BOTHELL — The Northshore School Board unanimously moved Friday to hire a search firm for a new superintendent to replace Michael Tolley, who announced his retirement Wednesday.
Tolley started as assistant superintendent in 2019 then began as interim superintendent in October 2022. The district named him permanent superintendent in March 2023. His last day will be June 30.
The district’s announcement praised Tolley. As of Monday afternoon, he has not made his own public statement.
“In the seven years he has served Northshore students, he has been on the vanguard of improving programs and building a culture of belonging for each and every student,” the district’s announcement read. “A true servant leader, Superintendent Tolley exemplifies what it looks like to put the mission of Northshore – to strengthen the community through excellence in education – into action.”
Tolley’s announcement kicks off the district’s third superintendent search since 2016. On Friday, the school board discussed its options.
First, the board decided to conduct a search for a candidate rather than appoint someone. Appointing a new person for the job would save time and money, but the board agreed a search would provide a better opportunity for community engagement.
“It sets the superintendent up for success if they’ve had to earn the role instead of just receiving it, and you get buy-in from the community,” board member Sandy Hayes said.
Much like its last search, the board plans to use online surveys and in-person forums to gather community input.
The board also opted to hire a search firm, as it did for the last two searches. Search firms have national knowledge and contacts, board members said, and it would ease the burden on district staff members. A search firm could cost between $30,000 to $50,000.
“The alternative would be having our staff here do that work, which I think would be a huge burden on them and take away from what they’re doing here,” board member Jacqueline McGourty said.
The district has enough time to conduct a permanent search for a replacement without having to name an interim, the board decided. The board hopes to fill the position by early June.
Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.
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