Meserve resigned after facing criticism from staff for her leadership, as communicated in a union-initiated vote of no confidence and from community members in a no-confidence petition. The board also approved Mt. Blue Assistant Principal Joel Smith to serve as the high school’s interim principal while Poulin is filling in as superintendent. Smith will receive a stipend to cover the increased responsibilities. Meserve said the district is able to “fast-track” the process of hiring her permanent successor. She said the district’s policies allow exceptions to the hiring process for unique circumstances. “There is a pretty lengthy process, and anyone who has been part of hiring administrators knows there’s usually a two-month or even a three-month process at times,” Meserve said.