RSU 21 announces new assistant superintendent and resignation of school board director

Rasmussen replaces Anita Bernhardt, who retired at the end of June. Bernhardt served three years as RSU’s assistant superintendent for 21 years and 41 years in education.

“This is certainly a bittersweet moment for us,” Dr. Terri Cooper, RSU 21 superintendent, said in a June 26 news release. “Although we will greatly miss Anita, we are delighted to welcome Paul to the district. He brings a wealth of knowledge and years of experience to the role. »

Rasmussen comes to RSU 21 from Weston, Conn., where he was director of human resources for Weston Public Schools. He also served as an assistant professor at the University of San Diego in San Diego, California, and at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Rasmussen began his educational career as a junior high school mathematics teacher in Kelso, Washington.

Rasmussen holds a Bachelor of Arts in physics and mathematics education from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, a Master of Science in mathematics from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, and a Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix.

Rasmussen will also serve as RSU 21’s Title IX officer, a role Bernhardt previously held.

The school district also announced the resignation of School Board Director Susan Holleran of Kennebunkport for personal reasons. Holleran was elected to a three-year term in 2023.

Bernhardt