In an emergency meeting July 16, Wiscasset’s school committee made Amanda Little special education director. Little succeeds Andrea Lovell, who retired.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kim Andersson arranged last week’s committee meeting so Little “can be approved and get right to work without further delay,” as Andersson said in email announcing the meeting. 

In a subsequent email, Andersson gave the committee a statement from Little. It read: “(With) over three decades of experience in special education teaching and administration, I am eager to serve the district as the Special Education Director. With my background as a National Board Certified Teacher I combine deep instructional knowledge with proven administrative leadership to support diverse student needs. My approach is rooted in the belief that fostering deep connections between educators, families, and community members is what drives the best outcomes for our children. “

Little added, when she isn’t working, she enjoys working in her garden and reading.

In the meeting at Central Office and over YouTube, Andersson told the committee, “I think that we are extraordinarily fortunate to find a special ed director at this time of year, and especially one that is a known entity and competent and qualified and energetic and enthusiastic."

“And she did exude all of those things,” said School Committee Chair Tracey Whitney, who served on the interview committee. “Everybody in the group seemed to be very happy with her.”

Still open are jobs for a physical education teacher, two special ed teachers, a special ed educational technician and a transportation director; to avoid trying to get the school committee together for more emergency meetings, Andersson asked  the committee to authorize her to make those hires this summer. Member Doug Merrill asked if that could be contingent on committee approval of the hires. “I doubt seriously we’re going to disapprove, but at least we’d be (involved),” he said.

Andersson responded, “What happens if we do that and then they resign from their other jobs, to work here, and then you do disapprove, then they’re out of a job (and) we’re going to get sued.”

The committee authorized Andersson, through the end of August, to make those hires. She will get the committee a statement from each person, as she did from Little.