WINTHROP — A familiar face is filling in this summer as interim superintendent for the Winthrop and Fayette consolidated school district.

Steve Cottrell, formerly superintendent of Winthrop schools, has agreed to step in when the district needs the services of a certified superintendent.

The district, which includes Fayette and is formally known as Alternative Organizational Structure 97, is interviewing candidates to replace Briane Coulthard, who retired as superintendent on June 30.

Isaac Dyer, chairman of the consolidated district, said two candidates were interviewed Wednesday. A round of interviews with three other candidates is set for the upcoming week, he said.

“Hopefully, out of those five, we come down to one or two to submit to the full board,” Dyer said Thursday.

He said all candidates being interviewed hold superintendents’ certificates or are eligible for one, and that most have experience in the job or as assistant superintendent.

The job was advertised with a start date of July 1 and a salary in excess of $80,000. It involves oversight of an annual budget of about $11.5 million.

Cottrell, of Manchester, served as superintendent of Winthrop schools for two years, resigning a year ago to take a consultant’s role in education. He served as superintendent at Wednesday’s meeting.

Dyer said Cottrell will do various superintendent jobs for the district this summer, such as signing purchase orders.

Cottrell is not among the candidates for the permanent post, Dyer said.

Coulthard also has agreed to assist with district business matters, Dyer said.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

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