Jay Charette, superintendent of the Readfield-area school district, has resigned, officials say.

Charette’s resignation is effective immediately, Regional School Unit 38 School Board Chairperson Shawn Roderick said in a statement posted to the district’s website Wednesday night following a special school board meeting called to discuss a personnel matter in an executive session.

Assistant Superintendent Karen Smith will serve as superintendent, effective Thursday.

It is unclear why Charette resigned, but it comes as he faced calls for his resignation from the school community following the firing of a beloved middle school principal that stemmed from the decision not to renew a waiver that allowed him to serve as principal with only a teaching degree while he worked toward obtaining additional credentials.

In his statement, Roderick thanked Charette for his service to the schools, students and community and said the school board will start a superintendent search immediately.

“The RSU 38 School Board has full confidence in our administrative team to ensure the district continues to move forward during this transition. As always, our focus remains on supporting our students, staff, and families,” the statement said.

“We expect all members of our community to use the proper channels for any questions or concerns. Doing so ensures that issues are addressed clearly, constructively and with respect. It is helpful to everyone involved and keeps our district moving in a positive direction.”

It was unclear at first if Charette resigned or was terminated, but Leslie Marco, a member of the RSU 38 school board confirmed on her Facebook page that he resigned.

The school board renewed Charette’s contract this summer through June 30, 2028, with a salary of $144,921, up from $138,000 he received yearly from July 1, 2023.

Roderick referred a reporter’s questions to the statement he published Wednesday night.

Smith, the incoming interim superintendent, is looking forward to working with the board during the superintendent search process while moving the district forward in a positive direction. She’s also honored to serve in the role, she said.

“My primary focus is to ensure continuity in our educational programs and uphold the high standards our community expects,” she said. “Our district has a strong administrative team and dedicated staff who remain committed to student success. Operations will continue without interruption as we work together to support our students, families, and community.”