OLD ORCHARD BEACH — It’s a new beginning for the local school system, now that Old Orchard Beach is the only municipality in Regional School Unit 23, and two new faces will be leading the way at Old Orchard Beach High School.

John Suttie has begun as the principal, and Meghan Ward as the assistant principal.

Suttie has 23 years of experience in the field of education. Most recently, he was the assistant principal at Kennebunk High School, and prior to that, he taught special education and physical education.

Ward has 10 years of experience in the field, most recently as dean of students at Massabesic High School in Waterboro, and prior to that, as a social studies teacher.

Ward said she enjoys the field of education because she likes helping students gain the skills to be productive members of society, and now with advances in technology, it’s easier to bring the outside world into the classroom.

Suttie said he wants to continue the good work that has been done at Old Orchard Beach High School, maintaining a “student-centered environment” and providing students with the skills to be successful in the world.

An educator, he said, can make a major impact in a student’s life if they take the time and show them opportunities that are beyond their initial grasp to help them become successful. Suttie said students sometimes contact him years after they’ve been in high school, thanking him.

“You can make such a difference in a student’s life,” said Suttie.

Lloyd Crocker, who has stepped up from his former position as Loranger Middle School principal to become interim superintendent of schools, said both Ward and Suttie bring different experiences to the table, but both are proven to be effective administrators.

Crocker said the school district is building bridges between the three schools ”“ the high school, Loranger Middle School and Jameson Elementary School ”“ in the district. Faculty from the three schools will be coming together and working collaboratively, he said.

“There are no kids in Old Orchard Beach who are going to slip through the cracks,” he said.

Suttie said he anticipates in a small school it will be easier to focus on the needs of the student and make important changes in a shorter amount of time.

Ward, who taught in a high school with 1,800 students, said she is excited to work in a small school district. She said she thinks Old Orchard Beach is unique, because for a small school system it has many opportunities and resources.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.