NEVERSINK — Back in July, the Tri-Valley Central School District Board of Education confirmed Dr. Joseph Lloyd as the district’s new superintendent, effective August 24. Fresh off the start of his new position, Lloyd paid a visit to the Town of Neversink’s monthly Town Board meeting in October, formally introducing himself to the community while sharing his hopes for the district’s future and his earlier ties to the area.

The idea behind Lloyd’s visit came from an encouraging suggestion by his friend and the Town’s Highway Superintendent Preston Kelly. As he familiarizes himself with the area, Lloyd expressed his eagerness to learn more about the places his students call home and build strong relationships with the community.

“We just love seeing familiar faces at our school, and we certainly see ourselves as partners to the community of Grahamsville and the greater area,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd is no stranger to the school environment, having spent 24 years working in Rockland County as a middle school English teacher, assistant principal and principal. Most recently, he served for seven years as assistant superintendent for human resources at the South Orangetown Central School District.

Moving from one county to another is no small feat, but Lloyd and his family were already familiar with the area. According to Lloyd, they live in Goshen and have owned a small property in Cochecton Center for several years.

“We love it up here. It’s beautiful,” Lloyd said.

He also outlined his plans to connect further with staff and residents as he settles into his new position. Lloyd said he had already spoken with approximately 75 faculty and staff members, Board of Education members and community members through structured interviews as part of his transition.

When asked what he was most looking forward to about working with the Tri-Valley community, Lloyd explained that he had been searching for a small, close-knit community that supports its children.

“I think I hit the jackpot … in the Tri-Valley Central School District,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd also expressed enthusiasm for project-based learning, describing opportunities to connect students with their local communities through partnerships and real-world educational experiences.

“I think that the way the New York State Regents program is headed right now, I think it’s right for that kind of thinking where we bring our kids out to the local community and build partnerships with each other through real-world learning experiences,” Lloyd said.