Snoqualmie Valley Schools Superintendent leaving to serve new role in Olympia

Tuesday afternoon, March 6, 2018, the Snoqualmie Valley School District announced longtime Superintendent Joel Aune will be leaving the district to take on a new job serving as Executive Director of the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA).

The district said Aune will continue in his role as SVSD superintendent through June 30th, before assuming WASA’s top leadership position on July 1, 2018.

Per the district announcement, Aune, who interviewed along with two other finalists for the position last Friday, informed the school board of his decision on Saturday.

In his message to staff, Aune said:

“The decision to pursue this leadership opportunity was a difficult one.  The Snoqualmie Valley School District is a very special place, and it has been an honor to serve as superintendent here for the past 13 years. Together we have worked to make this district one of the finest in the State of Washington.  You know that I am extremely proud of this district, and all that has been accomplished to make our schools truly exceptional.  It was, and will continue to be, your pursuit of excellence and ongoing commitment to finding better ways to teach, care for, and educate children that makes this district what it is today.”

He added, “The executive director of WASA is a one-of-a-kind leadership position. The opportunity to advocate for the 1.1 million students in our state, influence educational policy, and provide support to the 1,600 superintendents and central office administrators who are leading school districts, is one that I could not let pass.”

“Superintendent Aune’s accomplishments over the years have earned him strong support from the school board.  The board was dedicated to continue with Superintendent Aune at the helm. We wish him the absolute best in this esteemed state level position. Looking forward, the board will be thoughtful and diligent in selecting the next superintendent to continue to respond to the high expectations of the students, staff, and the entire Snoqualmie Valley School District community,” said School Board President Carolyn Simpson.

Aune was named superintendent of the Snoqualmie Valley School District on March 3, 2005. He began his career in 1983 as a teacher and coach in the Cashmere School District. Subsequently, he served as a principal in the Walla Walla School District for eight years, and then as superintendent of the Colfax Schools from 1998-2005.

He has twice been recognized for his exemplary leadership as a recipient of the Award of Merit from the Washington Association of School Administrators. A long-time member of the WASA Board, he served as president of WASA in 2011.

The Snoqualmie Valley Board of Directors will immediately initiate steps and processes to secure Aune’s replacement.  More information will be forthcoming in the weeks to come.