A lifelong resident of Biddeford, Bob traveled a very rocky road on his way to becoming the Superintendent of the Biddeford School system. After graduating from near the top of his class at St. Louis High School, his parents were against his pursuit of a college education. He was a carpenter, plumber, shoe shop worker, bakery product salesperson and eventually a teacher before promoting to administrative positions in the school system.
He is the son of immigrants, his father from England and his mother from Quebec. He shares the interesting dynamics of growing up with parents from two different cultural backgrounds.
His dedication to his wife and four sons comes across in the many decision points in his life. He is recognized for the impact he has made through his many leadership roles in his profession, his community, and his church.
Robert "Bob" Hodge
INTERVIEW DETAILS
Date of Interview: July 20, 2021
Location: Hodge residence, Biddeford Maine
Interviewer: Nicole Morin-Scribner
Transcriber: Nicole Morin-Scribner
SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
• How his father left England at 16 to come work at the Pepperell, served for the Canadian forces in WWI and was wounded twice in Belgium.
• Experiencing and overcoming rejection: for his size; his language; his religion.
• The impact of skipping grades in elementary school
• Boyhood adventures in the Clifford Park area: “Stone Crusher”; skating rinks; “Second Base”; ski trails; toboggan runs; woods; the old cemetery
• Financial challenges and the steps he took overcome them
• The funny story of his interview for Junior High principal
• His experience with significant historical events: WPA; Civilian Conservation Corps; fire of 1947; Vietnam War; COVID pandemic
• Starting new student programs: speech therapy van; ski outings; class trips to Boston
• Building new schools!
• Trying to raise money for the Bishop’s Campaign in the midst of St. Louis High School closure
• Passion for gardening shared with his wife