Andrew Carlton, right, introduces himself at a Regional School Unit 18 board of directors meeting Wednesday night after his contract to be the district’s next superintendent was approved unanimously by the board. Carlton is currently the special education director at Waterville Public Schools and previously was the Gardiner city manager. Hannah Kaufman/Morning Sentinel

OAKLAND — The Regional School Unit 18 board of directors voted unanimously Wednesday to hire Andrew Carlton as the district’s next superintendent.

Carlton, who currently serves as special education director for Waterville Public Schools, will start his tenure as superintendent July 1, overseeing the district’s eight schools in Oakland, Belgrade, China, Rome and Sidney. He will be paid a $150,000 annual salary.

Applause broke out at the well-attended school board meeting when board chair Laura Tracy introduced Carlton.

“The school board was impressed with Andy’s skills and experience in managing both people and finances, his dedication to academic excellence and his enthusiasm for our students, our district and for this role,” Tracy said. “We look forward to working with Andy and maintaining a smooth and stable transition for our schools, staff, students and families.”

Tracy moved to accept his contract, which was quickly seconded and — jokingly — thirded by board member Andy Cook, resulting in a wave of laughter and a unanimous vote of approval.

Carlton said RSU 18 was at the top of his list during his search for a superintendent role.

“I’m really excited to get started, to get to know all of you, to continue the great work that’s been here,” Carlton said. “RSU 18 has a fabulous reputation in the area, not only for academic excellence, but for the way it works with kids, and I’m really excited to continue that — so thank you.”

Carlton grew up in Wilton and graduated from Mt. Blue High School. He received a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Maine at Farmington and his master’s degree in education with a focus in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix.

His past roles include assistant principal of Oak Hill High School in Wales; superintendent of the Wales-based RSU 4, where he was also assistant superintendent and curriculum coordinator; city manager of Gardiner; and, most recently, special education director of Waterville Public Schools.

He currently resides in Fairfield.

“When you’re a new person to a school district, you really have to learn, not only the staff and the students, but your administrators,” Carlton said. “You’ve got to take the time to build relationships with the community leaders, and really spend some time getting to know the district. That’s the No. 1 priority.”

The search for a new superintendent began last November after Superintendent Carl Gartley announced his resignation, effective at the end of the school year.

The board put out a survey last November, soliciting input from teachers, staff, administrators, students and community members about what qualities they would like to see in the next superintendent. The survey received strong feedback, Tracy said over email.

Carlton said he wants to have an open door policy, using his experience in public education and municipal government to create a bridge between schools and towns.

“Ultimately, we public schools exist on the pockets of the taxpayers, and we have to be accountable to that,” Carlton said. “One of the things for me is really taking care of our educators and getting to know the work that they do — they do really hard work every day — and supporting them as they educate our leaders of tomorrow.”