JAY — The Maine Department of Education has selected Spruce Mountain High School math teacher Jessica Ellingwood as the 2018 Franklin County Teacher of the Year.

Principal Thomas Plourde told the Regional School Unit 73 directors Thursday evening that he was thrilled Ellingwood was chosen for the honor.

“I’m superimpressed with Jessica, the caliber of teacher she is, and what she does for our kids,” he said.

County Teachers of the Year are finalists for Maine Teacher of the Year.

Community members nominate the educators for their exemplary service in education and dedication to their students.

In other business Thursday, the board unanimously approved an early graduation request from high school junior Emily Wilson.

Superintendent Kenneth Healey said Wilson has completed all of the required course work.

“She is a student who is very driven, who has a lot of different interests,” Plourde said.

Wilson said she plans to attend college this fall and has applied to Central Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Augusta and Southern Maine Community College.

Eventually, she hopes to transfer to Brigham Young University in Utah. She said her goal is to be a film production manager.

In other business, the board accepted the resignation of high school guidance counselor Annika King as of July 2.

The next board meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at the Superintendent’s Office.

bmatulaitis@sunmediagroup.net

RSU 73 Superintendent’s Office. (File photo)