Board accepts Mills resignation

Chuck Mills resignation accepted on Wednesday. (Lebanon Voice file photo)

MILTON - The Milton School Board accepted the resignation of Interim Milton Elementary School Principal Chuck Mills on Wednesday night, ending what had been a protracted and bitter fight to keep the popular principal onboard.

Board Chairwoman Ann Walsh confirmed last night’s action on Thursday, adding she could say little more due to personnel issues.

A Milton parent told The Lebanon Voice a group advocating for Mills to stay on turned in a petition to outgoing SAU #64 Schools Chief Jay McIntire signed by 50 concerned Milton parents and residents in support of the interim principal, who had won the support of many due to his openness of communication with townspeople and anti-bullying efforts at the school.

Some at the meeting questioned McIntire about the process of choosing a new principal and how much input a community can expect to have.

By law, only a superintendent can nominate a candidate for principal, which the school board then either approves or rejects, Walsh said today.

McIntire said on Wednesday that the principal Search Committee would be visiting one of two finalists for the position today and the other tomorrow.

Both finalists will then be interviewed separately by McIntire and incoming SAU #64 School Superintendent Michael Tursi, who takes over on July 1.

The Milton parent, who did not give permission for The Lebanon Voice to reveal her name, said the school board was told last night both candidates would be made available to take questions from the board.