CAMDEN — Elaine Nutter, superintendent of schools for School Administrative District 28 (Camden-Rockport K-8) and the Five Town CSD (Camden Hills Regional High School) resigned her position Dec. 3, but won’t leave her post until June 30, 2015. The CSD school board accepted her resignation, “with great reluctance,” meeting minutes said.

The two school boards — the CSD comprising Appleton, Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport — have begun the personnel search process; however, there is stiff competition with eight or nine other larger school districts in Maine currently looking for superintendents, including Freeport and Kennebunkport.

Nutter has been with the two districts for five years, beginning first as assistant superintendent, and then was hired as superintendent when William Shuttleworth resigned that position in 2012.

“I can’t say enough about her,” said Five Town CSD School Board Chairman Gretchen Richards. “She is a passionate about what she does, and she truly loves education and everything about it. She is also one of the most organized people I know.”

Nutter has given ample time for the district to search for her replacement; she will be at her desk for both districts until early next summer.

“It was not an easy decision,” said Nutter. “But given the nature of the position and sustained energy levels it requires, I felt it was time for me to step aside and a transition to be made. As much as I enjoy it, when you still have interest and passion, but don’t have that sustained of high energy, that’s when it is time. You have to be constant.”

Nutter said most school superintendents work nonstop, and the fact that she oversees two districts does not raise her own commitment above that of the average Maine administrator in her position.

“A 15-hour day is not unusual for a superintendent,” she said.

Nutter commutes one half-hour daily from her home to Camden, and said she normally gets home at  9:30 or 10 p.m.

“Most superintendents work the same schedule,” she said.

Reality hit home for her over Thanksgiving, when her family, including children and grandchildren, gathered for a rare time together.

“That made me realize I needed more time for those occasions,” said Nutter.

She has worked 44 years in public education, taking time off for but three purposes: To attain an advanced degree, have children, and take care of her elderly mother-in-law.

“She has come to a point in her life when she has to put her family in front of everything,” said Richards. “We are disappointed, but we are supportive.”

Nutter said SAD 28 and the Five Town CSD should have little problem hiring another superintendent, despite the competition.

“I am confident that the quality and reputation of the districts will attract very strong candidates,” said Nutter.

The districts will begin advertising and holding community meetings in different towns to get feedback on the characteristics the public hopes to see represented with their next superintendent.

“Everyone will have a chance to weigh in on what is important to our district,” said Richards. “By mid-February, we hope to have applications in, and do interviews by the end of February.”

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@PenBayPilot.com; 207-706-6657