SCARBOROUGH – Although she was one of the most tireless advocates for the construction of a new Wentworth Intermediate School, longtime Principal Anne-Mayre Dexter said she chose to retire before the new school opens this fall in order to provide a new beginning and allow the school community to start a new chapter in its history.

In November 2011, Scarborough voters approved a $39.1 million bond to build a new grades 3-5 school, which is designed to replace the aging, overcrowded Wentworth building originally built as a junior high in 1962.

Dexter said this week that for the past two years, as construction on the new school has moved forward, she’s asked herself whether “her purpose was coming to an end. When both of my daughters announced that they were going to have babies this summer the (retirement) deal was sealed.”

When asked if it was bittersweet to leave before the new Wentworth opens, Dexter said, “I’m asked that often. I have to say that I take great pride in having completed my purpose, which was to help the citizens who gave of their talents, time and financial commitment to make this extraordinary building a reality for the staff and children.”

She added, “I believe it is time for new leadership to bond with the staff as they (move into) this state-of-the-art facility.”

Even so, Dexter said, she would miss the wide-eyed wonder of the third-graders, as well as the “sheepish grins” of the fifth-graders.

What she’s most enjoyed during her 18 years of leading Wentworth School is “to have had a hand in advancing learning (by working) with a strong and committed staff.”

Dexter said she’s proud that the new Wentworth “will serve generations to come. As I walk the empty halls today, I am keenly aware of the advantages students will now have to learn under the best of conditions.”

In all, Dexter said Scarborough is “very fortunate to have a variety of hardworking folks (willing to give their time and talents to the school district). They each find their passion and bring a level of richness to the community, and that effort reaps benefits for all, both giver and receiver.”

Dexter has worked in education for 40 years and said the decision to retire at the end of June really was not a difficult one to make.

After graduate school, Dexter first worked as a social worker in the field of adoption and after realizing that working with children was the highlight of her day, she decided to move into the field of education.

Dexter taught school in both Maine and New Hampshire for about 14 years. She then became the secular headmistress for the Levey Day School, which is located in Portland.

After working at the school, Dexter became the director of the private Breakwater School, also in Portland, where she spent eight years. She first joined the Scarborough School Department in 1987.

This week she said, “I will say that my job in Scarborough has never been boring. I have had a new focus every five to six years. I’ve been a K-2 supervising principal, a K-5 supervising principal, and have taken part in the creation of the new Wentworth, which is most gratifying.”

Dexter’s immediate plans include helping her husband build a deck and landscape the back yard, as well as welcoming her two new grandchildren. One is due in July and one in August, which means she will have good use for the custom rocking chair the Wentworth staff gave her as a parting gift.

As the school year wound down last week, Dexter said her most immediate feeling was one of gratitude for the chance to serve the children of Scarborough. Her message to the Wentworth community is a “genuine thank you for the opportunity to serve.”

Kelli Crosby, who was named as the interim principal at Wentworth by Superintendent George Entwistle, said last week that Dexter’s most notable achievement is her “tireless work on the building committee for the new Wentworth School.”

Crosby has been the assistant principal at Wentworth for the past two years and said, “It’s been my privilege to work with (Dexter). I will miss her boundless energy and enormous heart.”

But, Crosby added, “The new school is a concrete representation of Dexter’s legacy. She dreamed of a facility designed to support the learning needs of our students and persevered until it became a reality. Though she will not be joining us in the new school, we realize what a selfless and essential role she played in creating this opportunity for our students and staff.”

Jacqueline Perry, a longtime member of the Scarborough Board of Education, said this week that she’s worked with Dexter on four different building committees, including the Wentworth Building Committee.

It took three times to get the Wentworth project approved, according to Perry, who said the Town Council twice deferred sending a referendum question to voters, before the bond question for Wentworth was passed in 2011.

Perry said that during her tenure in Scarborough, “(Dexter) has had more to deal with than any other administrator and has done so with professionalism and class.”

What Perry most appreciates with the Wentworth construction project, she said, is that “(Dexter) has always included students, staff and parents in the process. Students have worked on committees to select playground equipment and helped with the selection of furniture.”

She added, “This new school is a testament to (Dexter’s) diligence and hard work and (is) a constant reminder that she kept the needs of her students in the forefront all these years.”

Christine Massengill, chairwoman of the Scarborough Board of Education, said there’s no doubt the school district will miss Dexter’s presence, but she said retirement would be a “great new adventure for her.”

Massengill said it’s sad that Dexter will not be there when the new Wentworth School opens this fall.

“She’s done wonderful things for the kids in Scarborough,” she said.

Students and staff at Wentworth Intermediate School celebrate the last flag raising ceremony at the old school last week.