Thorp School District Superintendent Search Update
2026–27 School Year
The Thorp School Board has initiated the process of selecting the district’s next Superintendent, who will begin serving on July 1, 2027, following the departure of Superintendent Andrew Perkins at the conclusion of the 2026–27 school year.
To assist with this important work, the Board has partnered with Northwest Leadership Associates (NWLA), a respected educational leadership search firm with extensive experience conducting superintendent searches throughout Washington and the Northwest. NWLA will work closely with the Board, staff, families, and community members to help identify a highly qualified leader who can guide the district and continue to build upon its mission, vision, and strong traditions.
A Thoughtful and Inclusive Process
Because Superintendent Perkins will be leaving at the end of this school year, the Board made the strategic decision to begin the search process now rather than waiting until the spring. Starting early allows the district to conduct a thoughtful, comprehensive, and inclusive search while providing meaningful opportunities for staff, families, and community members to participate.
The goal is to develop a clear candidate profile that reflects the qualities, experience, leadership skills, and personal characteristics that our staff, families, students, and community believe are important in the district’s next Superintendent.
Experience has shown that beginning a superintendent search early in the school year can help attract a stronger and more diverse pool of candidates. It also provides the time necessary to carefully consider community and staff priorities as the Board develops the profile of the leader it is seeking.
How You Can Participate
Community and staff input will be an important part of developing the candidate profile. There will be several opportunities for stakeholders to participate throughout the process, including:
Community Survey: A community survey is now available through Tuesday, October 27, 2026. This will provide community members with an opportunity to share their perspectives on the strengths, challenges, opportunities, and future priorities of the Thorp School District. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/THORP26
Community Forum: At 5:00 pm on October 27, representatives from Northwest Leadership Associates will host a one-hour community forum in the library to listen to community members and gather input regarding the qualities and characteristics desired in the district’s next Superintendent.
Staff Input: District staff will have opportunities to provide input through a staff forum at 4:00 pm on October 27 and the survey.
Finalist Feedback: As the search progresses, finalists will have opportunities to engage with staff and community members. Feedback gathered during these activities will be shared with the Board and considered as part of the overall selection process.
The information gathered through the surveys, forums, and listening opportunities will be shared with the School Board and Northwest Leadership Associates. This input will help shape the candidate profile that will guide the recruitment, screening, and interview process.
What Happens Next?
Once the candidate profile has been developed, Northwest Leadership Associates will begin actively recruiting candidates from Washington and beyond. The application period will close on January 4, 2027.
Following the application deadline, Northwest Leadership Associates will work with the School Board to review and screen candidates based on the qualifications and characteristics identified through the community and staff input process. The Board anticipates moving into the interview and finalist stages in late January or early February, with the exact schedule to be determined as the search progresses.
As the process moves forward, additional opportunities will be provided for staff and community members to engage with finalists and provide feedback to the School Board.
July 1, 2027
New Superintendent begins service to the Thorp School District
Because the search is a dynamic process, the timeline may be adjusted as needed. The district will provide regular updates as important dates and next steps are finalized. Our goal is to provide stakeholders with timely and accurate information while allowing the Board the flexibility necessary to conduct a thorough and thoughtful search.
A Commitment to Transparency and Community Engagement
Selecting a Superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to a School Board. The Thorp School Board is committed to conducting this search in a manner that is thoughtful, transparent, inclusive, and focused on the long-term success of students and the entire school community.
Community and staff input will be an important part of the process, while the final responsibility for selecting the Superintendent rests with the School Board. The Board will carefully consider stakeholder feedback along with candidate qualifications, interviews, references, leadership experience, and the needs and priorities of the district.
Additional updates will be shared regularly throughout the search so that staff, families, and community members understand where the process stands and how they can participate.
We encourage everyone who cares about Thorp schools to take part in the upcoming survey and community forum. Your voice matters, and your perspective will help shape the leadership profile for the next chapter of the Thorp School District.
Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to our students, staff, and schools.