White River School District Superintendent Tom Lockyer announced his retirement Monday afternoon during the State of the District address at White River High School.

Lockyer plans to close out his seventh year July 1 and turn over the reins of the district to current Deputy Superintendent Janel Keating.

“The timing is right,” Lockyer told the crowd gathered to celebrate the district’s success.

Lockyer has spent more than 40 years in education, the past six and a half as White River’s leader.

White River School Board President Denise Vogel thanked Lockyer for his leadership and the smooth transition she anticipates as Keating takes over.

“We knew Mr. Lockyer would want to retire,” said Vogel, who joined the board at the same time Lockyer arrived at the district. “To us it’s always about the kids and what’s best for them. We’re excited the leadership will continue under Mrs. Keating.”

District leadership and the board will spend the next months looking at how to best fill Keating’s position as it makes the transition and works through continued budget reductions from the state.

Keating, nationally known for her work Professional Learning Communities, began her career with the White River School District as principal at Mountain Meadow Elementary School, where she spent eight years before being tapped for the Deputy Superintendent position six years ago.