Wiscasset Superintendent of Schools Dr. Terry Wood’s upcoming departure is a “tremendous loss,” School Committee Chair Michael Dunn said Wednesday. In a phone interview, Dunn said Wood put the department on her back, taking the job home with her, serving at length as acting principal at Wiscasset Elementary School, and attracting excellent employees. His and some fellow members’ vote Tuesday night against accepting Wood’s resignation was “more symbolic,” because they did not want her to leave, Dunn said. “But we do support her in her new endeavors.”

It will be hard to find someone who works as hard and cares as much as Wood, Dunn added.

Finding candidates could also be a challenge just as Wiscasset and other Maine school systems have had in trying to fill other jobs like drivers and substitute teachers, Dunn said. “There are fewer candidates, from the bottom to the top. It has taken a tremendous toll on the business of education,” he said. He planned to make some calls to learn the committee’s options, and the committee might hold a special meeting, he said. Options might include getting an interim superintendent; and the committee may ask Maine School Management Association to help again this time, he said. 

Wood said Wednesday afternoon, she is resigning effective June 30. According to materials and information Wood provided by email, including a copy of her resignation letter, the school committee Tuesday night, in a split vote, rejected the resignation. According to draft minutes of the meeting, members Michelle Blagdon and Desiree Bailey voted to accept the resignation; Dunn, Jason Putnam and Indriani Demers voted against.

Wiscasset Newspaper tried to cover Tuesday’s meeting live via Zoom. The draft minutes noted Wood tried unsuccessfully to start Zoom (and she answered Wiscasset Newspaper’s emails on it). Dunn apologized for the Zoom issue and Wood emailed staff, the draft minutes stated.

Asked via email Wednesday if she still gets to resign June 30 despite the vote’s outcome, Wood responded, “Yes, still resigning on June 30, 2022. I am excited for the next chapter in my life. We will see what the future brings!”

Wood said she’d had about four years left on her contract. She has held the job since July 1, 2018, after Dr. Heather Wilmot resigned.

Wood’s resignation letter reflects on her time with Wiscasset and discusses her decision. She wrote, the department “has faced many challenges, but has also blossomed with many successes ... and I am thankful to have been an integral part in all of it.” The letter notes the committee’s support of her efforts. “I believe that together we have overcome many obstacles and shared many highlights, while always keeping the best interests of the students in the forefront,” Wood wrote.

“(It) is with mixed emotions that I share with you my decision to resign ... While I will always treasure my time and the relationships that I have formed with students, staff, families and community partners in Wiscasset, I strongly feel that it is time for me to explore other opportunities in the next phase of my career and family life.”

Responding to an email request for comment, longtime WES teacher Trae Stover said she was sad Wood is leaving. “I wish her all the very best in the next chapter of her career! She loves Wiscasset kids as if they were own. She has worked tirelessly to keep staff and students safe, well and fed during the most unprecedented time in education. At times she was superintendent, teacher and principal. am grateful for her never ending efforts on the behalf of Wiscasset students and schools!”

Fellow WES teacher Dane Dwyer responded similarly. “I have enjoyed working for Dr. Wood for the past three years. She is a very dedicated administrator and wears many hats beyond her professional responsibilities of being (superintendent). Her work ethic and enthusiasm has been very inspiring. Behind the scenes, she devotes her time, 24/7, even during the vacations in making sure the interests of our students are met. Beyond her commitment toward making Wiscasset Schools the best they can be, I admire her for her huge heart and finding the time to put her family first.