Superintendent Search
After 21 years with the Issaquah School District, Superintendent Ron Thiele announced on Nov. 9, 2021 that he will retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year."It is with many mixed emotions that I am sharing the news that I will be retiring from my position as Superintendent of the Issaquah School District this coming summer. I have tremendous love and gratitude for the Issaquah School District community, the Issaquah School Board and our amazing ISD employees for the opportunities you have given me to lead," Thiele wrote to the community.
The School Board thanked Thiele for his service to Issaquah School District students, staff and community members. At their next board meeting, the directors began their search for the next superintendent of the Issaquah School District.
After a process of about four months, the School Board voted unanimously during their April 25 meeting to enter into contract negotiations with Heather Tow-Yick as the next superintendent of the Issaquah School District. Read more in the announcement article, or review the process below.
Contact
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Diane Ghanbari via email or call her at 425-837-7002.
Timeline
Nov. 9, 2021: Superintendent Ron Thiele announces retirement, effective the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
Nov. 23-Dec. 7, 2021: ThoughtExchange open.
Dec. 9, 2021: Board selects McPherson and Jacobson to help them conduct a national search.
January 2022: Position posted
February 2022: Stakeholder meetings and survey
March 2: Applications close
March 10: Presentation of responses gathered during stakeholder meetings; discussion of next steps
January-April: Develop interview schedules and interview questions
March 2-16: Candidate vetting
March 16: Presentation to the board in executive session; board selects finalists
March 21, 22, 23: Board interviews finalists in executive session; candidates tour district and meet district personnel. Video interview with each candidate shared publicly; survey open for feedback on three candidates.
March 23: Board discusses qualifications in executive session
March 24: In public session, board selects new superintendent pending contract negotiations
May 26: In public session, board approves contract with next superintendent
July 1, 2022: New superintendent's first day
Search Process Updates
Nov. 15, 2021: School Board Meeting Updates: November 15, 2021
Dec. 9, 2021: School Board Meeting Updates: Dec. 9, 2021
Jan. 3, 2022: Board Discusses Potential Timeline for Superintendent Search
Jan. 13, 2022: School Board Meeting Updates: Jan. 13, 2022
Jan. 27, 2022: School Board Meeting Recap: Jan. 27, 2022
Feb. 7, 2022: Superintendent Search: The School Board Would Like to Hear From Parents, Guardians
Feb. 10, 2022: School Board Meeting Recap: Feb. 10, 2022
March 10, 2022: School Board Meeting Recap: March 10, 2022
March 18, 2022: Superintendent Finalists Announced
March 24, 2022: School Board Meeting Recap: March 24, 2022
March 25, 2022: Board Selects New Superintendent in 5-0 Vote
May 31, 2022: School Board Meeting Recap: May 26, 2022