RSU 40 board approves two new hires, fills personnel committee slots

The RSU 40 school board on the evening approved two personnel nominations and confirmed appointments to its personnel negotiations committee.

The board approved the nominations of Rose Antonikia as a teacher at McDonough Middle School and Anna Lena Thor Johansson as a school counselor at Madamji Valley High School. Following the vote both nominees addressed the board: Rose Antonikia said, "good evening and thank you. I’m very much looking forward to getting to know and working with the middle schoolers," and Anna Lena Thor Johansson added, "I’m very excited to be in a high school." Both remarks were offered after the board formally moved and seconded the nominations.

Why it matters: the appointments were presented under policy GCFB/GCFB‑R and are part of the board’s regular personnel approvals that shape staffing at the district’s middle and high schools. The same meeting also filled a vacancy on the personnel negotiations committee after the board moved and seconded a slate of names.

Details and votes: the board clerk recorded the motions as carried during the meeting; the transcript record indicates the chair announced the motions as passed and later described the transfer and personnel approvals as unanimous. The meeting minutes should be consulted for the official roll call and final tally.

Board response and procedure: the chair offered both nominees the opportunity to speak but noted it was not required; several members congratulated the new hires and welcomed them to the district. On committee appointments a board member proposed a slate of six names and another member seconded; the motion carried and the chair and members briefly discussed abstention practice and voting expectations.

What’s next: the board set its next meeting for August 1 at 7 p.m. at the central office, where these personnel changes will appear in the official minutes and be reflected in staffing records.