BUXTON — Interim MSAD 6 Superintendent Paul Penna has been named permanent superintendent, starting March 21.

MSAD 6 serves Buxton, Hollis, Limington, Standish and Frye Island.

Penna has been serving as the interim superintendent since August. Prior to this appointment, he was the principal of Bonny Eagle High School since 2013.

Penna replaced former Superintendent Frank Sherburne, who resigned in May amid controversy. The MSAD 6 Board of Directors determined that the district’s nepotism policy was violated when Sherburne’s son, Zachariah, was hired as an education technician at Buxton Central Elementary without bringing it to the full school board for approval after the interview process was completed.

Penna was unanimously voted into the position by the Board of Directors last week, according to a press release from the school department.

“I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that we provide all students a quality educational experience that prepares them for a changing world economy,” said Penna in the written statement. “Public education is facing new challenges, and it is increasingly important that our work is collaborative and inclusive to reflect the values and expectations of our proud school community.”

MSAD 6 Board of Directors Chairman Lester Harmon said in the written statement the board was pleased to have Penna continuing on in the position of superintendent.

“He has brought positive energy to the role of interim superintendent, and we look forward to working with him in his permanent role,” said Harmon.

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