Wilton native Andrew Carlton takes over reign

by Mary Grow

Wilton native Andrew Carlton has “the job I’ve wanted since I became a superintendent of schools:” the superintendency of Oakland-based Regional School Unit (RSU) #18.

On July 1, his first day at work in his new position, Carlton was up and dressed at 4 a.m. His wife suggested he did not need to show up quite that early.

With the help of RSU staff, Carlton expanded his knowledge of his new territory – five towns, eight schools, more than 2,500 students – through July and August. In mid-September, with classes under way, his enthusiasm continues unabated.

He appreciates the communities. He praised the school facilities and grounds, the academics, the cohesion within the union, the administrators – “high-quality, we can work together instead of [me] teaching them.”

RSU #18 is unusual in that four towns – Belgrade, Oakland, Rome and Sidney – form a geographical unit and the fifth, China, is separate, on the far side of the Kennebec River and the City of Waterville.

Carlton knows at least one other Maine school unit with a geographically detached town. Separation creates minor problems, for example with bus routes, but does not make China less important, in his view.

China residents are committed to their schools, Carlton observed. At China’s pre-school open house, it was impossible to find a parking space (the other RSU towns also had good turn-outs). And China residents called his office over the summer concerned about the broken school zone warning signs on Lakeview Drive, which were fixed just before school opened.

China is the only RSU #18 town to offer students a choice of high schools, and Carlton appreciates residents’ support for the option. Oakland’s Messalonskee High School is excellent, and he is pleased that some China students enroll there, but choice gives students more opportunities to pursue individual interests.

He praised China’s two “beautiful” school buildings and the “fabulous” town manager, Rebecca Hapgood.

One of Carlton’s goals, not always achieved, is to visit every RSU #18 school at least once a week, and China won’t be overlooked. He also comes to each school biweekly to meet with the principal.

Carlton thinks RSU #18 is doing well, with high-performing students and varied programs. His main goals are maintenance: continue to offer programs that provide “high-quality opportunities to all students”; keep infrastructure in its current excellent shape; make sure staff salaries are appropriate and competitive; and focus on school safety – while keeping taxpayers always in mind.

“We exist because of our taxpayers, so we have to use their dollars to give their students the best possible education,” he said.

Carlton came to RSU #18 by a winding route. His mother was a school secretary, his father a golf pro, and his first plan was to follow his father.

A major in golf management at Campbell University, in North Carolina, was followed by a degree in history from the University of Maine at Farmington and a spell as a golf pro. Needing a winter job, he became an educational technician at Oak Hill High School in Wales (RSU #4), and realized he had found his calling.

After two years at Oak Hill, Carlton taught special education at Fairfield-based Maine School Administrative District (MSAD) #49; became special education director in MSAD #13 (Bingham and Moscow); and went back to RSU #4 to serve as a principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

The pandemic led to a temporary career change: Carlton spent two years as Gardiner’s city manager. He enjoyed the job, but “missed the kids”; so he next became Waterville’s special education director.

When Carl Gartley’s retirement created the RSU #18 opening, Carlton applied and was chosen as his successor.

Carlton enjoyed his varied career, working under leaders who gave him chances to learn, including from his mistakes. It was “all a very good experience,” he said. The two years in Gardiner showed him the importance of school and municipal officials working together.

Carlton intends to distribute a community letter soon, and to begin advertising office hours in RSU towns, where interested residents can stop in to talk with him.

Meanwhile, he’s still learning, and still enjoying his job. “There’s always a new challenge,” he said happily.