Issaquah School District's Steve Rasmussen to Retire

Dr. Steve Rasmussen announced Wednesday that he will be retiring from the Issaquah School District at the end of the school year, capping 40 years in Washington state public education and 24 years as a superintendent. 

“I am proud of everything our students and staff have accomplished during my time here, and I know that the initiatives we have in place now will carry this district into the future with great success,” Rasmussen said.   “I am leaving the district with an outstanding cabinet and principal/administrative  team, an outstanding and effective teaching staff, sound academic plans for the future, and solid financial footings for the future having passed a four-year levy in 2010 and an eight-year bond issue in April 2012 to continue providing the best educational facilities and buildings on into the future.” 

In a note to families Thursday morning, Rasmussen wrote:

At last night’s board meeting, I announced my retirement from this district at the end of the school year. Now first and foremost, there’s plenty of good and hard work that I am going to see through until June 30, but I wanted the school board to have the time necessary to plan a thoughtful and seamless replacement process.  Without getting too far ahead of myself—there will be many chances for me to connect with you in the months ahead—I want to take this opportunity to say that I could not be prouder of a school community. In my 40 years of service in public education, I have never been in a district that cares more passionately for students and believes in the power of learning. Because of your support and partnership during my tenure here, our schools have not only achieved some of the highest test scores in the state and nation, they are places that nurture creativity, relationships, and fun.  As I look forward to next fall, I am excited for new personal adventures, and I am also excited to leave the Issaquah School District in a position where new leadership can build on a solid foundation of learning and commitment.

See you in our schools!
Dr. Steve Rasmussen

Since coming to Issaquah from the Franklin Pierce School District in 2007, Dr. Rasmussen and his administration have focused on achievement for students in the areas of academics, citizenship, technology, personal awareness and expression, and life management. 

Dr. Rasmussen’s work has been recognized at the state and national level.  From 2000-2001 he served as Washington Association of School Administrators State President.  The following year he was selected the 2002 Washington State Superintendent of the Year and went on to be one of four finalists for the national honor.  Dr. Rasmussen served on the Executive Council of the American Association of School Administrators from 2004-2008 (one of 14 Superintendents from across the USA), as National President of the Horace Mann League of the USA in 2009, and has served as Chairman of the Voluntary Employee Benefits Association (VEBA Trust) for the past eight years.  Dr. Rasmussen has indicated that although he is leaving the superintendency, he fully intends to remain an active advocate for public education.

“Dr. Rasmussen is leaving the legacy of a skilled and passionate teaching force, outstanding principal leadership at each building, and a strong administrative team,” said School Board President Brian Deagle. “Our students are in good hands.”

The school board will begin the process to replace Dr. Rasmussen in early 2013.

--Information from the Issaquah School District