PVPUSD Superintendent to Retire in 2 Years

Walker Williams, the superintendent of schools for Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, will step down from his position in June 2015, the school district announced Monday in a news release.

"My goal over the next two years is to leave PVPUSD on firm ground," Williams said in a statement. "When the new leadership team is appointed, I will make sure that the systems and practices are in place to continue building upon the District’s long tradition of high student achievement."

The PVPUSD Board of Education voted last Thursday to extend Williams' contract through June 30, 2015. 

"We are extremely grateful for Walker’s years of service and his commitment to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District," said Anthony Collatos, president of the school board. "Under his leadership, we have witnessed unprecedented academic achievement and fostered a generation of amazing students."

During his tenure as superintendent, the district weathered deep cuts to state education funding and is now instituting the new Common Core State Standards.

A 30-year veteran of the education industry, Williams began working for PVPUSD in 2001 and was appointed superintendent in 2006.

Upon his retirement in two years, Williams plans to spend more time with his family, though he hasn't ruled out pursuing part-time careers.