Search on for new super
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By Cristina Kumka Staff Writer - Published: September 17, 2009
The longtime leader of Wallingford Elementary School turned Rutland South Supervisory Union Superintendent Walter Goetz will lead the four-school district for the last time this year and school leaders are seeking a new district leader to begin in 2010.
On Wednesday, Goetz said he was retiring from 40 years in education effective June 30, 2010, to "try his hand" at something else and spend more quality time with his wife, who also recently retired.
Goetz, the district's top administrator for the last seven years with an annual salary of $114,000, said he'll be staying in Vermont and will be an active member of a search committee seeking a new superintendent, charged with meeting the academic needs of approximately 1,125 students in the face of financial challenges.
Mill River Union Middle/High School remains on the state's list of schools in need of improvement and curriculum changes are under way, Goetz said.
District leaders will begin reviewing applications in early October and have received at least 15 applications, Goetz said.
The former 15-year Wallingford Elementary principal, longtime special educator and elementary teacher said he would prefer to see more applications flood his office from Vermonters — those who know the state's educational system to make the transition into the position easier.
The ideal candidate will have expertise in state standards and grade expectations and extensive knowledge of all aspects of operational leadership and school law, according to an advertisement posted on various education job listing Web sites and in area newspapers.
The ad also called for applicants to have a "high degree of integrity, honesty, respect and trustworthiness."
Goetz exemplified nothing less, according to Mill River Union High School Board Chairman Brownson Spencer.
"He is one more person that we have to replace and it will be very hard to replace Walter," Spencer said.
"He is extremely knowledgeable and has a handle on just about everything," he said. "He is very willing to put himself out there to make sure the various boards and the faculty and the administration get things right."
The district is also seeking a full-time high school principal, following the resignation of Cynthia Hinrichsen.
Goetz said he wanted a new "forward-thinking" superintendent to move the district along and face challenges that lie ahead.
"We don't know what the economy is going to do, we don't know what the state Legislature is going to do … and how you use limited resources to get things accomplished."
For more information or to apply, go to www.schoolspring.com.
cristina.kumka@rutlandherald.com
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