Stonington -- The Board of Education has praised Superintendent of Schools Van Riley’s performance in his annual performance review and given him a 2.5 percent raise and a one-year contract extension.

The extension means Riley continues to have a three-year contract.

According to the school board’s review, Riley “continued to demonstrate strong management skills.''

“He has been very involved in the process to build two new elementary schools. Dr. Riley has worked tirelessly to ensure that the buildings will meet the educational needs of the town today and into the future. He has acted as the liaison between the district and the various parties involved in the process. In addition, Dr. Riley continues to demonstrate his ability to deal with challenging personnel matters in a professional and competent manner. Dr. Riley was also able to formulate a budget that reflects the needs of the district while being sensitive to financial climate in the town of Stonington and the state of Connecticut. The Board of Education would like to also acknowledge his continued commitment to being visible at school and community events.”

During the 2016-17 school year, the board recommended that Riley “continue fine-tuning the communication protocols within the district.”

Overall, the board said it is pleased with Riley’s performance.

Riley, who has received similar reviews in past years, began work here in 2012, after spending most of his career in California where he last served as superintendent of schools of the Huntington Beach, Calif., Union High School District, from 2003-11. There, he oversaw a school district of 16,000 students in 10 schools, grades 9-12.

Before that, he worked as a K-12 superintendent in Ojai and Carpinteria, Calif. He also has worked as an assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal and teacher, as well as a lecturer at University of California campuses in Santa Barbara and Irvine.

j.wojtas@theday.com