Walther takes on new job at Avella
The last two years have been a whirlwind for Cyril Walther, Avella Area School District’s acting superintendent.
In that short amount of time, Walther has jumped from one post to another in the district. But things are expected to settle down July 1, when Walther becomes the district’s new superintendent. He was hired at the March 18 school board meeting.
Walther was hired in 2013 from Washington School District to be Avella’s elementary school principal. Halfway through the school year, Walther added principal of the junior-senior high school to his repertoire when Tom Graham left the district.
He managed to successfully balance the roles of elementary and junior-senior high principal, which prepared him for this year as he balanced the roles of principal and acting superintendent.
Walther took over as superintendent after Janell Logue-Belden left for the top job in Deer Lakes School District in January.
Although things have been hectic, Walther said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I had planned to do my whole career at Washington but was presented with the opportunity to spend more time with family. It’s been a great experience.”
Walther is an Avella resident with three children in the district. He worked at Washington for 18 years as a teacher, principal, coach and assistant to the superintendent.
Walther said he’s still in the process of identifying goals for the district but plans to “nail down the curriculum in alliance with core standards and increase the rigor of classes at the high school level.”
“We want to grow our students’ depth of knowledge in various areas,” he said.
The district also will continue to develop its focus on increasing and using technology.
Walther was hired for five years at an annual salary of $105,000. He is eligible to receive raises based on student achievement, his performance and goals he sets with the school board. Corey McConn, a member of the board, said it was a unanimous decision to hire Walther.
“He’s a great fit for the district,” he said. “The board is very happy to have him.”
Regardless of his goals, Walther said he wants to see “all children succeed.”
“An education gives you the skills and provides opportunities for you later in life.”
Walther said the district is considering candidates to fill the junior-senior high school principal position.