Wallkill Valley school halts superintendent search

HAMBURG — After a grueling search for a permanent Superintendent, the Wallkill Valley Board of Education has put a halt on their search and has, in turn, decided to allow current interim Robert Walker to stay on until the end of the school year.

According to Board Secretary Joseph Hurley Jr., two candidates had advanced to the final round of the superintendent search, but neither were chosen by the board. For now, the board seems content with keeping Walker on board until they find the ideal candidate.

“I am honored to be asked to stay on and continue to work on many projects through completion, such as the Learning Academy at Wallkill for the faculty,” Walker said.

In April, Walker was given a 1-year contract for the 2014-15 school year at Wallkill Valley.

A contract has not been discussed for the 2015-16 school year, but Walker said he isn't concerned about that right now.

“I am excited to work with the many exceptional teachers and wonderful students I have already gotten to know and appreciate," Walker said. "In addition, I believe my mentoring of the administrators will assist them in undertaking so many critical responsibilities."

According to New Jersey pension regulations, a retired administrator can work up to, but not exceed, 2 years in any one district. Once a term limit is up, that administrator may work at another school district and their pension income is unaffected. Walker is being paid a per diem rate of $519.23.