06/01/2011

School Board names New Hampshire educator as next superintendent

Meredith Nadeau, currently a director of learning and instruction in the Oyster River Cooperative School District, Durham, N.H., will be the next superintendent of Cape Elizabeth schools.

The School Board unanimously confirmed her appointment to a three-year contract at a special meeting June 1, 2011.

"From the beginning of our search process, the Cape Elizabeth community has voiced a desire for a visionary leader for our schools - a person with energy and passion for continuous improvement," School Board Chair Mary Townsend said. "We believe that Meredith Nadeau exceeds these expectations," she said in a press release.

Nadeau has served in the Oyster River school district since 2008. Responsibilities as a director of instruction include special education, curriculum (humanities) and professional development.

Members of the School Board said they were particularly impressed with her educational experience at all levels, as a teacher and administrator; and, for her enthusiasm for children.

"She is accessible and authentic," Townsend said at the meeting. "These are qualities for a good leader."

Nadeau, a graduate of Bowdoin College, has 18 years of educational experience including service as a principal, assistant principal, special-education teacher and language-arts teacher. She holds a master's degree from the University of New Hampshire, and is a doctoral candidate at Boston University.

Townsend said her first day of work will be July 20, 2011. Ken Murphy, former Yarmouth Superintendent who has served as interim since January, will stay on until then.

The June 1 announcement ends a six-month search for a superintendent to succeed Alan Hawkins, who retired Dec. 31, 2010.

Nadeau's contract includes an annual salary of $123,000.

Michael Moore, School Board member who with Townsend chaired the search for a new superintendent, said Nadeau fits the profile established by the community superintendent attribute survey conducted earlier this year. "The community sent a clear message," Moore said at the meeting. "She is a student-focused leader with a vision for educational improvement," he said. Townsend added, "I'm more than convinced we have the leader we've been asked to find."

The superintendent search included two rounds of applications with a total of 33 candidates applying from 18 states. Ten semifinalists were interviewed by the board. Board members conducted reference and background checks on the two finalists.

Board members speaking at the June 1 meeting said they were most impressed, on their visit to the Oyster River schools. by Nadeau's interaction with students. "I am extremely confident that she will be one of the best superintendents we've ever had," said board member David Hillman.