WINDHAM/RAYMOND — RSU 14 has named Chris Howell as its new superintendent, one year after promoting him to the position of assistant superintendent.

“Chris has served in many capacities in our district … teacher, principal, curriculum coordinator, assistant superintendent. In each one he has far exceeded all expectations and we are very, very lucky that he said yes to us,” School Board Chair Jani Cummings wrote in an email to the community.

Howell will replace current superintendent Sandy Prince, who will retire in June after 16 years in the position.

A search committee comprised of members of the Raymond Selectboard, Windham Town Council, central office and School Board as well as teachers, administrators and parents has been working on finding a new superintendent since early February, when Prince announced his retirement.

A survey sent to residents in Windham and Raymond revealed that people are “looking for someone that is knowledgeable about kids’ needs, aware of social factors and wants to keep it on an even keel. Someone who’s going to be here for the long haul and somebody who is aware of staff needs, community needs, someone who’s involved in the community,” Cummings said in a recent interview.

“Chris was overwhelmingly our first choice,” she wrote in her email. “We are all excited to see where he leads us and we are all grateful that he has such an able, experienced, creative district to lead.”

Jane Vaughan can be reached at 780-9103 or at jvaughan@keepmecurrent.com.

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