OAKLAND — Messalonskee school board members with a split vote on Tuesday decided to renew the contract of high school principal Lori Putnam.

School District Superintendent James Morse had recommended that the board not renew her contract. Board members voted as follows:

Six in favor of not renewing her contract: Michael Gosselin, Frank Haggan, Karen Hatch-Gagne, Kelly Roderick, Laura Tracy, Michael Tracy.

Seven opposed the proposal: Lawrence Brown, Donna Doucette, Lora Downing, Paul Dumais, Jeffrey Frost, Kerri Oliver, Rebecca Seel.

Laura Corbett abstained from this vote.

The board took a second vote, this time on whether to renew Putnam’s contract.

Eight voted in favor: Lawrence Brown, Laura Corbett, Donna Doucette, Lora Downing, Paul Dumais, Jeffrey Frost, Kerri Oliver and Rebecca Seel

Six voted against renewing Putnam’s contract: Michael Gosselin, Frank Haggan, Karen Hatch-Gagne, Kelly Roderick, Laura Tracy and Michael Tracy.