Croton-Harmon Selects New Superintendent

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — The Croton-Harmon Union Free School District selected a new superintendent.

The Board of Education unanimously approved a contract for Stephen Walker at its meeting Thursday.

He will assume the role Jan. 4, taking the place of Dr. Deborah O’Connell, who has served as superintendent for four years and will be officially retiring Jan. 3.

Walker joins the Croton-Harmon schools from Sullivan West Central School District in Sullivan County, a district of about 1,100 students, where he has served as superintendent since August 2018.

In his previous job, Walker conceptualized and oversaw advancements in technology and social emotional learning, including the creation of an instructional technology facilitator position in each school and the incorporation of a specialized middle school program within the district’s secondary school.

He led the implementation of the RULER social/emotional learning approach throughout the district and also introduced the Foreign Language in Elementary School (FLES) program. He additionally helped develop several innovative high school classes, including cybersecurity, drone production, social justice and the Advanced Placement seminar.

“Throughout his career, Mr. Walker has championed a student-centered approach, ensuring equity in education for all learners and essential professional development for faculty and staff,” said CHUFSD Board of Education president Sarah Carrier. “Throughout the interview process, board members were continually impressed by his experience, measurable successes, and positive energy.”

Prior to his position at Sullivan West Central School District, Walker served as deputy superintendent and assistant superintendent for human resources at the Suffern Central School District. He has also held the position of director of pupil personnel services in Suffern as well as the Marlboro Central School District, where he began his career as a special education teacher and then principal.

Walker is an executive board member of the Mid-Hudson Catskills Council of School Superintendents and holds a certificate of advanced study in educational administration from SUNY New Paltz, and he is currently pursuing his doctorate in teaching, learning and educational leadership.

Walker said he was honored to have been selected as the next superintendent for the Croton-Harmon district.

“The district is renowned for its high achievement, forward-thinking culture and focus on educating the whole child," he said, "and I am excited to get to know and work with the faculty and staff, students and the broader community.”