RSU 20 board approves new finance director, PERS coverage change and multiple staff hires

The Regional School Unit 20 Board approved several personnel actions, including hiring Shandra Hodgen as the district's Director of Finance and Transportation and voting to amend its Maine Public Employees Retirement System (Maine PERS) participation to add coverage for the director of facilities and maintenance effective Sept. 1, 2025.

Personnel committee members presented Hodgen (formerly employed in RSU 71) as the recommended candidate. The board amended the motion language to reflect the title 'Director of Finance and Transportation,' moved and seconded the appointment and welcomed Hodgen.

The board also read and approved an amended Maine PERS participation agreement that: adds coverage for the director of facilities who regularly works more than 32 hours per week under Plan AC effective Sept. 1, 2025; continues coverage for central office staff who meet specified conditions; excludes other support employees not in teacher retirement plans; and allows the newly covered director who elects to join Maine PERS to purchase prior service at full employee cost (the district will not purchase prior service on the employee's behalf). The motion was approved 'as written' on a voice vote.

Separately, the board approved multiple support staff and teaching appointments listed in the meeting packet, including hires for an EdTech resource position (Shannon Herb), a program role (Michaela Bailey), a resource‑room teacher (Leslie Max), and a girls varsity soccer coach (Christine Overy). The board noted protocol limits on personnel discussion and welcomed the new staff.

These personnel votes were recorded and the board moved on to other agenda items.