Rep. Stearns appointed to school leadership task force
State Rep. Paul Stearns (R-Guilford) is pleased to learn of his appointment to the Task Force on School Leadership. The Maine Legislature recently passed LD 1042 outlining the parameters of those who will be a part of the task force and what their objectives are. The 17-person task force is a diverse group featuring legislators, educators and a variety of other Mainers who place the education of our kids at the top of their priority lists.
Rep. Stearns was elected to his first term in Maine Legislature following a 37-year career in public education making him an ideal choice to serve on the task force. He taught and coached for 19 years in SAD 4 in Guilford before becoming principal of Upper Kennebec Valley Jr./Sr. High School in Bingham in 1996. He then served as a principal in SAD 68 in Dover-Foxcroft from 1999-2003 when he returned to SAD 4 to serve as superintendent for 10 years.
According to LD 1042 the task force is tasked with the following, “In performing its work, the task force shall research the various aspects of the issues related to excellence in school leadership and arrange presentations by recognized experts and practitioners in school leadership including an expert from a school administration preparation program at the University of Maine. The task force shall develop strategies to enhance the identification, recruitment, preparation, mentoring, evaluation, professional development and retention of effective public school principals and other public school leaders.”
“I’ve dedicated a major part of my life to ensuring that Maine’s kids receive the very best educational opportunities available,” said Rep. Stearns. “I look forward to continuing that work as a member of the Task Force on School Leadership and throughout my tenure in the Maine Legislature.”
Rep. Stearns serves House District 119 representing parts of Piscataquis County, including Abbot, Beaver Cove, Bowerbank, Greenville, Guilford, Monson, Parkman, Sangerville, Sebec, Shirley and Willimantic plus the unorganized territories of Blanchard Township, Northeast Piscataquis County (including Barnard and Elliottsville Townships) and Northwest Piscataquis County. He has been appointed to serve on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee in the 127th Legislature.