BERNE — After years of work at Berne-Knox-Westerlo, Interim Superintendent Kim LaBelle will be leaving the district to become superintendent of Galway Central Schools.

“That’s a decision that Kim made, and we’re very happy for her,” BKW School Board President Maureen Sikule told The Enterprise Wednesday night. “I’m sure it was a difficult decision for her.”

Upon clicking a link below a picture of LaBelle’s smiling face on the Galway Central website, a release from the district tells that she will be appointed on May 18. LaBelle could not be reached for comment, but Sikule said that a new superintendent should be in place by July 1.

“I believe Kim’s appointment [in Galway] starts on July 1,” Sikule said.

LaBelle has served as interim superintendent since Steven Schrade, BKW’s long-time superintendent, retired in August 2009. She had worked previously as assistant superintendent with Schrade and as curriculum director.

LaBelle was originally a candidate in BKW’s superintendent search, though the district has not commented recently on whether or not LaBelle was still in the running, as the candidate-interview process is confidential.

Sikule added Wednesday that BKW’s superintendent search is nearing its end.

“We will be moving forward with our remaining pool of candidates,” said Sikule. “We’ve conducted our final interviews, and we’re going to wrap up our search within the next month.”