By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

For Assistant Superintendent of Schools Gail Kushner, driving to work will literally be the road less traveled.

Kushner, who has worked for the Goffstown school district for two years, will begin work as the assistant superintendent of schools for Hooksett, Auburn and Candia starting in mid-summer. Her salary in Goffstown is $85,280 a year.

Currently, Kushner, who lives in Milton, spends an hour and a half driving to and from work each day. When she begins her new job in early July, she will cut 35 minutes off her drive time. Despite a job closer to home, Kushner said she will miss the Goffstown school district.

“Goffstown is such a wonderful school district and there are so many great educators there,” she said.

During her two years in office, Kushner worked on a number of large district projects, including the push for a town kindergarten, changes to school curriculums and the introduction of Northwest Evaluation Assessment, a computerized testing program. Kushner said the reason she began working so far from home in the first place was the opportunity to work with Superintendent Darrell Lockwood.

“I think Dr. Lockwood was a big draw,” she said. “He has a great reputation and there are a lot of things that go on in the district in terms of professional development and innovation.”

Lockwood spoke highly of the departing assistant superintendent.

“We are always sad to see a top administrator leave,” he said. “It can create some scurrying for us, but also leaves an opportunity for us to grow.”

Lockwood said he has advertised in local newspapers for the position. Currently, the SAU board is interviewing applicants and two finalists, both of whom live in the district, have been chosen. He said the new assistant superintendent of schools may be chosen as early as May. The salary range is being advertised as being between $80,000 and $85,000

Kushner will spend her last day in office in Goffstown on June 30.