The Issaquah School Board unanimously voted at its Feb. 13 meeting to hire associate superintendent Ron Thiele to succeed outgoing superintendent Steve Rasmussen when he retires from the district on June 30.

“Ron has the proven track record and positive relationships to seamlessly continue the major initiatives that we have in place,” said board president Brian Deagle. “At the same time, he cares deeply about this district, and he wants to pursue ideas and partnerships that continue to challenge us to impart to our students the education, skills, and experience that will set them up for success throughout their lives.”

The action authorized the school board to begin contract negotiations with Thiele, who will officially be hired once the board approves the contract at an upcoming business meeting.

Last month, Thiele informed the board of his intention to apply, and the board reviewed in executive sessions both his performance as a public employee and his qualifications as an applicant for the position of superintendent.

Board members discussed their range of succession options, including hiring a national search firm. They ultimately decided that the best candidate was right in their own administration.

“It takes time for a person to get to know the district, to develop relationships, to get to know the ins and outs of how things work,” said board member Suzanne Weaver. “And I don’t know if we can afford that right now when we need to sustain momentum in our initiatives.”

Thiele has almost 25 years of educator experience, eight of which were as a classroom teacher before becoming an administrative leader. He came to the Issaquah School District in 2001 as principal of Issaquah Middle School. He became executive director of elementary and middle school education in 2004 and transitioned to associate superintendent in 2008. He received a bachelor’s in International Studies from the University of Washington and his teaching and principal certification and master’s in school administration from Seattle Pacific University. In 2008, he earned his Washington State Superintendent Certificate.

“I am humbled, and I want to thank the board for this opportunity, as well as the entire Issaquah education community for its support over the past twelve years,” Thiele said. “I am excited to work together to create and implement a vision that builds on our outstanding record of achievement while continuing to pursue smart innovation.”

Thiele said he will set spring meeting dates at schools so that he can have conversations with students, staff, parents, and community members in his new capacity.