Snoqualmie Valley Schools Superintendent Joel Aune will leave the district June 30, to assume the role of executive director of the Washington Association of School Administrators.

The district’s top administrator for the past 13 years, Aune informed school board members of his decision to accept the association offer over the weekend, and informed school staff of the transition Tuesday, March 6.The association also announced on March 6 that Aune had been chosen its next executive director.

Aune will begin his new role July 1.

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.”

Aune went on to say, “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.”

School Board President Carolyn Simpson said “Superintendent Aune’s accomplishments over the years have earned him strong support from the school board… 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.”

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.

Aune has twice received 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. Learn more about the Snoqualmie Valley School District at www.svsd410.org.