Blue Hill teacher named new principal at Island elementary school

Caitlyn Snyder, currently an English teacher in Blue Hill, starts next month as the new principal at Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Community School District 13.

By Jenna Lookner

THE ISLAND — Caitlin Snyder will take the reins as the new principal at Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary. The CSD 13 School Board unanimously confirmed her hire in a brief Zoom meeting on October 1. 

Superintendent Tara McKechnie confirmed in an email to The Rising Tide that Snyder will begin at DISES no later than November 3 and will receive annual compensation of $95,000. McKechnie said that figure will be pro-rated based on her start date and the remaining days in the school year. 

Snyder replaces Joe Sailors who announced that he is stepping down for health reasons after approximately a year at the helm of the school. 

In a memo to parents dated October 2, McKechnie informed them of Snyder’s hire.

“Ms. Snyder brings with her over 11 years of experience in education, as well as a strong  academic background,” McKechnie said in the memo. “She holds a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University and a Master’s of Education in Teacher Leadership from the University of Southern Maine. Her passion for education and dedication to student success have been evident throughout her career.”

Snyder is presently listed as an eighth grade English and language arts teacher at the Blue Hill Consolidated School where she is concluding her contract, according to the memo.    

“Her strong background in English Language Arts will be especially valuable as we  continue to support and develop our team of new teachers,” the memo read. “Her use of data to drive  decision-making and instruction is impressive. We are confident that her leadership will foster a positive, inclusive, and academically enriching environment for all.”

Snyder lives in Blue Hill.