificate of education from the University of London, Institute of Education; and a master’s in curriculum and instruction in literacy from Lesley College.

Elkins said her focus will be federal grant oversight and supporting Manchester in the transition.

“This will allow the curriculum director to focus on curriculum, instructions and assessment with the program support of federal funding without the bureaucracy managing it,” Elkins said.

Manchester begins her duties July 1.

ldixon@sunjournal.com