After nearly 31 years in education, including 25 with the Walton Central School District, Dr. Michael MacDonald has reached the goal line.
Currently serving as superintendent at Walton, MacDonald informed the Board of Education that the 2024-25 school year would be his last as he plans to retire June 30, 2025. 
“The community and school of Walton have always been home,” said MacDonald, who has two daughters who graduated from Walton. “The people of this community and school have had a large impact on my life, professionally and personally. To have started my career as a student teacher in Walton, and end it as the Superintendent is certainly rewarding.”
MacDonald, 54, began his educational journey in September 1994 as a special education teacher at Walton. After a year, he ventured to Alaska for a few months to teach math, before returning to Walton in October 1995 as a substitute teacher. That started a nearly 18-year stretch at Walton where he served in numerous roles.
During that time, MacDonald served as a special education teacher, dean of students, network administrator, vice principal, middle school principal, high school principal, and a dual role of middle and high school principal.
During his initial tenure with the district, MacDonald also coached. He was a member of the football coaching staff for nearly two decades, serving under longtime coach Jim Hoover and was part of the staffs of both of Walton’s state championships in 1994 and 2007. He also led the volleyball team to multiple league championships.
In 2013, he returned to his alma mater – Hancock Central School – to serve as director of pupil personnel. He moved on to DCMO BOCES in January 2016 as the assistant superintendent of instructional services, before becoming Walton’s superintendent in July 2020, in the middle of COVID-19.
“On behalf of the Walton Central School District Board of Education, I would like to thank Dr. MacDonald for his long-time dedication to Walton CSD,” Walton CSD Board of Education President Graydon Dutcher said. “Dr. MacDonald’s calm nature has made him one of the most approachable leaders our district has had.
“His leadership style has led to the creation of many foundational procedures that will benefit the district for years to come.” he continued. “As we begin the search process for our next superintendent, we look forward to working with Dr. MacDonald during the 2024-25 school year to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Together, we will continue to uphold and advance the mission and vision of our district.”
In retirement, MacDonald said he looks forward to spending more time with family, as well as working on personal projects.
“My professional path and personal growth has been blessed to have had the good fortune to come to a district as a young college student and find relationships and mentors such as Dr. George Mack and Jim Hoover, and many, many more people,” MacDonald said. “I’m blessed and forever grateful for my time in Walton, both as a member of the school, and the community as a resident.”
The school district will undergo a search process for the next superintendent beginning this fall.