The Scarborough School Board has chosen a public school administrator from Massachusetts to take over when Superintendent George Entwistle retires in June.

Julie Kukenberger, who is assistant superintendent in Haverhill, Massachusetts, was chosen from 16 applicants and three finalists, according to school officials.

“Julie Kukenberger has excellent credentials and experience,” Donna Beeley, board chairwoman, said in a news release. “She will be an excellent addition to our school district and our community.”

Kukenberger worked as a classroom teacher, principal and director of curriculum and instruction before assuming her current position. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Rider University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Rowan University, both in New Jersey. She is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at Boston College and plans to complete her degree in 2018.

Kukenberger said she is eager to begin working for the district.

“I am energized by the passion and dedication of the school board and educators in Scarborough,” Kukenberger said. “Teachers and leaders have shared with me areas where we will need to focus in order to ensure that we continue to provide all students in Scarborough with the type of education that results in choice and opportunity. I am excited to become a member of the Scarborough leadership team and look forward to serving the students and the community.”

Entwistle has been superintendent in Scarborough since 2011.

Finalists for the position included Brooke Clenchy, senior associate education commissioner of Massachusetts, who has a master’s degree in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington; and Craig King, superintendent of Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10, which serves Rumford and 11 other communities.

King, who also is one of two finalists for a superintendent’s position in Cape Elizabeth, previously served as principal of Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham and worked as a principal and an assistant principal in Mississippi. He also taught high school there and at the elementary level at an international school. He has a master’s degree in education and a doctorate in educational leadership, both from the University of Southern Mississippi.

The other finalist for the Cape Elizabeth position is Steven Bailey, superintendent of the Central Lincoln County School System, Alternative Organizational Structure 93, which is based in Damariscotta.

Bailey previously served as assistant superintendent and curriculum director in South Portland. His history includes principal positions in Exeter, New Hampshire, South Portland and Veazie, where he began his teaching career. He has a master’s degree in education and a certificate of advanced studies, both from the University of Maine.

King and Bailey are expected to visit Cape Elizabeth schools during the week of April 25. The school board there is seeking a replacement for Meredith Nadeau, who has been superintendent for five years and is leaving to become superintendent of the elementary and junior-senior high schools in Newmarket, New Hampshire.

Kelley Bouchard can be contacted at 791-6328 or at:

kbouchard@pressherald.com

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