The Tahoma School Board discussed in a public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 their processes for hiring a superintendent who will begin in summer 2024, as well as appointing a school board director to fill the Director Position 1 vacancy in October 2023. The board determined that it will not seek to appoint a board director to Position 3. This is because an appointment would likely occur less than one month prior to certification of the November general election results, at which time the Position 3 director-elect will fill the position for the new term.
Superintendent Search
The board determined in the Sept. 19 work study that they are interested in contracting with a consulting firm to lead a wide candidate search for a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Mike Hanson announced on Thursday, Sept. 7 that he will step away from his role in summer 2024.
At the direction of the Board, District staff will screen a list of firms and bring its findings to the school board in October. At that time, the board will determine which of those firms, if any, they will interview before selecting a company to support the search process.
If the board and District contracts with a consulting firm, that decision will be published along with the process for the remaining phases of the superintendent search.
School Board Director, Position 1 Appointment
The board determined in the Sept. 19 work study that they will move forward with a timeline that would result in an appointment to School Board Director, Position 1 in mid-October (dates subject to change). Per Tahoma School Board policy 1114 and RCW 28A.343.370, a director must be appointed to fill a vacancy within 90 days after the board accepts a director’s resignation.
The application for the position is open now until Friday, Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Applicants must reside within the Director Position 1 boundary as represented by the district boundaries. More information and the application can be found on this School Board Director Position 1 application.
School Board Director, Position 3 Decision
The board determined in the Sept. 19 work study that they will not seek to appoint a director to School Board Director, Position 3 at this time. They will instead wait until the certification of the November 2023 election to determine next steps.
CLICK HERE to view a video recording of the Tuesday, Sept. 19 work study. Superintendent Succession Planning and School Board Director Appointment items are discussed from 0:03:00-1:02:08.
If you have any questions about the processes outlined above or about Tahoma School District’s hiring practices, please email the District at [email protected] and we will connect you with the appropriate staff.
The Tahoma School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Title IX Officer
Acting Director of Human Resources
25720 Maple Valley Highway, Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
[email protected]
ADA Coordinator
Acting Director of Human Resources
25720 Maple Valley Highway, Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
[email protected]
Section 504 Coordinator
Director of Special Services
25720 Maple Valley Highway, Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-416-3400
[email protected]