Skip To Main Content

Search Panel

Schools Menu

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.

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