PORTLAND — The annual process of contract renewals and new hires is in full swing at the Portland Public Schools.

Last week, the School Department announced an extended contract for Superintendent of Schools Emmanuel Caulk, the hiring of new directors for transportation and adult education, and contract renewals for all school principals.

On Feb. 25, the School Board extended Caulk’s contract by one year. The new contract expires in June 2016.

“By extending Mr. Caulk’s contract now, the board would like to convey that the board and the superintendent are working well as a team and that the community can expect continuity and stability in the leadership of Portland Public Schools,” Chairwoman Sarah Thompson said in a news release.

Caulk has been superintendent since July 2012. He has launched several initiatives, including community outreach during the annual budgeting process, a “Principal for a Day” program, and efforts to bolster science, technology, engineering and math education.

“Despite the many challenges that come with leading the largest, most diverse school system in Maine during difficult financial times, Mr. Caulk has always put the needs of our students first,” Thompson said. “He has remained focused on helping us build a world-class school system for a great city, and has spent countless hours holding listening and learning sessions with staff, parents and other stakeholders throughout the community.”

Caulk has also taken several furlough days this year to help balance the budget and has said he will decline a pay raise this year, even if his job performance merits it, the department said.

In a separate news release, the School Department announced the hiring of two new program directors.

Bethany Campbell will be director of adult and community education. She replaces longtime director Robert Wood, who retired in January.

Campbell served as dean of business and community partnerships at Southern Maine Community College and director of its Entrepreneurial Center. She also served as regional director for Maine Career Advantage and development director for Goodwill Industries’ workforce.

Campbell holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maine and a master’s in adult education from the University of Southern Maine.

The district also announced that Kevin Whittemore will assume the role of transportation director when the current director, Kevin Mallory, retires in August.

Whittemore has worked for the district since 1990 when he was hired as a bus driver. For the past 18 years, he has served as assistant transportation director.

Ben McCanna can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or bmccanna@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @BenMcCanna.

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Emmanuel Caulk

Bethany Campbell

Kevin Whittemore

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