Release from Central Christian School
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Central Christian School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that John Walker, Ed.D., will join CCS as superintendent. Walker will commence his duties as superintendent effective June 1, 2021.
On behalf of the board, Chairman Mike Wyatt said the following: “We are so very blessed to announce that Dr. Walker will come on as superintendent, dedicating his gift of leadership, heart, talent, experience, influence, and energy to God’s mission at CCS. Dr. Walker has had strong connections to the school over the years, first as admissions director, teacher, and coach in 2015–2016. He later served on the CCS Board of Trustees through April 2021 where he has proven to be a key advisor on crucial issues that the school has and will continue to face. Walker will have a vested interest in the school for years to come as his four young children advance through the CCS pre-K program and the elementary school in the coming years. Dr. Walker joins school administration in the midst of much prayer by our board members (and many others) that CCS may continue in its tradition, while growing in excellence to fulfill its purpose. We believe a big part of this purpose is to educate the hearts and minds of our students by partnering with families, enrich the lives of our faculty and staff as stakeholders in fulfilling the mission, and further our reach in the local community that God has positioned us within. We believe that Dr. Walker will be instrumental in advancing this mission at CCS.”
“We are equally blessed that Mr. Roberto Ibarra will continue to lead, influence, and counsel our students at CCS as our secondary principal. Mr. Ibarra’s indispensable contribution to CCS since 2018 has enriched our school beyond measure. His willingness to step up to serve as superintendent with such calm and powerful leadership during these challenging times has been yet another reminder that God is abundantly faithful; indeed, it perfectly exhibits that He calls the right people in His perfect timing. Mr. Ibarra will bring to the CCS administration as a whole the added horsepower of his experience at the school. Mr. Ibarra and Dr. Walker have already been working together since Dr. Walker joined the board of trustees in 2019, and we look forward to seeing the fruit of their united efforts as we move into the next school year and beyond.”
As to the bright future of CCS, Dr. Walker commented, “Central Christian School is positioned well to thrive in the coming years. Mr. Ibarra has provided outstanding leadership over the last several years, and I am looking forward to working with Mr. Ibarra, the wonderful teachers, and staff, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders who care for Christian education. This is a crucial time in Christian education, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I sincerely look forward to partnering with the home, the local church, and our great school to train, equip, and admonish students to be lovers of God’s Word, to live a life worthy of His calling, and to prepare students to fulfill the Great Commission.”
Walker has wide-ranging experience in education management in the private sector, having served in both private K–12 and higher education. Walker most recently served as Chief Student Engagement Officer for Central Christian College of Kansas in McPherson where he supervised the office of student life, admissions, enrollment, and financial aid. Walker successfully defended his dissertation in February 2021 and recently graduated with a Doctor of Education from Missouri Baptist University. He holds a Master of Education degree from Regent University, a Bachelor of Science from Emmaus Bible College, and an Associate of Applied Science from Hutchinson Community College. Walker said he is most excited about the opportunity to work closely with the CCS Board of Trustees as they seek to partner with the local church, local families, and Christ as the Head of the church to pursue a path forward built on the three pillars of kingdom education: the home, the church, and the school.
“For over 70 years, CCS has kept Christ as the foundation of its curriculum, and I look forward to reinforcing our commitment to keeping Christ central for the next 70 years,” said Walker. Walker and his family are members of Grace Bible Church in Hutchinson.
Central Christian School is celebrating over 70 years as a Christ-centered, private pre-K through grade 12 school, located at 1910 East 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas.