Folsom said during an interview Thursday that he intends to inform the Greenville School Committee of his decision next Monday and the Union 60 board when it meets in November. He is currently in his third year as superintendent.

“It’s time for a change,” Folsom said. “I hope I have completed the goals they wanted or worked towards achieving them.”

The longtime educator-administrator said he was proud of his accomplishments, which include improved relations between the school and municipal officials in Union 60.

“I have really enjoyed working with all the towns,” Folsom said. He has developed 12 different budgets in the last two years that were ultimately approved with some revisions, and has worked with six different boards.

Although it is difficult to be an administrator in a county that is economically depressed and in a community that is considered isolated by state standards, Folsom said the educational programs in the Moosehead Lake region were sound.

“You want the best education you can get at the most economical price and still provide all the programs you can,” he said.

Folsom said the Union schools have a full slate of staff members, of whom he is most proud, growing music programs and an improved school climate.

Cases of vandalism have occurred at the high school over the past year, which included broken windows, damage to doors and walls, and most recently damage to lockers, but staff, administrators and students for the most part are working to make the school a better place, he said.

The administrator also has submitted applications for state renovation and construction funds.

School officials are seeking state funds to construct an addition to the high school to serve grades six to 12, as well as renovation funds to bring the building up to state code. They also are seeking funds to either renovate or construct a new gymnasium.

Folsom, who has served in education off and on for 27 years and plans to continue his residence in Rockwood, said he has no immediate plans for the future but education will be near to his heart.

“The kids are the best and always have been in my career,” he said.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the October 19, 2001 edition of the Bangor Daily NEWS and is used here with permission."