MONTGOMERY: Russ Walsh leaving schools for ‘other things’

By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
   MONTGOMERY — After 14 years of service in the Montgomery School District, Russ Walsh, the director of human resources, is retiring to embark on new endeavors.
   With a total of 42 years of education experience, Mr. Walsh said it was just time go.
   ”I’ve had a good run here and I’ve enjoyed it very much,” he said. “But I decided I wanted to do other things with my life.”
   One of those things will be returning to his expertise in literacy. Mr. Walsh said he would be working at Rider University in the literacy department in addition to doing literacy consultations.
   Before Mr. Walsh became the director of human resources for the last four years, he was the director of language arts literacy in grade levels kindergarten through 12. It wasn’t until he was asked to take over human resources that put his passion for literacy on hold.
   ”The superintendent that preceded me encouraged him to take on human resources because he had so many deep relationships,” said Superintendent Earl Kim. “He strengthened it and restored the content of the staff.”
   But literacy isn’t Mr. Walsh’s only passion.
   He also plans on writing poetry and possibly books on educators and teaching. When asked his favorite poets he named two: Richard Wilbur and Michael Doty.
   He also plans on doing some traveling to Europe in a few years — with Italy first on the list.When looking back at his time in the Montgomery School District, Mr. Walsh said his favorite memories were working with the central office team and the teachers and seeing the children learn and grow.
   Mr. Walsh will be replaced by Dave Bollinger, the human resources director for the Council Rock School District in Bucks County, Pa., — who will also take over Mr. Walsh’s role as the anti-bullying coordinator.
   Mr. Walsh’s last day is Friday, but he won’t be too far away from the classrooms.
   ”I will be around a lot. I have a lot of longstanding friendships and will be back to visit — maybe read some poetry to the kids,” he said. “I write poetry for kids, so they would make a great test audience.”