OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Regional School Unit 23 board Chairman Gary Curtis may not have been at Wednesday night’s school board meeting, but his ears must have been ringing.

Curtis decided not to run for re-election this year, and his seat will officially be replaced when newly elected board member Michelle Violette gets sworn in on Monday.

Superintendent of Schools Lloyd Crocker said that though Curtis was not in attendance, he wanted, “as superintendent and as a friend,” to acknowledge the many contributions Curtis made as board chairman for RSU 23, when it was a three-community school unit, and more recently, as a single-community school unit.

Crocker said Curtis was a “strong voice” in the RSU during some trying and challenging times, and was a “strong advocate” for Old Orchard Beach during the break-up of the three municipalities RSU.

“I know that Gary’s tenure as school board chair, over the years, has at times been frustrating, emotional, contentious, and at times personal, but hopefully, in the end, rewarding,” said Crocker. “I know there were often times when he felt alone fighting the good fight on behalf of Old Orchard Beach.”

Crocker said the community owes Curtis “a great deal of gratitude” for his efforts and contributions.

“I hope today, as Gary steps away from being a valued member of the Old Orchard Beach school board, he can feel proud and satisfied in knowing that his efforts have contributed greatly to where we are and who we are today,” said Crocker.

RSU Board Vice Chairman Peter Flaherty displayed a gavel that will be presented to Curtis, with the inscription, “In appreciation for your service to the students of Old Orchard Beach.”

Flaherty said Curtis worked tirelessly for the school and community of Old Orchard Beach for eight years.

“We can never repay him for his efforts,” said Flaherty.

He asked people when they see Curtis around town ”“ noting that Curtis would probably be with his camera, as he enjoys taking pictures ”“ “just let him know how much you appreciate all the hard work that he did.”

Curtis announced at the October meeting that serving on the RSU board was “a life-altering experience” with “many watershed moments” that he hoped he came through relatively unscathed. He thanked those who voted for him, school officials and staff, as well as the students, who he said have made it easy for him to be an advocate for Old Orchard Beach.

Curtis said the state of the Old Orchard Beach schools has never been better, and those with children in Old Orchard Beach schools should feel confident that the students’ needs are being “very well served.”

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribunecom.