Boulier named new SAD 42 superintendent
MARS HILL, Maine — Elaine Boulier, principal at Fort Street Elementary School, has been named the new SAD 42 superintendent. The veteran educator was unanimously approved by the school board last Monday night.
She will replace Roger Shaw who will be retiring Dec. 31, 2014.
“Roger is such an outstanding educational leader,” said Boulier. “He has set such high standards; hopefully I can continue that excellence.”
Boulier, who is also the district’s curriculum coordinator, is in her sixth year as elementary school principal.
“I’ve been the curriculum coordinator since 2006, so I’ve been working at the district level for several years, and I think the superintendency was a natural progression,” she said. “I just completed my certificate of advanced study (CAS) in educational leadership, which academically prepared me for this path. I’ve taken on a few more responsibilities since we’re sharing a superintendent with Easton, so it was the next natural step for me.”
The Madawaska native was first hired by the district 29 years ago.
“I started as a first-grade teacher at Fort Street Elementary School,” said Boulier. “I was a first-grade teacher for seven years, and then I trained to become a Reading Recovery/Title I teacher, which I did for several years.
“I have also taught third grade, and I’ve taught reading at the fourth-, fifth- and seventh-grade levels,” she said. “My original master’s was in literacy, and being a literacy specialist opened up doors to be able to work at various grade levels with teachers and within the district.”
Boulier said while she will miss the daily interactions with students and staff, she’s anxious to help further move the district forward.
“I will still see the kids, but not as often as I see them now,” she said. “Over the years that I’ve been here we’ve really transitioned this building to be a student-centered and student-focused building, so I talk to kids all the time. That will be what I miss the most … the kids, and the remarkable staff that I’ve had the pleasure to work with all these years.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of the position itself, but also moving the district forward in terms of proficiency-based education. That’s one of our big challenges and one of the pieces that I’m extremely vested in,” said Boulier. “I’m pleased that I’m still going to keep the curriculum component, which will be huge, because a lot of the work moving forward involves curriculum so there won’t be a transition with that yet.”
After graduating from Madawaska High School in 1980, Boulier attended Thomas College where she received her medical assistant degree. She then moved home and attended the University of Maine at Fort Kent where she earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary education. Boulier received her master’s degree in literacy, as well as her CAS, through a cohort at the University of Maine at Orono.
Troy Grass, chair of the SAD 42 school board, said he’s confident Boulier will be successful in her new position.
“I believe she’ll do a super job,” he said. “She’s worked in our school district for 29 years, and has worked her way up through. She’s done an awesome job for our school system, and has always done above and beyond what was asked of her … she’s that type of person.
“We had other candidates, but Elaine was the one that came to the top,” said Grass. “When you look at somebody that’s had a career all in one spot, that says something about them. I believe the transition from elementary school principal to superintendent will be excellent, and we’re excited to have her come to this position. We believe she’ll do a great job. Our biggest worry is finding a good replacement for her as principal.”
Grass said the board has already begun advertising for the position of elementary school principal.
Shaw said he’s certain Boulier will be an effective superintendent.
“I’m excited for Elaine and I’m excited for the district. I think she’ll do an outstanding job,” he said. “She’s a top-notch, knowledgeable, informed educator, and in the area of curriculum, there’s probably not many in this state that are on par with her.
“She’s been in the district for 29 years so she knows the district well,” said Shaw. “She knows where we’re at, she knows what we do well, what we don’t do well and where we need work, and I put my full support behind her because I think she’s top-of-the-line. Elaine will be an outstanding fit; a hand-and-glove situation.”
Boulier’s first day in her new role will be Jan. 1, 2015.
