FREEPORT – While Freeport’s possible withdrawal from Regional School Unit 5 will occupy much of its time in upcoming months, the school board must also replace Shannon Welsh, the only superintendent to serve the RSU since its inception in 2009.

The process of replacing Welsh, who is retiring, is in its early stages. The board, which next meets on March 12, is yet to discuss the matter at a meeting, though Welsh has weighed in on the issue.

“I’ve recommended to the board that they consider an interim for one year,” Welsh said last Thursday. “Under the circumstances, it would be difficult for a permanent superintendent.”

Welsh said she has spoken to two retired superintendents who would be interested in speaking with the board regarding a one-year stint.

Welsh, 57, announced her retirement on Jan. 10. June 30 is her final day on the job.

Meanwhile, the RSU Working Group, comprising board members from Durham and Pownal, will sit down with the Withdrawal Committee for the first time on Wednesday night, March 5. The meeting at Freeport High School begins at 6:30 p.m.

Both groups have conducted internal meetings for several weeks now, but the Wednesday night meeting will be the first joint one between the two.

Michelle Ritcheson of Durham is chairwoman of the Working Group, while Peter Murray is chairman of the Withdrawal Committee. Ritcheson said prior to last Wednesday’s school board meeting that she and Murray were to go over “ground rules” for the joint meeting, adding that there is no specific agenda.

The Withdrawal Committee has hired Dan Stockford of the law firm Brann & Isaacson of Lewiston to guide it through the process. The town has made $50,000 available to the committee, most of which will be used to pay for the legal advice.