Hired MES principal backs out of deal

Dustin Gray decided not to take the Milton job. Below, new superintendent Michael Tursi toured SAU #64 schools on Friday. (Courtesy photos)

MILTON - With the withdrawal of the finalist chosen to be the new principal for the Milton Elementary School, it’s back to the drawing board for SAU 64 Superintendent Jay McIntire and the local school boards.

Dustin Gray, who had been the principal at the Garrison School in Dover, was hired as the new MES principal on April 23, but backed out of the three-year $250,000 deal soon afterward.

McIntire today would not divulge the reason why Gray backed out, instead saying the new focus was to find the best new candidate available.

He said of the original pool of about 15 candidates, some half-dozen are still interested in the job, while others have accepted other positions. To increase the pool, the position is again being advertised, McIntire said, adding there may be some new applicants available.

He said he hoped to have a new candidate to present to the SAU’s school boards at the June 12 meeting.

In other school news, McIntire said that the district’s new superintendent,  Michael Tursi, toured the district’s schools on Friday, spending about an hour at each school.

Tursi is currently Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction of Manchester, N.H., schools. He will become Superintendent of Schools for SAU 64, effective July 1.

McIntire, meanwhile, has accepted the superintendent’s position in Brewer, Maine.