The South Portland High School principal will be the new head of Windham High School.

South Portland Superintendent Ken Kunin confirmed Ryan Caron’s departure in an email Wednesday. The South Portland School Board will vote Thursday to hire Michele LaForge, the head of school at the Baxter Academy for Technology and Science in Portland, as his successor.

“After five wonderful years in South Portland, Ryan is moving on to become principal at Windham High School,” Kunin wrote in an email. “The pace of a high school principal, as I know from experience, is very taxing. The move allows Ryan to continue in a job he loves, but also to be much closer to home and more present for his young children.”

Kunin also said he is “honored” to have LaForge join the district. Her start date is July 1, but it is not yet clear what her salary will be. LaForge did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.

Regional School Unit 14 Superintendent Sanford Prince said the selection committee was impressed with Caron, who will earn $119,843 in his new job. RSU 14 serves Windham and Raymond.

“The committee was very pleased with his credentials, his experience as a principal in South Portland and the fine job that he’s done there,” Prince said.

The current principal of Windham High School is Chris Howell. In July, he will become the assistant superintendent for RSU 14. His new salary will be $124,145.

The person currently in that position is Donn Davis, who is retiring.

Prince said Howell has worked in the central office before as the director of curriculum and instruction.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have him on my administrative team for 15 years,” Prince said. “I’ve seen him grow, and his experience is just perfect for this position.”

Staff Writer Kelley Bouchard contributed to this report.

Megan Doyle can be contacted at 791-6327 or at:

mdoyle@pressherald.com

Twitter: megan_e_doyle