The Southport School Committee has named Shawn Gallagher as the new elementary school lead teacher and future administrator. The committee approved Gallagher May 20. He succeeds retiring teacher Lisa Clarke, who will remain as part-time administrator for one year assisting Gallagher in the transition. 

Gallagher was a Southport Central School teacher from 2013 to 2021. Prior to that, he taught at Spurwink School. “The plan is for Shawn to teach and work as the (Southport) school’s lead teacher. Lisa will continue as an administrator for one year,” Superintendent Bob Kahler said. “Then the following year, Shawn will become lead teacher/administrator.”

Kahler added, Gallagher is pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership. 

Both Gallagher’s and Clarke’s positions are at a negotiated salary. Kahler reported negotiations with Gallagher continue and he will receive compensation for his classroom teaching and a stipend as lead teacher for the 2024-25 school year.

In other action, the committee approved a contract with Boothbay/Boothbay Harbor Community School District to continue acting as a fiscal agent for Fiscal Year 25 federal title funds. Clarke also gave her last principal’s report. She said the final student enrollment figure was 18 and no new students have enrolled for the fall. Other report items included Grades 4-6 took online standardized tests the week of May 13. Fifth graders also took a mandated science test. Grades 2-5 took the CogAT (Cognitive Assessment Testing). The test is used for determining Gifted and Talented Education program qualifications.   

Clarke announced the following end of year school events: Sixth grade trip to Boston, May 30 and 31; Spring Concert, June 5; French Day, June 6; sixth grade graduation, June 13. The committee meets next on Monday, Aug. 19 at Southport Central School.