The Gorham Middle School principal is one of two finalist for a job as Cape Elizabeth Middle School principal.

A Cape Elizabeth schools search committee announced Tuesday that Dennis Duquette was a finalist for a job there, along with a principal from Portland High School.

Duquette did not return a call from the American Journal Tuesday.

However, his possible departure didn’t come as a surprise to Gorham Superintendent Ted Sharp. He said Duquette had indicated he might be interested in looking at other jobs if the right opportunity came along.

Sharp said it’s wonderful that Duquette has an opportunity but hoped he would stay in Gorham. If Duquette leaves, Sharp said Gorham would put a national search for a replacement into high gear.

“It’s a decision I hope I don’t have to make,” Sharp said.

A Gorham School Committee member, Roger Marchand, hadn’t heard news of the announcement until contacted by the American Journal yesterday. “First I’ve heard of it,” Marchand said.

Marchand praised Duquette and said he had made a big impact with the students and in the community. “I wish him well and hope he doesn’t leave,” Marchand said.

Judie O’Malley, a former member of the Gorham School Committee, said Tuesday that Duquette was hired as principal when the new Gorham Middle School went on line in the fall of 2003. “I understand that he’s well liked by parents,” O’Malley said.

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