WVUSD Hosts Welcome Reception for Superintendent Robert Taylor

Walnut Valley Unified School District held an official welcome reception for Superintendent Dr. Robert P. Taylor on January 15.

Staff members, administrators, District and local officials gathered at 3:30 p.m. in the District Education Center Board Room.

“We appreciate you taking time out of your day to share this opportunity to officially welcome our new superintendent – who’s not so new anymore!“ said Board President Cindy Ruiz. 

Dr. Taylor began as the new district chief on July 1, 2013 and was lauded as a successful leader and community partner.

The board voted to approve his contract in May, which included a base salary of $215,000, a $550 monthly expense stipend, and a $450 a month for a car allowance, according to the agreement.  Taylor, who previously was the deputy superintendent of educational services for the Corona-Norco Unified School District, took the helm after former Superintendent Dean Conklin retired.

“On behalf of the Board, we are very, very happy that we have Dr. Robert Taylor with us. It was a blessing to have him come to our District,” she added. 

Board Member Larry Redinger also praised Taylor.

“Bob, thank you for jumping right in and instantly taking a leadership role and doing those things we knew you could do,” Redinger said.

Walnut Valley is special because we’re always improving, looking for new ideas and benefitting from outstanding community involvement, Member Helen Hall said. 

“I think that’s why we are blessed to have a great superintendent here. Thank you and thank your wife for sharing you with us,” she said.

The district's newest board member also weighed in.

“I’m just very lucky that Dr. Taylor is with us and am looking forward to working with him,” said newly elected Member Tony Torng. 

Taylor said he has felt very welcomed in the district.

“It was definitely a family decision to pursue this opportunity. And we spent a lot of time visiting the community before we started here. And we just knew it was a great fit,” said Dr. Taylor with his wife Tamara at his side.

“It’s been great. You’ve been very welcoming and supportive. Walnut Valley is a wonderful place to be,” Taylor said.

“You’ve probably heard that I’m big on building relationships. It’s one of my three priority areas. Now I truly know, that the people, the school district, entire organization and community that we serve are outstanding people. I’m glad I had that goal because building relationships has been really easy with people like you,” he said.