PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Despite offering enticing six-figure salaries, school districts in southern Maine have found themselves in the midst of a superintendent deficit.

The Portland Press Herald reports (http://bit.ly/28JEspG ) at least seven districts have had superintendent openings within the past year, but school boards have been finding it difficult to fill the jobs. Many found themselves fighting for the same candidate.

But applicants in general have been spurning the head job to remain in positions with less responsibility. Officials say that’s due to the constant pressure put on superintendents to improve test scores, the never-ending communication on smartphones and the heightened public criticism enhanced by social media.

A typical tenure for a superintendent is spending five to seven years in a district. In Maine, the average tenure is less than five years.