Souhegan principal finalist steps out

AMHERST – One of the two finalists for principal at Souhegan High School has withdrawn his name.

Joseph Dillon, 60, told boston.com on Monday that he has decided to stay at his current job as principal at Melrose (Mass.) High School.

The remaining candidate is Sue M. Gee, 64, the current superintendent of the Quabbin Regional School District in Barre, Mass.

SAU 39 Superintendent Mary Athey Jennings wasn’t immediately available to comment on whether Gee will now be named to the post or if officials will reopen the search.

Dillon, a two-year resident of neighboring Hollis, was named principal at Melrose High in February 2007. His current base salary is roughly $112,200, slightly more than the range of $95,000 to $105,000 being offered at Souhegan.

Jennings said in May that officials hoped to choose a new principal by this week, and that he or she would start work July 1. A phone message left with Dillon wasn’t immediately returned Monday afternoon.