Saco School Superintendent Dominic DePatsy has decided to leave his position earlier than originally planned, and will do so by April 20, rather than his original June 30 resignation date. Saco School Board Chair Kevin LaFortune made the announcement Wednesday evening. Courtesy photo
SACO — Superintendent of Schools Dominic DePatsy’s resignation will become effective sometime next month, rather than his original planned departure date as head of the Saco public school district of June 30.
“He has informed the board of his desire to move up the date of his resignation,” Saco School Board Chair Kevin LaFortune announced at the online meeting after the board concluded a closed-door executive session Wednesday evening. “I want the school community to know that the board is willing to accept the early resignation.”
LaFortune said DePatsy’s new resignation date will be “no later than April 20” and that the board is working with Maine School Management Association to find an experienced interim superintendent to lead the district through the final few months of the school year.
LaFortune’s remarks came immediately following a 6-1 board vote, with member Art Tardif dissenting, to approve “a tentative agreement reached in a matter discussed in executive session and authorize the chair to work with counsel to authorize and execute the agreement.”
LaFortune thanked DePatsy for his work and noted changes in the school system during his six-year tenure, touching on the development of a strategic plan, approval of educator evaluation plan, technology initiatives and initiating pre-kindergarten for 4 year olds.
“The past year has been particularly challenging in delaying with the global pandemic, and although I recognize many of these accomplishments are part of a team effort, I want to recognize Dominic for his leadership in this work, and wish him well in his next position,” said LaFortune.
He said the School Board is committed to ensuring the delivery of high-quality education to students.
No other School Board members spoke about the matter.
DePatsy did not attend the online School Board meeting.
DePatsy began his job with the Saco School Department in July 2015 and came to Saco from RSU 53, which includes the central Maine communities of Burnham, Pittsfield and Detroit.
In December 2019, the School Board approved a contract extension of two years for DePatsy, through June 2022. During that meeting, parents and community members spoke of what they saw as a lack of communication in the district, and of concerns about the school department decision to lease a former daycare in the Saco Industrial Park as a location for pre-kindergarten that proved problematic.
DePatsy announced his resignation, effective June 30, in November, “to explore other educational and business opportunities,” he said in a letter to the School Board.
His Nov. 4 announcement came following the election of three new School Board members on Nov, 3, at least two had expressed concerns about school leadership and lack of transparency. Joining the board were Jennifer Preble, Sarah Truman and Lafortune, a former member who was elected chair by his peers.
Copy the Story LinkComments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
