“I am student-centered,” Perry said. “In my previous superintendent role, I made it a point to visit a different school every morning to stay connected with students and teachers.”

She began her long education career as a preschool special needs teacher.

As a school administrator, Perry has focused on curriculum, including the adoption of a new math program; raised several schools in her previous district to a Level 1, the highest rank available in Massachusetts; and worked closely with principals, teachers, administrators, students, and the community. According to Perry she’s proud to have implemented the Response to Intervention program there.

In its hiring process with multiple candidates, RSU 21 School Board Chair Mary Beth Luce said a thorough review of materials submitted by each candidate was completed, in-person interviews were conducted, and reference calls were made.

“While the RSU 21 Board of Directors acknowledges that some concerns have been raised about the hiring of Dr. Perry, she has explained her point of view and the positive steps and procedures taken to learn from her experience,” Luce said. “To this end, the board is looking forward to its work with Dr. Perry for the 2019-2020 school year.”

Perry reportedly retired from her last job in Marblehead, Massachusetts amid a budget controversy and financial mismanagement allegations that she purposely withheld Special Education tuition bills for several months before authorizing them to be paid.

Luce said that Perry is a collaborative leader, is accessible to stakeholders, and has experience listening to and facilitating dialogue with the community.

“Dr. Perry knows how to have difficult conversations with care and compassion,” Luce said.

Perry and her husband, Tony, are looking forward to getting to know Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport over the next school year, Luce said. They also are the proud grandparents of 18-month-old Drew, their first grandchild.