BRUNSWICK

The Brunswick School District has hired its new assistant superintendent. A. Pender Makin, who has an extensive background in alternative and special education, will start next week.

There were 18 applicants for the position, of which six were interviewed, said Superintendent Paul Perzanoski.

The school board accepted Perzanoski’s nomination of Makin in May.

“The interview committee was really impressed by her credentials and her committment to establishing relationships with them in the interview process,” Perzanoski said in an interview Tuesday. “She spent time in the district, and went to all the schools, and sat in on classes. The feedback from that was overwhelmingly positive.”

Makin has served as the director of The Real School in Falmouth since 2003, which provides curriculum for students in grades 7-12 with behavior and emotional problems, or who have been unsuccessful in other schools.

The Scarborough resident also works as a consultant and speaker on alternative education.

Previously, Makin was the super- vising director of the Westbrook/ RSU 14 Consolidated Community Learning Center from 2004- 11, and was the lead teacher at Wescott Junior High School’s Alternative Learning Center from 1997- 2003.

“I think that the Brunswick community seems to be replete with exciting possibilities,” said Makin, in an interview with The Times Record on Monday, citing the “pride” and “joyful learning environment” in the Brunswick schools she visited.

Makin said she hoped “to bring an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit” to the district.

“I promise to give nothing short of my very best in this work,” Makin said.

Makin’s position in Brunswick

had been considered for elimination before she was even hired.

The school board in April rejected a proposal by Perzanoski to eliminate the assistant superintendent’s position entirely as a cost-saving measure during budget negotiations. Some board members believed that Perzanoski was already overburdened, and cutting the assistant superintendent would make matters worse.

Makin’s salary will be $100,000,

plus medical insurance.

Among her recognitions and awards, Makin won the 2013 Maine Secondary Principal of the Year.

Makin holds a master’s degree in science educational leadership and a bachelor of arts in English, both from the University of Southern Maine.

She will replace Gregory Bartlett, who is retiring after nearly 20 years as assistant superintendent, and who has 42 years of experience in education.

Bartlett said he has been regularly meeting with his successor, going over job details which range from teacher evaluation, to overseeing the Chinese student exchange program, to school cancellations and new teacher orientations.

“There are a lot of different committees, and a lot of different challenges, but I’ve enjoyed it,” said Bartlett.

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com

Makin file

A. PENDER MAKIN has served as the director of The Real School in Falmouth since 2003, which provides curriculum for students in grades 7-12 with behavior and emotional problems, or who have been unsuccessful in other schools.

Makin holds a master’s degree in science educational leadership and a bachelor of arts in English, both from the University of Southern Maine.