Last, but certainly not least – meet Carl Gartley, Superintendent of Schools at RSU 18!
What jobs have you had before becoming an administrator? That goes back a long way. Mowing lawns, working on a golf course, lobstering, then my teaching career began. I taught high school mathematics, was a technology coordinator, coached softball and soccer, I was an assistant principal, a principal, Assistant Superintendent, and now for five years I have been the proud Superintendent of RSU 18. Quite a journey.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming year? So many things. I think like many teachers (and I still consider myself a teacher) what I look forward to is watching the students’ excitement throughout the year. From watching our youngest students figure out how to read to celebrating with our seniors as they figure out the next step in their lives, and everything in between. I have the best job.
What do you like to do in your spare time? My wife Amy and I love to spend time with our entire family. And anyone who asks me what I have been up to this past summer will not escape without seeing a picture of my latest adventure with my granddaughter Bella.
I love to travel when I can, play golf and just be outside in this beautiful state.
What’s your favorite meal? The reason I lose most of the district wellness challenges is that I have several favorite meals, and of course desserts. But probably my favorite meal when I have the chance is a good Italian dinner.
What’s been your best school memory – either as a student or administrator?
Not sure if I would call it my best memory, but probably a better description is proudest moment. Watching how hard our students, community and staff worked over the past three years was incredible. The RSU 18 staff stepped up and did what most others across the country did not do. They stayed, they taught, and they took care of their students. Yeah, I’m proud of our district.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you? Because of my position, some people might assume I always liked schools, or was at least always good at it. That is not necessarily the case. I did ok in school; some classes like math came fairly easy for me. But there were courses I struggled in at times. I think this shaped who I became as a teacher, and my belief in providing plenty of support and different pathways to help students succeed.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I can live anywhere, and I live exactly where I want to. I live in South China. This is an amazing community to raise a family.
What’s your favorite thing to study? Nowadays my go to for professional learning is learning about different leadership styles. You have been learning about our administrators in these facebook posts. Just like our students, they are all different. So I like to figure out their styles and what makes them all so incredibly successful.
Tell us about your family! My favorite topic. I bet you have all heard I have a 1 year old granddaughter, Bella. I have pictures if you want to see them!! My wife Amy and I have two kids who are both married and living right here in Central Maine. We love that. Also, both of our parents are still living locally as well. My wife and I are very close to our siblings and our nephews and their families.
What is your coffee order? French Vanilla Dunkin with just cream. FYI, Mr. Morin and I have coffee bets on things all the time… he never pays up.
RSU 18 Messenger 