PORTLAND -- School Committee members have extended their agreement to use the East End Community School as a public library branch.

They ratified a new two-year agreement on Wednesday with Portland Public Library, which is moving its youth services staff and most of its children's books to the school while the main library undergoes a $8.5 million renovation.

The move means hours at the East End school branch have been extended from part- to full-time, a change that alarmed parents and committee members worried about older library patrons having too much access to elementary school children.

School and library officials agreed to install three security cameras in and around the library at East End to assuage their concerns.

The committee also gave its approval last night to a 21-member interview committee charged with selecting a new superintendent.

There was some last-minute shuffling in the panel of parents, teachers, union representatives and community activists. Committee member Sarah Thompson said three names were added to the panel this week: David Mata, a Deering High School senior; Paula Murphy, a King Middle School teacher; and Assistant City Manager Anita LaChance.

Murphy has been added to replace Christian Perry, another King middle teacher who was initially on the list but has since withdrawn his name, Thompson said.

The panel will conduct interviews and forward its thoughts to the School Committee, which hopes to select a new superintendent by February.

The new superintendent would replace Mary Jo O'Connor, who resigned after a $2 million budget shortfall last year. Interim Superintendent Jeanne Whynot-Vickers said last week she plans to apply for the job.

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