Sep 16, 2025
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SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Pemetic Principal Dr. Christine Gray has resigned to take care of a family member.
In a letter from Dr. Gray to school board members she wrote, “This was a very difficult decision to make, but after very careful consideration, I have chosen to move closer to my family and become the caregiver for one of my family members.”
Superintendent Mike Zboray said Tuesday that he’d met with staff last Thursday and has sent a note to the community.
“I am in the process of hiring an interim and will do a full search for a new principal at the start of 2026,” Zboray said Tuesday.
Gray became principal in 2022. She grew up in Connecticut, but summered on Mount Desert Island throughout her childhood. Her father’s family was from Mount Desert Island. Prior to her position as principal at the Southwest Harbor School, she’d had thirteen years of administration experience and a total of more than 22 years in education, teaching first grade through fifth grade. Her position prior to Southwest Harbor was as principal in a Pickerington, Ohio school.
NOTE FROM SUPT. ZBORAY TO THE PEMETIC COMMUNITY:
Dear Pemetic Families,
Last week, Principal Gray shared her decision to resign as principal of the Pemetic School. As she noted, she is committed to helping ensure a smooth transition, and I am grateful for her continued support during this time.
The school year is off to a strong start, and my priority is to maintain that positive momentum. I am actively seeking a full-time interim principal who will lead the school through the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year. I am seeking an individual with strong interpersonal skills who can work closely with students, staff, and families to support our shared goals and maintain stability within the school community.
I am already working with the Maine Principals Association and reviewing qualified candidates this week with the goal of identifying someone who can step in quickly and provide steady leadership. The formal search for a permanent principal will begin early in the new year and will include opportunities for staff, parents, and board members to be part of the process.
I will keep you updated as plans take shape. Pemetic is a strong and caring community, and I am confident we will navigate this transition smoothly together.
Respectfully,
Mike Zboray
MDIRSS Superintendent
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