WESTBROOK – Marc Gousse, Westbrook School District’s new interim superintendent, says he doesn’t go to work every day – he goes to school.

That philosophy is a testament to Gousse’s commitment to the district. So is the fact that when he sought out a job as principal 10 years ago, he applied to just one school district: Westbrook.

“This isn’t a job to me. It’s part of my life,” said Gousse, 51, a Westbrook resident. “I’d like to think I put down some roots (here).”

After outgoing Superintendent Dr. Reza Namin announced he had accepted a similar post in Massachusetts, the School Committee voted March 9 to appoint Gousse as interim superintendent through June 30, 2012.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Gousse said on Friday. “It’s surreal and has been nonstop – in a healthy way.”

Gousse said he was shocked when the committee announced him as its choice to replace Namin. But he has been working toward this moment for more than 20 years.

Gousse grew up in Lewiston, an old mill town with parallels to Westbrook that attracted him here. He was part of a working class family, the youngest of three children.

After graduating high school in 1978, his uncle pushed him to enroll at the Maine Maritime Academy. Following that, he said, he enlisted as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1982.

He said his time in the Navy allowed him to travel, and he was working on a supply boat in the Gulf of Mexico when a friend told him Lewiston Middle School needed a substitute teacher.

“I found I was drawn to kids, drawn to people,” he said.

The school district also found the kids were drawn to him. He was asked to be a long-term substitute and he ended up serving two months in that role.

He then went to Bates College to receive his teaching certification, then worked for three years in Sabbatus as a science teacher and coach. He said he gave up a $60,000 salary to earn less than $12,000 a year as a teacher.

“I never went into this for the money,” he said. “This is a passion for me.”

By 1995, he had his first administrative job, working as assistant principal and athletic director at Gray-New Gloucester High School. By 1997, he was assistant principal at Edward Little High School in Auburn, and in 2000, he was elected as a city councilor in Lewiston. In 2001, he was named Assistant Principal of the Year by the National Association for Secondary School Principals and the Maine Principals’ Association. Later that year, he joined Westbrook High School as principal.

All those experiences have helped prepare Gousse for what he will face as interim superintendent. He credited his two-year term as city councilor in particular with teaching him how to manage a budget and politics.

In 2005, he retired as a full commander from the Navy. His son, Joey, graduated from Westbrook High School in 2008. Through it all, Gousse said, he has remembered his roots and stayed thankful for the opportunities that have come his way.

“My father always said, ‘Don’t forget where you came from,’” he said.

He also credits his wife Jean, saying her support allowed him to pursue his passion.

Now, his goal is the same as the goal he has had as high school principal – “leave the place better than when I found it.”

Gousse said he knows the next few months are going to be a challenge, but he hopes to approach business the same way he has throughout his career. He cited the importance of maintaining open communication and keeping the focus on the most important part of the business – the students.

He credited both of his immediate predecessors. Namin taught him that challenges are just opportunities to build relationships. Stan Sawyer, the former Westbrook superintendent, had a major influence on his career.

“I would not be in this position today if not for Stan Sawyer’s mentoring and leadership,” he said. “Stan was very tough on me, but he was my strongest supporter.”

Sawyer, reached at his home this week, said he remembered hiring Gousse initially, and said Gousse’s interpersonal skills will be a vital asset, especially in challenging times.

“The superintendent tends to be the lightning rod for the entire district,” he said.

Sawyer also called Gousse’s time in a leadership position in the Navy “a huge plus.”

Westbrook Mayor Colleen Hilton, who served on the school board for 10 years, was glad to see Gousse taking the position. Hilton said she has always been impressed by Gousse’s dedication and passion for education.

“I think he’ll do a fantastic job,” she said.

Despite the challenges of taking over at the start of budget season, Gousse is confident the district is ready for anything. He said it is clear he has the support of administrators.

“It is so affirming,” he said. “People come up to me, they’re very positive, (saying) ‘Congratulations, how can we help you, we’re behind you.’”

Brian Flynn, a high school English teacher and head of the freshman teaming program, has known Gousse since they were co-workers at Edward Little High School. He said the district is in good hands.

“No one is going to outwork him. He has an impeccable work ethic,” he said. “I trust him implicitly. I think he’s viewed as a strong leader and will be honest about things and take things straight on.”

Gousse said the district plans to name an interim principal from internal candidates to succeed him for now, but he has the right to return to the high school job if he chooses. At the moment, he said, his former duties are being performed by a group of four administrators: Todd Sampson, athletics and activities director; John Ross, adult and alternative education director; Todd Fields, director of the vocational school; and Sandy Peabody, assistant director of the vocational school.

In addition to his new role as interim superintendent for Westbrook’s schools, Marc Gousse was still patrolling the halls at the high school Tuesday. Photo by Rich Obrey