Tyler Walker from Higbee schools is next Hallsville School District superintendent
The Hallsville Board of Education has hired Tyler Walker, from the Higbee School District, as its first new superintendent in seven years, following the retirement announcement of John Downs.
Walker starts July 1.
Downs is retiring at the end of the school year. He was hired as superintendent in 2016. He has worked in the school district since 1997, when he started as a music teacher.
Downs in 2017 oversaw the passage of the district's first operating levy increase in 30 years.
Walker has been superintendent in Higbee for the past three school years, where he has overseen an increase in student academic achievement and completion of a $1.4 million building project.
He previously served as a K-12 at-risk coordinator and social studies teacher and a K-12 principal.
He's pursuing his doctorate in education from William Woods University, where he already holds an education leadership specialist and master's degree. His bachelor's degree is from Missouri State University.
The school board used a superintendent search firm to identify Walker, said Hallsville Board of Education President Bryan Wildenhain in a news release.
"With his superintendent's background and skill set, we are confident he is the right person to lead our district and build upon the strong foundation that has been laid in Hallsville," Wildenhain said.
Higbee is a much smaller school district than Hallsville, with an enrollment of 250 compared with Hallsville's 1,500-plus students, but Walker said that shouldn't matter.
"At the end of the day, my job is to be a leader in education," Walker said in a Wednesday phone interview. "You want success for your kids no matter the size of the school."
Hallsville is a good school district, he said. Another benefit is his wife is from Ashland.
"I think the district is growing," Walker said. "It's in good shape."
Downs has been very supportive in making the transition, he said.
"Mr. Downs has done a great job there and held a variety of positions," Walker said. "He has reached out to me and been supportive of me to make the transition as easy as possible."
Walker is a member of the Missouri Association of School Administrators and is the president of the Central Missouri Association president this school year.
Hallsville, Harrisburg and Sturgeon school districts have four-day school weeks.
Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on X at @rmckinney9.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Hallsville school board names Tyler Walker next superintendent
