Teachers from Kingfield, Skowhegan and Oakand are among the remaining candidates for the Maine 2017 Teacher of the Year honor.

Ken Coville, who has worked in the Anson-based school district for 12 years, including five as superintendent, said his last day will be in August and he plans to retire.

The $2.2 million project will upgrade aging systems in the schools and the savings mean the budget won’t increase, the superintendent said, but others are concerned about lack of public input.

The new system, several years in the making, was approved by the state and focuses on growth rather than evaluation.

Costumed staff serves while children enjoy food, fun and firetrucks to celebrate the program that lasts for anyone under 18 who wants a free meal.

With pressure to improve test scores, constant communication and criticism via social media, many administrators opt to forgo the six-figure salaries that go with being the top school district official.