FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2026
CONTACT: Marcus Mrowka, marcus.mrowka@fivetowns.net
Leigh Anne Neal Approved As New Five Town CSD and Camden-Rockport Schools Superintendent
Neal’s Selection Follows A National Search Guided By Educator and Community Input
Camden, ME–The Five Town Community School District (CSD) and Camden-Rockport Schools (MSAD #28) have selected Dr. Leigh Anne Neal to serve as their next Superintendent starting on July 1, 2026. Neal’s selection is the culmination of a national search guided by educator and community input throughout the process.
A visionary leader with more than 30 years of experience as an educator, Neal currently serves as the Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas. She began her career as a special education and elementary classroom teacher before spending more than two decades in leadership at the school building and district level. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Neal has championed innovation, early childhood education, and real-world learning to ensure students have the foundation necessary for lifelong success.
“Dr. Neal shares the values we hold dear in our schools and in our communities. Throughout the selection process, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to what makes our schools special–outdoor and hands-on learning opportunities, promoting student agency, meeting the needs of all of our students, empowering our educators to lead and innovate, and putting students at the center of our decision making. She brings a wealth of experience to build on the strong foundation we have in our schools, deepen community connections, and continue to provide the world-class education our students deserve. We are thrilled to welcome her to our district and community, and we thank our educators and community members for their valuable input throughout this process,” said Five Town CSD School District Board Chair Marcus Mrowka and Camden-Rockport Schools School Board Chair Brie Gutierrez.
The School Board launched a national search for a new superintendent last November, following the announcement that long-time Superintendent Maria Libby would retire at the end of the school year. Community members and educators were able to provide their input and help shape the profile of the next Superintendent through an online survey and several listening sessions. A Hiring Committee made up of Board members, administrators, educators, and parents reviewed all applications and conducted the first round of interviews. Finalists for the Superintendent position participated in site visits at all three schools and final interviews were conducted by the School Board. The Five Town CSD School Board approved Dr. Neal’s selection at their February 4 meeting, and the community had their first chance to hear directly from Neal during the meeting.
“I am honored to join the Camden-Rockport Schools and Five Town CSD communities, where innovation, educational excellence, and a shared commitment to every learner are clearly evident,” said Dr. Neal. “Building on this strong foundation, my focus will be on strengthening a culture of belonging and advancing equitable practices that support student success across the district. I look forward to partnering with our dedicated staff and families to lead the next chapter of progress—ensuring every learner feels supported, empowered, and valued.”
Known for a collaborative approach, Dr. Neal has extensive experience in strategic planning, communications, community engagement, and district operations in addition to her teaching and education experience. This provides our schools and district with a leader who combines strong instructional knowledge with a deep understanding of the critical financial and operational needs of a school district.
“During her visits to each campus, Leigh Anne quickly recognized what makes our schools so special! I believe her diverse expertise and proven track record of connecting schools and communities will serve our district well in the years ahead,” said Assistant Superintendent Jaime Stone. “We look forward to her joining our crew!”
The Board will be announcing several opportunities to meet and get to know Dr. Neal over the coming months as she joins our community. You can watch a welcome video from Dr. Neal here.
Dr. Leigh Anne Neal’s Bio
Dr. Leigh Anne Neal is a visionary leader with more than 30 years of experience as an educator. Currently serving as the Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the Shawnee Mission School District, she began her career as a special education and elementary classroom teacher. Throughout her tenure—spanning 26 years in district leadership and six years at the building level—Dr. Neal has championed innovation, early childhood education, and real-world learning to ensure students have the foundation necessary for lifelong success.
Known for a collaborative approach, Dr. Neal excels in strategic planning, communications, and community engagement. While her career is anchored in the belief that every decision must center on the needs of students, her expertise extends well beyond the classroom. She has successfully overseen critical operational areas—including sustainability initiatives, telecommunications, and wide-area technology infrastructure—providing her with a systems-focused lens and a holistic understanding of complex district needs.
An award-winning communicator and educator, she has been recognized by the National School Public Relations Association and received the Clyde U. Phillips Award for Distinguished Service. Dr. Neal holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Baker University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University, and Bachelor’s degrees from Southern Methodist University and Avila University.
Dr. Neal is dedicated to advancing a culture of academic excellence and personalized learning that prepares every student for the challenges of the future.