Staff Writer

The Regional School Unit 21 Board of Directors named Andrew Dolloff as superintendent for the new district, signing a three-year contract with his starting salary at $116,000.

With 19 applications, the board conducted two rounds of interviews with background and reference checks. Board of Directors Chairman Maureen King said they unanimously decided to hire Dolloff. 

Dolloff, who is currently an assistant superintendent in Scarborough, said RSU 21 met all the criteria he was looking for to advance his career. 

“I was picky about the places I looked into, and the district has exceeded my expectations. I’m glad I applied and I’m glad I was selected,” Dolloff said. “I want to be part of a forward thinking district.”

Dolloff said he has “mixed emotions” about leaving Scarborough, but taking on the superintendent position in RSU 21 is an advancement in his career.

Dolloff started as director of student activities at Scarborough High School, took on the position of principal in 2000 and has worked as assistant superintendent for the past three years.

He has an undergraduate degree in secondary education in biology and English from the University of Maine at Farmington, a masters degree in educational administration from the University of Southern Maine and is currently enrolled in the educational administration program at the University of New England. 

A June 1 press release from the RSU 21 Board of Directors noted “In 2004, Dolloff was recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as Maine’s Outstanding Principal of the Year. During his six years as the principal, Scarborough High School’s enrollment increased from 800 students to nearly 1,000 students.

“In 2002, the voters of Scarborough approved a $27 million expansion and renovation, which more than doubled the square footage of the high school and increased teacher and student access to instructional technology. At the time of the construction, the project was the largest locally funded project in the state’s history.

“In 2005, Dolloff was named to the National Advisory Council for the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Principals’ Center.”

Dolloff’s official start date is scheduled for July 1.

“It’s important to assist these three communities as they are coming together,” Dolloff said. “It’s most important for me to hear their vision and ideas and fit into that in my role as superintendent.”

As Dolloff steps into the position of superintendent, current superintendent Pat Manuel will return to his former position as assistant superintendent.

Manuel said when he accepted the superintendent position, he told the board of directors he would serve for a year, but planned to return to assistant superintendent. 

“It will be a pleasure working with Andrew,” Manuel said. “I’ve worked with him on different committees and we come from similar backgrounds. It will be good to have a fresh perspective and he is a good match for the district.”

Staff writer Emma Bouthillette can be reached at 282-4337 ext. 237.