Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Keith Laser will retire June 30, according to Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District School Committee’s Dec. 1 agenda, released Nov. 24.

Laser told the Boothbay Register Nov. 25, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent as the superintendent of AOS 98. I will leave knowing that the professional faculty and staff throughout the district will continue to provide a world-class education to the students attending our schools in Boothbay/Boothbay Harbor, Southport, Edgecomb and Georgetown. I am looking forward to having more time to spend with my family and to enjoy pursuing some of my other interests.” 

In addition to the CSD agenda, AOS 98’s Nov. 30 annual meeting agenda lists “Superintendent’s search.”

AOS 98 School Board Chair John Bertolet commented via email Nov. 25: “Dr. Laser provided strong leadership of our schools at a time when it was critically needed. He was ‘on duty’ almost 24/7, or so it seemed! We will miss his dedication to our kids, to our schools’ staffs, and to our community. He’ll still be steering the ship until June 30 next year; chances are he’ll be burning the midnight oil right up to that last day."

CSD Committee Chair Stephanie Hawke, also via email, said: “We are saddened to hear that Dr. Laser is going to retire in June but also at the same time happy to know he will now take some well deserved time to be with his family. Keith does not know how to take time off so I’m sure this will be a job in itself to learn how to relax. We can’t thank him enough for every day trying to make our schools better and always putting the kids first. Thank you Keith!”

Edgecomb School Committee Chair Tom Abello and Southport Central School Committee Chair Adam Harkins were not immediately available for comment.