JAY — Regional School Unit 73 directors voted 10-1 Thursday night to hire Robert “Bob” Webster as interim superintendent.

Robert “Bob” Webster, right, talks with Regional School Unit 73 student representative Scott Jackson on Thursday night. Webster was later hired as interim superintendent for the district. (Livermore Falls Advertiser photo by Pam Harnden)

Robert Staples, who was elected chairman of the board Thursday, said Webster would begin his duties next week. He will work an average of three days a week with a salary of $500 per day.

“That’s the going rate across the state,” Staples said.

“He’s an interesting guy,” Staples added. “We’re very fortunate to find him.”

Webster was most recently interim superintendent in Boothbay, serving from January to June 2018.

He retired as superintendent of Deer Isle and Stonington in 2012.

Webster said he was principal of Strong Elementary School many years ago.

“I moved back there. It seemed homey,” he said.

Webster is married to Faith Webster. The couple has two adult children and two grandchildren.

Those in favor of hiring him were Ann Schwab, Shannon McDaniel, Tammy Frost, Shari Ouellette, Denise Rodzen, Steven Langlin, Phoebe Pike, Sarah Hughes and Joel Pike, and student representative Scott Jackson. Vice Chairman Michael Morrell was opposed. Dale Leblanc and Doug DiPasquale did not vote. Student representative Orion Schwab was absent.

Webster succeeds Troy Leroy who resigned Jan. 10.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net