The Croton-Harmon Schools are thrilled to welcome Stephen Walker as the new Superintendent of Schools. The Board of Education unanimously approved Mr. Walker's contract on November 4, 2021, after a lengthy search that attracted more than 40 applicants. Mr. Walker will assume the role on January 4, 2022. He is taking over for Dr. Deborah O’Connell, who has served as superintendent for four years and will be officially retiring on January 3.
In choosing the next superintendent, the Board sought community and staff input and collectively identified the qualities that we were looking for — a visible, innovative, and student-centered instructional leader; a person who is an excellent communicator and will partner with and engage our vibrant and involved community; and a compassionate and collaborative leader who will ensure we are meeting the needs of all of our students and moving the district forward. Based on his experience, accomplishments and vision for the future of education, we are confident that Mr. Walker delivers on these qualities.
Following is a letter that Mr. Walker has written to the community, along with excerpts of what he has shared with students. A Q&A with Mr. Walker also allows you to get to know him better. Mr. Walker believes that “you bring your whole self to work every day, and that helps build connections.” We couldn’t agree more.
Welcome to Croton-Harmon, Mr. Walker!
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A Message from Steve Walker |
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Dear Croton-Harmon Community:
I am honored to have been appointed by the Board of Education as the new Superintendent of Schools, beginning January 4. I extend my deepest appreciation to the Board for the confidence that they have placed in me, and I look forward to working in collaboration with each of you on behalf of the children of this special School District community. I join each of you in congratulating Dr. O’Connell on her retirement and expressing my respect for her stewardship of the District during her tenure.
Croton-Harmon Schools exemplify a commitment to nurturing the development of every student through a focus on critical thinking through problem-solving and prioritizing the social and emotional wellness of all of our students. This commitment resonates with me and aligns with my vision for schools that value student voice, creativity, and divergent thinking, and that provide an environment where every student can find interest, success and joy. I am thrilled to be joining such a school district and look forward to being part of the creative, vibrant community that each of you calls home.
Throughout my life, I have been able to observe in my family and loved ones the importance of education. My father is a retired high school social studies teacher and former board of education member, and my mother is a teaching assistant. Both of them instilled in me that schools are a place of opportunity and a chance for young people to see the many options available to them and strive toward a fulfilling future. My parents’ passion for teaching and learning has inspired my work as a teacher and educational leader during my career. My significant other, Kelly, is an elementary school principal. During our time together, she has reminded me to continually examine how schools can place joy and kindness at the center of the student experience. Kelly and I look forward to supporting and cheering on the Tigers at many events in the years to come.
I will be developing and implementing an entry plan for my new position in Croton-Harmon that will involve the opportunity for me to connect with and begin to know as many of you as possible. In addition, I encourage you to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @chufsdsuper, which I will be using beginning in January to share some of the wonderful things that our teachers, staff and students are doing in our schools.
Thank you for the chance to get to know you and to serve the staff, students and members of the School District community.
Go Tigers!
Sincerely,
Stephen Walker
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Following is an excerpt of Mr. Walker’s
message to students.
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Shortly after he begins in January, Mr. Walker will be spending time at each school and is excited to meet and engage with students.
Dear Croton-Harmon Tiger Students:
I am very pleased to have been chosen to be the new Superintendent of Schools in Croton-Harmon beginning in January, following the very successful tenure of Dr. O’Connell, who is retiring. An important part of my job is to ensure that our schools are places where you feel connected, respected, inspired and challenged.
I am eager to hear about your experience as a student, including what classes you are taking, what sports and clubs you might be taking part in and what your goals are for the future. My plan is to be in your school often to work with the administrators, teachers, staff and students. When you see me in the hallway, please feel free to stop by and say hello!
Students are the centerpiece of every school district. The Board of Education, administrators, teachers, staff and the entire community are all invested in your success. Their commitment to you, together with your hard work, make for a winning combination and explains why Croton-Harmon is such a special place.
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Who has had the biggest influence on your life and why?
My Dad. His love, support, and the way that he models how everyone should be treated – all of those things have shaped my life. He was also a wonderful educator, and I continue to see in him the kind of person that I always aspire to be.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
The diversity of the experiences that I have been fortunate to have thus far, and the number of tremendous people whom I’ve had the opportunity to interact and develop career-long connections with. The people – both the students and the colleagues – are what makes this work so special.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
There are two that come to mind – the first is having the honor of being part of the graduation ceremonies for the Classes of 2020 and 2021. Those students worked exceptionally hard, during some truly trying circumstances, and the chance to be a part of ensuring that they graduated is one that I will remember for a long time. And the second is having been appointed by the Croton-Harmon Board of Education – I am genuinely thrilled to be given the chance to provide leadership alongside such an amazing group of people here.
What is your favorite travel destination and why? Or, if you prefer, where would you like to travel and why?
I have loved the Maine coast for as long as I can remember. My favorite place in the world is Goose Rocks Beach, in Kennebunkport, Maine. That is what I call my “soul home.”
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Do you play an instrument? If so, which one?
I love music, and I played percussion while in elementary, middle and high school. More recently, I’ve taken some guitar lessons, but, based on my performance, I think I’ll be keeping my day job!
Do you have a pet?
I have a two-year old French Bulldog named Penelope, and at the end of a long day, having her welcome me with kisses when I come home is pretty great!
Do you have a favorite quote, be it a ‘life philosophy’ or maybe something more silly/basic from a TV show or movie?
My favorite quote inspires me as a person and as a leader. It is from Jim Valvano, a former national champion college basketball coach who tragically lost his life to cancer many years ago. During one of his final speeches, he said:
“There are three things we should all do every day. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”
I have this quote framed, and it will be on the wall of my office in CHUFSD in January.
If you are having a snack, do you go for sweet or salty? And what’s your absolute favorite?
Tough question! I have developed quite a “sweet tooth,” and it’s hard to beat a great cookies and cream shake!
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As we welcome Mr. Walker, we also pay tribute to
Dr. O’Connell for her service. Please look for an article dedicated to Dr. O’Connell in the upcoming issue of the Reflections newsletter, which is printed quarterly and sent to the entire community.
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Think. Create. Reflect. Respect.
Challenging all students
to be critical and creative thinkers. .
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CONNECT WITH CROTON-HARMON |
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