BETHEL PARK, PA — A Pittsburgh-area school superintendent is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
Bethel Park School District superintendent James Walsh, who has led the district since March 2021, announced his plans in a release issued Tuesday. He said that by revealing his intentions now, he hopes to give school directors ample time to identify his successor.
“It has truly been the honor of my lifetime to serve as superintendent of the Bethel Park School District,” Walsh said.
“We have worked tirelessly to ensure our students have every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a constantly changing world. I am grateful to the board of school directors, our amazing staff, families, and most of all, our students for their trust in me.”
(Credit: Bethel Park School District)
School board president James Modrak praised Walsh’s leadership.
“Dr. Walsh joined us during a time of tremendous transition, amid a global pandemic that challenged public education everywhere,” Modrak said.
“What he has built — culturally and structurally — cannot be overstated. He has left an indelible mark on the Bethel Park School District. His vision, leadership, and student-first philosophy have strengthened our schools and community. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him the best in retirement.”
While no formal details are ready to be shared, the board will meet in the coming days to begin
developing a succession plan and will announce the district’s next steps in the near future.
The district in the South Hills has about 4,000 students and eight schools.