AUGUSTA — Peter Gagnon is out as the director of Capital Area Technical Center.

Gagnon has resigned and is on paid leave following his last day at work, March 28, Augusta Schools Superintendent James Anastasio said. Gagnon’s contract with the school district ends June 30.

“It was thought that it would be in the best interest to make a change in CATC’s leadership now, while still honoring his contract,” Anastasio said.

Anastasio said he was the one to make that decision but that he could not say why because it is a confidential personnel matter.

Student Services Coordinator Stephanie Turgeon will be acting director of the school until the end of the year, and the school district will advertise for a new director, with no changes planned for the structure of CATC’s leadership.

Augusta Schools hired Gagnon, who was previously assistant director of the Lewiston Regional Technical Center, in 2012 following the retirement of Scott Phair.

The Board of Education accepted Gagnon’s resignation on March 19. Anastasio said he could not release Gagnon’s resignation letter because it contains information making it a confidential document.

Reached Thursday, Gagnon said he could not comment on the circumstances of his resignation.

Susan McMillan — 621-5645 smcmillan@centralmaine.com Twitter: @s_e_mcmillan