HALLEY

NORTH KINGSTOWN — Embattled School Supt. James M. Halley said yesterday he will retire at the end of the next school year rather than seek an extension of his contract.

The announcement comes amid both praise and criticism for Halley’s 11-year stint as head of the nine-school district, considered one of the best in the state.

Halley — named Rhode Island School Superintendent of the Year last month — was praised by state educators as a visionary manager unafraid of political pressure. Among his admirers is Peter McWalters, the state commissioner of education.

At the same time, some parents and Operation Clean Government have accused Halley and other school officials of misspending funds. They want an audit of school expenditures.

Two newly elected School Committee members — April Brunelle and Larry Ceresi — have promised to remove Halley before 2008. They and new board members Douglas Roth and Kimberly Ann Page will be sworn in Dec. 4.

In an interview and news release yesterday, Halley said the recent election had no bearing on his decision to retire.

“Since the last extension of my contract a year and a half ago, I have felt that this would be my last contract as superintendent of schools,” said the 63-year-old Halley. “In June, 2008, I intend to retire … and move on to another phase of my life.”

Halley, who still has 19 months left under his contract, said the district’s students, parents, teachers and administrators have accomplished a great deal in the last 11 years, including the creation of a comprehensive curriculum and a “continuously improving” educational system.

“The parents and citizens of North Kingstown have a successful school system of which they can be proud,” Halley said. “Our students, teachers, administrators and programs have been recognized throughout the state, region and country. We have produced one of the top-performing school systems in the state at a cost to our citizens that is below the state average. In addition to our programs, our high school is the model by which others compare their own facilities.”

That doesn’t mean there isn’t more to be done, Halley said.

In the past, School Committee members and administrators have frequently clashed, leaving school business undone. Some members have walked out of meetings.

“We have a new School Committee. These seven individuals must learn to work together, to collaborate in further improving our school system and to advocate for our children if we are going to preserve our gains and move forward into the future,” Halley said.

“We need to move on from the distractions of the past and get to work so that we all can continue to look upon this district with pride. We have that chance now and I want to help get us there by providing clarity to the conversation.”

The district still faces many challenges, Halley added.

School officials must support a $27.5-million loan request to modernize the Wickford Middle and Davisville Elementary schools, he said.

“We must begin to negotiate a new contract with our teachers that is fair both to the teachers and the taxpayers. We must look at how our educational program addresses the increasing importance of China and Asia. Finally, we must plan for the transition of leadership of this district to a new superintendent who will be able to lead us into the future.”

Even in retirement, Halley expects to help.

“North Kingstown is my town,” he said. “I want nothing more than to continue the success of our schools. With the help and cooperation of the members of the new School Committee, the citizens of this town, the teachers and administrators of this school district and our parents and students, we can continue on our path to success. I look forward to the next nineteen months and thank everyone who has and will contribute to the success of our schools.”