OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Regional School Unit 23 will be looking for a new superintendent for the 2016- 17 school year after the board rejected a proposal from the current superintendent to serve part-time.

Superintendent Lloyd Crocker has served as RSU 23’s interim superintendent since 2014, when the RSU became a one-municipality school district following the withdrawal of Saco and Dayton. His contract ends June 30, the end of the current fiscal year.

In December, Crocker proposed that he stay on in his position for another year under a part-time contract, but the board rejected his proposal.

RSU 23 Board Chairwoman Carol Marcotte said the board’s decision had nothing to do with Crocker’s performance – it just decided the district needed a full-time superintendent to deal with the possibility of a new school building and other matters.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Lloyd,” said Marcotte. “He’s done a dynamic job.”

Marcotte praised Crocker’s work in the reorganization process after the break up of the RSU, and said he’s worked well with district staff.

Crocker has worked in education for 38 years, 14 of which are in administration. He began working for RSU 23 in 2007 as principal of Loranger Middle School.

He said the RSU will be facing a tough budget year ahead, and that cutting the hours of the superintendent was one way to reduce the personnel budget. He felt he knew the job well enough that he could do it part-time, and was prepared to agree to a set number of hours with the understanding that he may have to work more if needed.

Crocker said he was “a little bit surprised” the board didn’t accept his proposal, but added, “It will provide the opportunity for something else down the road.”

A personnel committee will be reviewing the job description for the superintendent, Marcotte said, and steps will be taken to get a new superintendent in place by July 1.

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