MONROE — The Monroe Public Schools superintendent is retiring at the end of the school year. But before he goes, voters will be asked to approve a $110.9 million bond to pay for improved educational spaces.
Ken Hoover is leaving his $211,692-a-year position June 30. He has served as Monroe’s superintendent since 2006.
“When I think about the district, I’m very pleased about its current position,” said Hoover, a 27-year veteran educator. “I’m very excited about where we’re at and where we’re poised to be.”
The School Board expects to hire a new superintendent by early spring.
District spokeswoman Rosemary O’Neil said Hoover’s successor will face challenges, such as implementing Common Core standards and addressing aging school buildings.
The School Board decided last week to put a $110.9 million bond measure before voters in April. If approved, the district would levy property taxes to pay off the bonds, which would mature within 20 years.
The bonds would provide money for improvements to school buildings, ball fields, technology, safety measures and other projects. If passed, O’Neil said, the tax rate is expected remain the same because existing district bonds will be paid off in 2016.
The district has five elementary schools, two middle schools, a high school and five alternative schools. There are about 7,155 students districtwide, with about 27 percent on free or reduced-price meals.
During his time in Monroe, Hoover said, he is proud that student achievement has grown and many graduates are earning scholarships to attend respected universities.
Monroe’s four-year graduation rate in 2013 was 80.4 percent.
Hoover also led the district in implementing a variety of new programs. Frank Wagner Elementary School now boasts some classes that are taught in both Spanish and English. Maltby Elementary has a Montessori program.
Under Hoover’s leadership, the Sky Valley Education Center was moved to the Short Columbia Street campus. O’Neil said the new location allows for more student opportunities, such as a program that focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for grades six through nine.
Hoover also invited the community to participate in planning the district budget.
O’Neil said the School Board plans to continue public involvement in finding Hoover’s replacement. A meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday to select a consultant to search for a new superintendent. It will take place at the district office, 200 East Fremont St.
“It’s an excellent school district for anyone looking to be a superintendent,” Hoover said. “I think we’ll have a lot of excellent candidates.”
Once he retires, Hoover plans to travel to Alaska, take on woodworking projects and ski more often. He’s also working on a book with another former superintendent, Brian Benzel. Benzel worked in several school districts across the state, including in Edmonds and Spokane. Their book is aimed at helping superintendents and financial officers work together. Rowman &Littlefield, an educational publishing company, recently picked up the project.
“We envision both superintendents and CFOs will get something out of it,” Hoover said.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
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