SALEM TOWNSHIP — The Regional School Unit 58 board of directors unanimously agreed Tuesday night to hire Susan Pratt as superintendent. She will start July 1.

Pratt is the superintendent of the Rangeley Lakes Regional School District. She has also served as the assistant superintendent for RSU  9 in Farmington, RSU 36 in Livermore Falls and RSU 40 in Union.

The board also voted to announce an impasse in negotiations with the teachers’ union. Teachers have been working without a contract for three years.

Jason Plog, the board’s representative in the process, said the board could not accept the salary increases and insurance demands of the union. Since the teachers’ contract year expires on Aug. 31, a new negotiation process will begin Sept. 1.

Ann Schwink, attending her last meeting after several terms as a director from Strong, said she wanted the audience to know she considered the vote to be a fair choice.

“The majority of the board feels this is fair and it is in the best interest of the district and the communities we serve to settle this so we can move forward with a clean slate on July 1,” she said.

Audience comments reflected the concern over the loss of nearly 10 percent of the teaching staff. Russell Walters of Kingfield said he was worried about the negative attention the district has received.

“Your job is to advocate for the education of our children,” Walters said. “If you won’t, who will?”

Walters said he has spoken with other area parents who have similar concerns and might consider leaving the district because of the turmoil and dissent. Scott Dyar of Strong said he wanted the audience to know that being a board member is a difficult job and not without peril.

“My son was assaulted in the halls of the school when I was on the board,” he told the audience.

Goyo Stinchfield of Strong and a graduate of Mt. Abram High School suggested to the board that the school system should include time for teachers to teach in the classroom, but an important component is the relationship that teachers develop with their students in the 13 years those children in the district. He praised the district’s special education program and the invaluable personal connections that RSU 58 educators have with their students.

The board also reviewed the option to add student representatives. Phillips director Faith Richard said two students applied for the position. The board voted to appoint Abigail Brackley, a Mt. Abram High School junior, to the position. Brackley will start at the July board meeting.