Cony High School Graduate to Become Next Superintendent of Augusta, Maine Schools

The torch of leadership in the Augusta School District is about to be handed off from longtime leader and Superintendent, Jim Anastasio.

According to the Kennebec Journal, Anastasio announced earlier this year, right before a performance review, that this would be his last year in the position before stepping down.

The KJ reports that Anastasio has served 18 years in the Augusta School District, though he has had a fair amount of criticism over his job performance in recent years. The news article said that the current superintendent has received public backlash for 'not being transparent', making decisions without discussing with the school board and for 'botching' the school budget by $800,000.

The Augusta School Board says that they began looking for Anastasio's replacement back in August and even shared the open position nationally.

At last night's Augusta School Board meeting, the board voted 8-0 to approve the new Superintendent. The Kennebec Journal is reporting that Cony High School graduate, Mike Tracy, will assume the role of Superintendent of Augusta, Maine schools following Jim's departure.

Tracy said in part about Anastasio's leadership,

“Mr. Anastasio brought a level of stability that I plan to continue and I think that needs to be heard and balanced with innovation and fresh ideas. I look forward to the future and the smooth transition of me taking over in July.”

Augusta School Board member, Pia Holmes, said in part about Tracy's hiring,

"It’s very exciting to have someone who is here already and with the relationships, the commitment, with the work. I know you are a Cony High School graduate and you have shown us in your heart your willingness to learn and reflect and share your skills,”