The principals of Issaquah Valley and Maple Hills elementary schools will be leaving their positions at the end of the school year, according to letters sent to students’ families Thursday morning.

Principal Denise Waters let families know one day earlier, on Wednesday, that she will be leaving Issaquah Valley Elementary School in Issaquah. She wrote in a letter to parents that she was leaving to “continue to grow in [her] career.”

“I have so many wonderful memories and there are so many things I love about our school,” Waters wrote. “… I love the love of learning and it is with that in mind that it is time for me to step aside and let another principal come in to help Issaquah Valley reach even greater heights through growth in academics and helping students become respectful and responsible citizens.”

Principal Sondra Maier will be leaving Maple Hills Elementary in the East Renton Highlands.

The Issaquah School District will embark on the hiring process later this month after taking input from parents.

“As we move forward with the selection process of a new principal at Maple Hills, it is very important that [we] hear from [parents and guardians] about what you value and the qualities you would like to see in your next principal,” district Superintendent Ron Thiele wrote in the letters.

The district is conducting surveys to determine what qualities families want in the administrators of their children’s schools. Responses are due by 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

The Issaquah Valley Elementary School survey can be found here.

The Maple Hills Elementary School survey can be found here.