Jim McDevitt resigned as principal of the Southport School last week, effective June 30. He has been principal, guidance counselor and special education teacher at the school for the past two years.

McDevitt announced he is taking a position as the Special Education Director for MSAD 55, a five-town school district encompassing Hiram, Cornish, Baldwin, Porter and Parsonsfield. He, his wife and two children, who have been living in Newcastle, will relocate to that area where he will start his new job July 1.

"It was a family decision," says McDevitt. "It was a difficult decision to make because this is a wonderful place to work, the kids are great, the staff is dedicated, and the community is very supportive."

But, he adds, "It's time for a new challenge." As the school gets smaller, he feels he needs a larger environment. When he first came two years ago there were 40 students, and come September administrators expect 25 or 26.

McDevitt's career has included both principal and special education positions, "almost alternating," he says.

While at Southport McDevitt, who has also been the school's "tech guy," has overseen the updating of computer technology and streamlining of administrative tasks.

"We'll do some planning for next year ... things should be a little easier for the next person," he says.

The most difficult part of his tenure at the school was the recent decision to reduce staff.

"In a small environment it really feels like a family school," says McDevitt. "There will be a bit of a shift here, but it's just personnel, not programs... With the reductions we can still provide quality education here... For individual attention, you can't beat this place."

"He's a very pleasant man, and I enjoyed working with him," says Southport School Committee chairman Bruce White. "He has done a terrific job for us and we're sorry to see him tender his resignation. We wish him the best in his new endeavor."

The opening for principal is being advertised with an application deadline of May 16. Interviews will be scheduled for the end of May, and officials expect to hire someone in June.

This development adds to several other changes in School Union 49, which will have a new superintendent (Eileen King), new administrators at Boothbay Region Elementary School (Mark Tess moving from assistant principal to principal and Jane Stevens becoming assistant principal), administrative changes at Boothbay Region High School (Mary Patrick moving from assistant principal to curriculum coordinator, Diane Crocker becoming dean of students and Tim Rice the new athletic director), plus the late fall opening of the new Edgecomb School now under construction.