Stearns receives Distinguished Service Award from superintendent’s association

BANGOR — Retired SAD 4 Superintendent and current State Rep. Paul Stearns (R-Guilford) was presented with the 2016 Distinguished Service Award from the Maine State Superintendent’s Association. The honor was presented June 26 at the 105th annual Commissioner’s Conference at the Cross Insurance Center.

Contributed photo

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE — Retired SAD 4 Superintendent and current State Rep. Paul Stearns (R-Guilford), center, was presented with the Maine State Superintendent’s Association 2016 Distinguished Service Award on June 26 in Bangor. Stearns is pictured with Maine State Superintendent’s Association President Sue Pratt and Maine Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Bill Beardsley.

“Paul Stearns has worked in education for his entire professional career,” Maine School Superintendents Association President Sue Pratt said in presenting the award. “Paul was principal at SeDoMoCha Middle School in Dover Foxcroft, (Valley High School in Bingham) and was superintendent in Guilford (SAD 4). He holds a master’s and CAS degree from the University of Maine. His bachelor’s degree is from the University of Maine at Presque Isle with a major in physical education. Who knew?

“Upon retirement in 2013 he was elected to the Maine Legislature. He represents District 119 serving several rural towns in Maine and serves on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. In his first year he sponsored three bills aimed at Maine community colleges, Medicaid officer and school construction and co-sponsored 50 other bills. Paul is clearly a friend of public education. His in-depth understanding of the workings of public schools allows him to help fellow legislators better understand the impact bills will have on our local school systems.

“During Paul’s time as superintendent he was president of the Maine School Superintendents Association. One of his colleague’s states, ‘I always found Paul to be approachable and willing to discuss things that might be coming up for consideration by the executive committee.’

“In summary, Paul is a superb example of someone who has and continues to have a positive impact on public education in the state of Maine, and for that we are pleased to present the 2016 Distinguished Service Award to Paul Stearns.”

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” Stearns said. “It is essential that we maintain an excellent system of public education, and support our schools both fiscally and with policies that allow for local flexibility and decision making.”