By MATT LINDSEY

PARISHVILLE – Parishville-Hopkinton Central Interim Superintendent Wayne Walbridge will soon pass the academic torch to Dr. William Collins, who will assume his superintendent duties next month.

The Parishville-Hopkinton Central School Board of Education named Dr. William Collins its new superintendent June 8.

Dr. Collins currently serves as the coordinator of Graduate Educational Leadership Programs at St. Lawrence University, a position he has held since 2013. He beat out fellow finalist Erin Woods, who serves as the Special Education School Improvement Specialist (SESIS) for the Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Center (RSE TASC).

“It’s been an outstanding experience,” Walbridge said, about his half a year in the district. Walbridge has served as interim superintendent since Feb. 13 when he replaced Darin P. Saiff, who took a position as assistant superintendent for instruction at BOCES.

Walbridge has been asked to stay on for a few days to assist with the transition for Dr. Collins into his new position.

“Parishville-Hopkinton Central is an outstanding district – our students do well academically and parents send students who are ready and eager to learn,” he said.

Walbridge said it has “been a pleasure” to work with BOE and school staff. “Our principals are excellent instructional leaders,” he added.

“I am appreciative to Mr. Saiff to laying the foundation for me to succeed,” Walbridge said.

Once he completes his superintendent duties, Walbridge said he plans to “go home and spend more time with my family…I have four local grandkids who miss me.”

Other than spending quality time with his family, Walbridge expects to remain active in the North Country community.

He will begin a five-year term on the Board of Education in the Malone school district, as well as serving on the recreation park committee in Malone and assist with community youth programs.