POLAND — Regional School Unit 16 has a new superintendent.

The school board Monday unanimously approved hiring Kenneth Healey to head the Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls school system. Healey has served for the past four years as superintendent of RSU 73, which includes Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls.

Healey replaces Tina Meserve, who is leaving to become superintendent of RSU 9 in Farmington.

Healey is scheduled to start in RSU 16 on July 1 at an annual salary of almost $120,000.

The RSU 73 board will consider Healey’s resignation request from that district at its meeting Thursday.

Healey said Tuesday he is moving primarily to reduce the distance he must travel for work.

“I spend the week up here from Monday to Friday,” he said. “My life has changed over the last four years. I absolutely love the job, the community. The separation (from my family) has been tough.” 

Healey said the move is bittersweet, adding he is proud the community has been able to overcome budget shortfalls over the past four years and seen many other accomplishments: school reconfiguration, the hiring of a curriculum coordinator and offering teachers and other staff members who care deeply for students.

“I have absolute confidence this district will be well taken care of by the people who remain,” he said. “I didn’t accomplish anything. It was the school department and the people here.”

RSU 16 board Chairwoman Mary Martin said that during his job interview, Healey highlighted the importance of a student-centered approach, solid school and community relationship and a collaborative approach to solving problems. She called him “an experienced superintendent with proven leadership skills.”

“The RSU 16 school board looks forward to working with Ken Healey in meeting the needs of students, staff and the communities of Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls,” Martin said.

Kenneth Healey (RSU 73 photo)

Regional School Unit 73 Superintendent Kenneth Healey has submitted his letter of resignation after having been hired as superintendent of RSU 16 in Poland. (Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser)