Sarah Jane was born in Biddeford and has spent her entire life here. Her father came from Italy in 1911 at the age of 16. He eventually started Poli’s Market and a family grocery business that lasted over 60 years.

She attended Biddeford public schools then made a career in the same school system as a teacher, Curriculum Director, Assistant Superintendent and ultimately retired as Biddeford’s first female Superintendent.   Where she was also actively involved in her family’s grocery business, she has a personal in-depth knowledge of the community and its people.

She has also been a leader in many professional and community organizations. The Biddeford Middle School Library carries her name, one of the particularly meaningful recognitions she has received for her contributions.

She is proud to be from Biddeford, where she continues to live and is the primary caregiver to her brother and sister.

 

SARAH JANE POLI

INTERVIEW DETAILS

Date of Interview:  June 4, 2019

Location: Poli residence, Biddeford Maine

Interviewer: Nicole Morin-Scribner

Transcriber: Nicole Morin-Scribner

SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

  • “My father never wanted to return to Italy. Once he came, that was it.  He was here for life…but he always remembered the good parts about his community in Italy.  There was a group of people in Biddeford who came from the same community.  So, they were very close here.”
  • Why they immigrated to Biddeford
  • Prediction that Main Street would die and moving the business to Five Points
  • Unique aspects of “Mom and Pop” grocery stores
  • Challenges, rewards and changes in the Biddeford School System through the years.
  • What it’s REALLY like being Superintendent, especially the challenges of being the first woman to hold that role.
  • Major school construction projects and connections to students
  • Her views on what makes Biddeford special and why she stayed

DEMOGRAPHICS

Birthplace:  Biddeford, Maine

Education:  Biddeford High School

                    Gorham State Teachers’ College

                    University of Maine, Orono

Ethnic Identification: Italian American