Edmonds School District Superintendent Wayne Robertson will retire at the end of the school year, and a search for his replacement will begin immediately.
Robertson, who also worked for the Lakewood and Lake Stevens school districts in the past 28 years, announced his retirement plans Tuesday.
"I have had a great run, and I think it’s time to look at other service opportunities," he said.
Robertson, 57, joined the Edmonds district six years ago as an assistant superintendent. He was named superintendent a year later.
Even though he is retiring from Edmonds, Robertson said he could return to the education field, perhaps in higher education or working for a private, nonprofit group or even another district.
The Edmonds district — the state’s 10th largest with more than 20,000 students — will begin a national search immediately.
First up will be community forums 7-9 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 to get feedback on the qualities and skills residents want in a new superintendent. The forums will be at district headquarters, 20420 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood. Similar forums are set for teachers and other district employees.
The district will open the application process in mid-January and hopes to make its choice in early April.
"The board is gearing up for an aggressive national search for a successor," said Mimi Terwilliger, president of the Edmonds School Board.
Over the years, Robertson has been a special education teacher, a director of special education and other instructional programs and a superintendent. Robertson was superintendent of the Lakewood School District for 13 years before moving to Edmonds. His wife, Betty, is an assistant superintendent for the Snohomish School District.
Robertson said he is leaving the district at a good time.
"Financially, we are very healthy," he said. "Our labor relations are strong. Our student achievement has been steady, and we have completed five construction projects."
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or stevick@heraldnet.com.
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