Jay Charette, the former Readfield-area schools superintendent who resigned last year amid widespread calls for his ouster, was hired last week as Winthrop Middle School’s new principal.

Winthrop’s school board quickly and unanimously approved his hiring in a meeting last Wednesday, to begin in July for the 2026-27 school year.

Superintendent Becky Foley told board members that the district’s search committee recommended Charette based on his 25 years of education experience, including teaching middle school, leading elementary and high schools and serving as a superintendent.

“He has expressed that middle level education is where his passion truly lies,” Foley said. “One of his references described him as a highly motivated, reflective, collaborative and dedicated professional committed to improving school culture and student learning.”

Foley did not mention Charette’s September resignation from the Readfield-based Regional School Unit 38 amid calls for his ouster.

Last summer, Charette chose not to renew a waiver for Rick Sirois, the popular principal of Maranacook Community Middle School, that allowed Sirois to serve in that position while he obtained required credentials.

RSU 38 community members quickly rallied to advocate for Charette’s resignation or firing.

In a petition calling for his removal, organizers said Charette’s administration of the district was “more concerned with image than reality” and caused teachers and administrators to leave RSU 38″ because they cannot thrive in an environment where their voices are silenced.”

The petition’s sentiment echoed a survey completed by more than 100 RSU 38 staff members last spring, nearly all of whom answered that they did not trust Charette’s leadership.

Foley said in an email Tuesday that Charette, who will earn a $110,528.41 salary, “emerged as the clear top candidate in a competitive search process.”

“Having served as a principal myself, I understand well the distinction between the roles of principal and superintendent,” Foley said. “Based on his experience, leadership, and performance throughout the selection process, I am fully confident in Jay’s ability to succeed as the next principal of Winthrop Middle School.”

Charette will serve a standard two-year probationary period before he is eligible for a rolling two-year contract, Foley said.