OLD ORCHARD BEACH — It’s not just another school year, but the beginning of a new adventure.

Those were the words of Regional School Unit 23 Board Chairman Gary Curtis, addressing school department staff at a teacher workshop day Wednesday morning at the Old Orchard Beach High School cafeteria.

With Saco and Dayton having withdrawn from the RSU, Old Orchard Beach is now the only town remaining in the district.

“Our philosophy is to have a student centric district, where the educational opportunities can be tailored to each and every student’s needs, where every grade level is aware of and contributes to the next and previous level to allow for a seamless and educationally responsible progression from year to year,” said Curtis.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Lloyd Crocker talked about synergy, collaboration, and the three Rs ”“ rigor, relevance and relationship.

“This is about team … the one town, one team, one goal approach … something I hope you all have embraced,” said Crocker.

Crocker said as the RSU starts as a single-town district, that it capitalizes on the notion of reinventing itself, and creating a district that better meets the needs of students. He said faculty can do this through student-focused practices, modeling and encouraging creativity, and creating a positive and supportive culture.

“My decisions are always going to be based on what I believe is best for kids,” said Crocker.

However, if people have different ideas, his door is always open, he said.

“It’s time for new stories of great learning,” said Crocker. “It begins now. Go be awesome!”

The first day of school for RSU 23 is Sept. 2.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].